Chapter 36 Geriatric Emergencies

Vocabulary flashcards from Chapter 36 on Geriatric Emergencies, focusing on essential terms and definitions relevant to the care of older patients.

Geriatrics

The assessment and treatment of disease in someone who is age 65 years or older.

Polypharmacy

The use of multiple medications on a regular basis, often leading to risks of adverse effects and drug interactions.

Alzheimer disease

A chronic and progressive neurological disorder characterized by memory loss, disorientation, and cognitive decline.

Dementia

The gradual onset of progressive disorientation and loss of cognitive function, which is generally chronic and irreversible.

Delirium

A temporary change in mental status characterized by disorganized thoughts, inattention, and inability to maintain focus.

Pneumonia

An infectious disease of the lung that damages lung tissue and may be life-threatening, especially in older patients.

Advance Directive

Legal documents that specify medical treatment preferences for a patient who is unable to communicate their wishes.

Alzheimer disease

The most common cause of dementia, it results in brain tissue loss and symptoms such as memory loss and disorientation.

Elder Abuse

Any action by a caregiver that takes advantage of an elderly person's vulnerability, resulting in harm or loss.

Airway Obstruction

Any condition that prevents air from flowing in and out of the lungs, potentially caused by anatomical changes in aging.

Subdural Hematoma

A collection of blood outside of a blood vessel, often due to head trauma, particularly common in older adults.

Atherosclerosis

A disease characterized by the buildup of cholesterol and other substances in the arterial walls, leading to reduced blood flow.