Hartman's Nursing Assistant Care: Chapter 18 Flashcards

Comprehensive practice questions covering medical conditions, body systems, and nursing terminology from Hartman's Nursing Assistant Care, Chapter 18.

How is an acute illness defined?

An illness that has rapid onset, is usually short-term, and is treated immediately.

What is a chronic illness?

A disease or condition that is long-term or long-lasting and requires management of symptoms.

What causes the contagious skin infection known as scabies?

A tiny mite burrowing into the skin where it lays eggs, causing intense itching and rash tracks.

What virus causes shingles?

The varicella-zoster virus (VZV).

What is dermatitis?

An inflammation of the skin causing swollen, reddened, irritated, and itchy skin.

What general term refers to the inflammation of joints causing stiffness and pain?

Arthritis

What occurs during an autoimmune illness?

The body's immune system attacks normal tissue in the body.

What are other names for osteoarthritis?

Degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis.

How does rheumatoid arthritis differ from osteoarthritis?

Joints become red, swollen, and very painful, resulting in restricted movement and possible deformities.

What is osteoporosis?

A condition in which bones become porous and brittle, causing them to break easily.

What is the difference between a closed fracture and an open fracture?

A closed fracture does not break the skin, while an open fracture (or compound fracture) penetrates the skin.

What does the abbreviation PWB stand for?

Partial weight-bearing, meaning a person can support some body weight on one or both legs.

What does the abbreviation NWB stand for in a doctor's order?

Non-weight-bearing, meaning a person is unable to touch the floor or support any weight on one or both legs.

What is the definition of full weight-bearing (FWB)?

A doctor's order stating a person can support $100\%$ body weight on both legs.

What is the purpose of a prosthesis?

To replace a body part that is missing or deformed to improve function or appearance.

What is muscular dystrophy (MD)?

A progressive, inherited disease that causes gradual wasting away of muscle, weakness, and deformity.

What is the difference between phantom sensation and phantom limb pain?

Phantom sensation is warmth, itching, or tingling from an amputated part; phantom limb pain is actual pain in the amputated extremity.

What is the difference between complementary and alternative medicine?

Complementary medicine is used in addition to conventional treatments; alternative medicine is used instead of conventional methods.

What are common signs of Parkinson's disease?

Stiff muscles, stooped posture, shuffling gait, pill-rolling, and tremors.

What happens to the nervous system in multiple sclerosis (MS)?

The myelin sheath breaks down over time, preventing nerves from conducting impulses normally.

How do paraplegia and quadriplegia differ?

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

What characterizes epilepsy?

Disrupted electrical impulses in the brain causing repeated seizures.

What is a cataract?

A condition where cloudy spots develop in the lens of the eye, causing vision loss.

What is the cause of vision loss in glaucoma?

Increased pressure inside the eye causing damage.

What are the common symptoms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

Gradual deterioration of the macula, causing inability to recognize faces, drive, read, or write.

At what measurement is blood pressure regularly considered hypertension?

$140/90\,mm\,Hg$ or higher.

What is atherosclerosis?

The hardening and narrowing of the blood vessels.

What is angina pectoris?

Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort.

How does nitroglycerin help the heart?

It relaxes the walls of the coronary arteries, allowing more blood flow to the heart.

What is another name for a myocardial infarction (MI)?

A heart attack.

What happens to the heart in congestive heart failure (CHF)?

The heart muscle is damaged and no longer able to pump effectively.

What causes peripheral vascular disease (PVD)?

Fatty deposits in blood vessels that harden over time, causing decreased circulation in the extremities.

What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

A chronic, progressive, incurable lung disease causing difficulty breathing and high risk for infection.

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

Fever, chills, cough, greenish sputum, chest pains, and rapid pulse.

What characterizes bronchiectasis?

Abnormally enlarged bronchial tubes, chronic coughing, thick sputum, and recurrent pneumonia.

What is tuberculosis (TB)?

A highly contagious lung disease causing fatigue, prolonged coughing, and shortness of breath.

What is the role of insulin in the body?

It is a hormone that moves glucose from the blood into cells for energy.

How does Type 1 diabetes differ from Type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 involves no insulin production and is usually diagnosed in youth; Type 2 involves insufficient insulin or improper use and typically develops after age $35$.

What is gestational diabetes?

A type of diabetes that appears in pregnant women who have high glucose levels during pregnancy.

What are the effects of hyperthyroidism?

Body processes speed up, resulting in rapid heartbeat, sweating, weight loss, and nervousness.

What are the effects of hypothyroidism?

Body processes slow down, resulting in fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and cold intolerance.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

Yellow or white discharge, burning during urination, swollen testes, and abdominal or back pain.

What are chancres in the context of syphilis?

Open sores that appear on the penis or inside the vagina.

What is genital herpes?

An incurable STI caused by a virus that results in painful sores on the genitals.

What can a genital HPV infection lead to in women?

An abnormal pap test and cervical cancer.

What is benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)?

An enlarged prostate in aging men that causes problems with urination.

How is AIDS defined?

The final stage of HIV infection where the immune system is too weak to fight off infections or tumors.

What is AIDS dementia complex?

Memory loss, poor coordination, paralysis, and confusion occurring in late-stage AIDS.

What is Kaposi's sarcoma?

A rare skin cancer appearing as purple, red, or brown skin lesions.

What is neuropathy?

Numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet and legs.

What is the difference between benign and malignant tumors?

Benign tumors are noncancerous, while malignant tumors are cancerous.

What is a mastectomy?

The surgical removal of all or part of the breast and sometimes surrounding tissue.