21 terms in this chapter
a legal document outlining a patient's preferences regarding future medical treatments if they become unable to make decisions
movement of patients between healthcare settings (e.g., hospital to home, SNF) requiring coordinated care to prevent adverse events
common geriatric condition with infrequent, hard stools; often exacerbated by medications and reduced mobility
common but underdiagnosed mood disorder in older adults; may present with somatic symptoms and cognitive changes
do not intubate
evaluation of factors predisposing to falls (e.g., gait, balance, medications, environment) to implement prevention strategies
common cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly; often multifactorial (muscle weakness, gait, vision, medications)
geriatric syndrome of decreased physiologic reserve and increased vulnerability to stressors; predicts adverse outcomes
old age
multidimensional evaluation of older adults covering medical, functional, cognitive, and social domains
a physician who specializes in the care, treatment, and diseases of the elderly
old age, the elderly
the scientific study of the aging process and the problems of older adults
a specialized type of care for those facing a life-limiting illness, typically with a life expectancy of 6 months or less, focusing on comfort and quality of life
instrumental activities of daily living (managing finances, transportation, meal prep)
a specific type of advance directive detailing what life-sustaining medical treatments a person wants or does not want at the end of life
to soothe, relieve
Physician (or Medical) Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment
the simultaneous use of multiple drugs by a single patient, leading to increased risk of severe adverse drug interactions; common in geriatrics
the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function
skilled nursing facility