Anatomy, Physiology, and Patient Care for Nursing Assistants

A comprehensive set of practice flashcards covering anatomy, common diseases, aging changes, and nursing assistant care guidelines based on the lecture notes.

What is the definition of homeostasis?

A condition in which all of the body’s systems are working at their best.

In clinical observation, what is the difference between a sign and a symptom?

A sign is what the Nursing Assistant (NA) sees, hears, feels, or smells, while a symptom is reported by the resident and not directly seen by the NA.

What anatomical terms describe the front and the back of the body?

Anterior (or ventral) refers to the front, and posterior (or dorsal) refers to the back of the body.

What do the terms 'proximal' and 'distal' mean?

Proximal means closer to the torso, while distal means farther away from the torso.

What is the largest organ and system in the human body?

The integumentary system.

What is scabies and what causes it?

Scabies is a skin infection caused by a tiny mite called $Sarcoptes\,scabiei$.

Which glands are responsible for the lack of oil that causes dry, itchy skin in the elderly?

Sebaceous glands.

What is the difference between atrophy and a contracture?

Atrophy is the wasting away or weakening of muscles from lack of use, while a contracture is the permanent and often painful shortening of a muscle or tendon due to inactivity.

How many bones are in the human body?

$206$ bones.

What is the difference between Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune illness where joints become red, swollen, and very painful, while Osteoarthritis (also called Degenerative Joint Disease) is a common type of arthritis often affecting hips, knees, and fingers due to aging or injury.

What is Osteoporosis?

A disease that causes bones to become porous and brittle, causing them to break easily.

Define 'Partial weight-bearing' (PWB) and 'Nonweight-bearing' (NWB).

PWB means the person is able to support some body weight on one or both legs; NWB means the person is unable to touch the floor or support any body weight on one or both legs.

What is a critical precaution regarding the hip joint after a hip replacement surgery?

The hip cannot be bent or flexed more than $90$ degrees, and it cannot be turned inward or outward.

What are the two main parts of the nervous system?

The central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (nerves).

What is the difference between hemiplegia and hemiparesis?

Hemiplegia is paralysis on one side of the body, while hemiparesis is weakness on one side of the body.

Distinguish between expressive aphasia and receptive aphasia.

Expressive aphasia is trouble communicating thoughts through speech or writing, while receptive aphasia is difficulty understanding spoken or written words.

What characterizes Parkinson's disease?

It is a progressive, degenerative disease causing stiff muscles, stooped posture, shuffling gait, pill-rolling, tremors, and a mask-like facial expression.

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

A progressive disease affecting the central nervous system where the protective sheath breaks down, preventing nerves from sending messages properly.

Contrast paraplegia and quadriplegia.

Paraplegia is the loss of function of the lower body and legs, while quadriplegia is the loss of function of the legs, trunk, and arms.

What are the two phases of the heart's function?

Diastole (the resting phase where chambers fill with blood) and systole (the contracting phase where ventricles pump blood).

What is the medical definition of Hypertension (HTN)?

High blood pressure, regularly measuring $130/80\,mm\,Hg$ or higher.

What occurs during a Myocardial infarction (MI)?

Commonly known as a heart attack, it is caused by a block of blood flow to the heart muscle, resulting in tissue death.

What does COPD stand for, and what two diseases are grouped under it?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; it includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

What are two major functions of the urinary system?

Eliminating waste products created by cells and maintaining the water balance in the body.

Why should women wipe from front to back after elimination?

To help prevent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).

What is 'fecal impaction'?

A hard stool that is stuck in the rectum and cannot be expelled, resulting from unrelieved constipation.

What is the difference between a colostomy and an ileostomy?

A colostomy is an opening into the large intestine resulting in semi-solid stool; an ileostomy is an opening into the end of the small intestine resulting in liquid stool.

What are the two types of diabetes and their general cause?

Type I and Type II; they occur when the pancreas produces too little insulin or the body does not properly use insulin.

What is the difference between benign and malignant tumors?

Benign tumors are non-cancerous and usually grow slowly; malignant tumors are cancerous and can grow rapidly.

What diet is typically ordered for short-term recovery from severe diarrhea in HIV/AIDS patients?

The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast).