NCM 114 - Care of Older Adults: Prelim Topics Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering sensory perception disturbances, chronic confusion, impaired verbal communication, gerontological nursing principles, ethico-legal considerations, Philippine senior citizen laws, and common medications in polypharmacy.

Visual Acuity

The ability to see clearly, which is an essential requirement for performing activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, grooming, reading, and driving.

Arcus Senilis

A noticeable ring surrounding the cornea composed of fat deposits, occurring as an age-related structural change in the eye.

Floaters

Visual manifestations that appear as dots, wiggly lines, or clouds moving across a person's field of vision.

Flashers

Illusions of flashing lights or lightning streaks occurring when the vitreous fluid inside the eye rubs or pulls on the retina.

Dry Eyes

An ocular condition resulting from diminished tear quantity and quality with age, leading to symptoms like stinging, burning, scratchiness, or reflex tearing.

Presbyopia

An age-related refractive error that impairs the ability of middle-aged and older adults to focus on near objects.

Ectropion

An external eyelid disorder characterized by the outward turning of the lower eyelid margin, disrupting normal closure and tear drainage.

Entropion

An external eyelid disorder where the lower lid turns inward, causing eyelashes to rub against the eyeball and resulting in corneal abrasions.

Blepharitis

Chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins commonly caused by seborrheic dermatitis or bacterial infection, resulting in red, swollen lids and crusting.

Glaucoma

An eye disease resulting from obstructed drainage of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, causing increased pressure, dull eye pain, headaches, halos around lights, and visual loss.

Cataracts

Clouding of the normally transparent lens of the eye caused by chemical composition changes from aging, injury, or disease; corrected through surgery.

Retinal Disorders

Eye diseases that blur central vision due to age-related damage to the macula.

Diabetic Retinopathy

A microvascular complication of diabetes affecting retinal capillaries, leading to vessel ballooning, hemorrhaging, scarring, and blindness.

Retinal Detachment

A condition in which the sensory layer of the retina separates from the pigmented layer due to retinal tears or holes.

Vestibular System

Inner ear structures (including the utricle and saccule) that detect linear acceleration, gravity, and head movements to send balance signals to the brain.

Tinnitus

The auditory perception of ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whistling sounds without an external noise source.

Presbycusis

Bilateral, age-related sensorineural hearing loss that primarily impairs the ability to hear high-pitched tones and conversational speech.

Disequilibrium

A sense of unsteadiness, imbalance, or loss of equilibrium frequently accompanied by spatial disorientation.

Meniere Disease

An inner ear condition caused by excessive endolymphatic fluid pressure within the labyrinth, causing vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and nausea.

Xerostomia

The medical term for dry mouth, resulting from reduced salivary flow secondary to diseases, radiation therapy, or medications.

Delirium

An acute state of confusion characterized by a sudden onset over hours or days, usually tied to a specific underlying medical cause or risk factor.

Dementia

A chronic, progressive, and degenerative cognitive decline occurring over months or years, caused by damage to brain nerve cells.

Dysarthria

Difficulty in forming words clearly due to motor speech impairment.

Aphasia

An impairment in language comprehension or expression resulting from brain damage or dysfunction.

Polypharmacy

The administration of multiple medications to an individual patient, which increases risks for drug interactions, adverse side effects, and non-adherence.

RA 7432

The Senior Citizens Act enacted in $1992$ that grants basic benefits to Filipino senior citizens, including a $20\%$ discount on essential goods and services.

RA 9257

The Expanded Senior Citizens Act of $2003$, expanding benefits under RA 7432 to include income tax exemptions for low-income seniors and free medical/dental services in government facilities.

RA 9994

The Expanded Senior Citizens Act of $2010$, providing a $20\%$ discount plus $12\%$ VAT exemption, automatic PhilHealth coverage, free vaccines, and a monthly social pension of $500$ for indigent seniors.

Autonomy

An ethical principle respecting an individual's right to self-determination and making informed decisions about their healthcare.

Beneficence

An ethical principle directing healthcare providers to act in the best interest and promote the well-being of the patient.

Non-maleficence

An ethical obligation to avoid causing harm or minimizing potential risk to the patient.

Justice

An ethical principle requiring fair, equitable, and impartial distribution of healthcare resources and services.

Advance Directives

Legal instruments through which individuals declare their wishes regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care prior to losing decision-making capacity.

DNR (Do Not Resuscitate)

A specific legal directive instructing healthcare providers to withhold cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Palliative Care

Comprehensive care focused on symptom management, pain relief, and enhancing quality of life for individuals facing serious, life-limiting illnesses.

Amlodipine

A Calcium Channel Blocker used for hypertension and angina; polypharmacy risks include peripheral edema and dizziness when paired with other antihypertensives.

Metformin

A Biguanide antidiabetic agent for Type 2 Diabetes; risks include lactic acidosis and potential interactions with heart failure drugs.

Warfarin

An oral anticoagulant used for atrial fibrillation and deep vein thrombosis; presents high bleeding risks and numerous drug interactions.

Donepezil

An acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used in Alzheimer's disease management; risks include gastrointestinal distress and bradycardia when combined with beta-blockers.

Omeprazole

A Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) used for GERD; long-term use increases risks of osteoporosis and malabsorption of essential nutrients.

Digoxin

A cardiac glycoside used for heart failure and atrial fibrillation; carries a high risk of digitalis toxicity in patients with renal impairment.