Geriatric Assessment

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the geriatric assessment lecture, aimed at helping students understand the unique aspects of caring for elderly patients.

Geriatrics

Branch of medicine that focuses on health care of elderly people.

Elderly

Refers to individuals aged 65 years and older.

Functional Status

Ability to perform tasks and fulfill social roles associated with daily living.

Geriatric Syndromes

Clinical conditions common in older adults that do not fit discrete disease categories.

Delirium

Acute confusional state, sudden onset, with fluctuating course and attention deficits.

Dementia

Decline in memory and cognitive ability that interferes with activities of daily living (ADLs).

Polypharmacy

The concurrent use of multiple medications by a patient.

Advance Directives

Legal documents outlining a person’s preferences for medical treatment in the event they become unable to communicate.

Mini-Cog

A brief cognitive screening tool consisting of word registration, clock drawing, and recall.

Chief Complaint (CC)

The main issue or concern that a patient presents to the health care provider.

Power of Attorney

A legal document allowing one person to act on another's behalf in legal or medical matters.

Hidden Illnesses

Conditions that may present atypically in older adults, such as atrial fibrillation or hyperthyroidism.

PHQ-9

A screening tool for depression in the elderly.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Basic tasks needed for self-care such as bathing, dressing, and eating.

Comorbidities

The presence of one or more additional conditions often co-occurring with a primary condition.

Cognitive Impairment

A reduction in cognitive function that affects daily life.

Gait Assessment

Evaluation of walking patterns to assess risk of falls.

Transitional Complexity

Challenges associated with transferring care between different settings or levels of care.