Adult Health & Developmental Stages: Young, Middle, and Older Adulthood

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering developmental tasks, physiological changes, health maintenance, and pathological conditions across young, middle, and older adulthood.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Erikson's developmental stage for young adults (ages $18\text{--}35$) focused on building close, trusting relationships.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

A common endocrine and reproductive disorder that serves as a frequent cause of female infertility.

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

Clinical manifestations including abdominal pain, blood in stool, changes in bowel habits, and anemia.

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors

Predisposing elements including obesity, consumption of processed meats, alcohol intake, low-fiber diet, physical inactivity, and family history.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Signs and Symptoms

Neurological and psychological effects following repeated head trauma, presenting as memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, and depression.

Folic Acid in Pregnancy

Nutrient supplementation recommended at $400\text{--}800\,\text{mcg/day}$ to prevent neural tube defects.

Pap Smear Recommendations

Cervical cancer screening recommended to begin at age $21$ every $3\,\text{years}$, with HPV screening incorporated starting at age $30$.

Stage II Hypertension Management

Blood pressure management strategy requiring both lifestyle modifications and medication.

Gig Economy

A flexible employment model characterized by decreased job security, lack of paid leave, and fewer benefits.

Cardiovascular Exam Recommendations (Young Adult)

Screening recommended to begin at age $20$ and occur every $4\text{--}6\,\text{years}$.

Primary Goal for Preventive Health

Healthcare objective aimed at maintaining optimal health and identifying health risks early.

Emotional Intimacy

Relational dynamic built upon trust, affection, reciprocity, vulnerability, and self-disclosure.

Common Preventable Cause of Infertility

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and their associated complications.

Food Desert

A geographic area with limited access to affordable fresh, nutritious foods.

Infertility Treatments

Reproductive interventions including artificial insemination and in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

Primary GI Physiological Change (Middle Adult)

Age-related slowing of gastrointestinal motility, leading to an increased incidence of constipation.

Physical Activity Requirements (Middle Adult)

Exercise guideline recommending at least $30\,\text{minutes}$ per day, $5\,\text{days/week}$, totaling $150\,\text{minutes}$.

Osteopenia

A condition characterized by reduced bone mineralization.

Female Incontinence (Middle Adult)

Involuntary loss of urine resulting from a weak pelvic floor, frequently associated with multiple births.

Male Incontinence (Middle Adult)

Involuntary urinary leakage that may occur following prostate surgery.

Kyphosis

An abnormal posterior curvature of the thoracic spine.

Most Common Middle-Adult Role

The occupational role of worker.

Osteoarthritis

A degenerative joint disease that most commonly affects the knees and hands.

Osteoporosis

A systemic skeletal disorder characterized by loss of bone density and increased fracture risk.

Menopause

The permanent cessation of menstrual cycles.

Erectile Dysfunction

Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection satisfactory for sexual performance.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Erikson's developmental stage for middle adults (ages $36\text{--}64$) focused on contributing to future generations.

Sandwich Generation

A demographic of middle adults responsible for simultaneously caring for their growing children and aging parents.

Stress Hardiness

A personality characteristic comprised of three components: control, commitment, and challenge.

Presbyopia

Age-related progressive difficulty seeing close objects.

Presbycusis

Age-related sensorineural high-frequency hearing loss.

Empty Nest Syndrome

The psychological and emotional response experienced by parents when their children leave the home.

Advance Directives

Legal instruments including a living will and the designation of a healthcare decision-maker.

Reason for Loss of Height (Middle Adult)

Stature shortening caused by intervertebral disk thinning and musculoskeletal changes.

Elder Abuse Reporting Mandate

The professional duty of nurses to actively identify and report suspected abuse in older adults.

Polypharmacy

The concurrent use of multiple medications, resulting in an increased risk of adverse drug effects and interactions.

Leading Unintentional Injuries and Death (Older Adult)

Accidental injuries predominantly caused by falls; fires represent another significant danger.

Ego vs. Despair

Erikson's late-adulthood developmental stage (ages $65+$); successful achievement involves acceptance of one's life, a sense of fulfillment, and integrity.

Older-Adult Sleep Disorder Contributing Factors

Conditions contributing to disrupted sleep, including pain, medications, stress, nocturia, sleep apnea, and restless legs.

Cognitive Stimulation Interventions

Nursing interventions to stimulate cognition, including reading, puzzles, learning, reminiscence, and social interaction.

Glaucoma

An ocular disorder affecting the optic nerve and impairing peripheral vision.

Postoperative Cognitive Disorder Symptoms

Neurocognitive alterations including memory and concentration problems, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and hallucinations.

Incontinence Nursing Interventions (Older Adult)

Nonpharmacological interventions including scheduled voiding, Kegel exercises, fluid management, and limiting caffeine intake.

Warning Signs to Stop Driving

Indicators of compromised driving safety including delayed reaction times, lane-maintenance problems, hitting curbs, and frequent near misses.

Home Safety Assessment Components

Environmental inspection evaluating lighting, rugs, stairs, grab bars, fall risks, and burn hazards.