Introduction
Aphagia - Loss of Gag reflex (inability to swallow)
Dysphagia - Difficulty swallowing
Aphasia - Inability to Speak
Dysphasia - Difficulty speaking
Apnea - Absence of breathing for more than 10 seconds
Dyspnea - Difficulty breathing
Ambulate - walk
Aspiration - the inhalation of food, fluid into the lungs
Atrophy - the shrinking of muscle mass due to protein deficiency and decreased exercise
Bradycardia - slow pulse (<60 bpm)
Tachycardia - fast pulse (>100 bpm)
Care Plan - a plan developed for each resident to achieve certain goals; it outlines the steps and tasks that the care team must follow
Colostomy - opening is made between the colon and abdomen to divert bowel content
Constipation - Difficult and often painful elimination of hard, dry stool
Contracture - The shortening and hardening of soft tissue resulting in deformity or rigidity of joints. Usually caused from lack of extension and movement
Cue - Showing or prompting someone to perform an activity
Dementia - Brain failure. Loss of ability to think, remember, reason, and communicate
Edema - swelling caused by excess fluids in body tissue
Elopement - when a resident with impaired decision-making ability, unable to make safe judgements, leaves an area of safety and supervision. Confusion plus mobility makes someone a risk for elopement.
Emesis - vomit
Exploitation - taking advantage of a position of power in order to benefit yourself. Usually monetarily.
Fecal Impaction - the accumulation of stool in the colon, blocking normal passage of feces
Geriatrics - the branch of medicine dealing with the health and care of the elderly
Hemiplegia - paralysis on one side of the body. Usually from a stroke or head trauma
Incontinent - inability to control bowel or bladder
Neglect - the failure to provide needed care that could result in harm
Nosocomial - an infection acquired while staying in a hospital or nursing facility
Ombudsman - a legal advocate for residents in long term care who help resolve disputes and settle conflicts
Osteoarthritis - inflammation in the joints from normal wear and tear
Osteoporosis - condition where bones become porous and brittle and break easily. Occurs from mineral loss due to lack of weight bearing and calcium deficiency
Palliative Care - care for terminally ill patients. Focuses care on quality of life, comfort, and relieving pain
Parkinson’s Disease - a condition that causes tremors, a shuffled gait, and mask-like expression. Many will develop some level of dementia.
Perineal Care (pericare) - care of genitals and rectal region
Postmortem Care - care of the body after death
Sundowning - when dementia residents typically become more restless or agitated in late afternoon and evening as the sun goes down
Task Segmentation - breaking up an activity into small steps so that a resident can accomplish it
Fowlers Position - semi-sitting position body position in which the head and torso are elevated 45-60 degrees
Prone - laying on the stomach
Sims Position - laying on the LEFT side with the RIGHT knee pulled up to the chest. Used to properly infuse an enema
Supine - laying on the back (Spine)