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Acute and Chronic Conditions Flashcards

Determine how to best support patients through common acute and chronic conditions. (59 cards)

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1
Q

What is an acute condition?

A

A sudden illness that lasts a short time.

Examples include appendicitis and the flu.

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2
Q

What is a chronic condition?

A

A long-term illness that requires ongoing management.

Chronic illnesses may require lifelong treatment.

Examples include diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis.

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3
Q

Fill in the blank:

A chronic condition that suddenly worsens is in a/an ______ phase.

A

acute

Chronic diseases can have periods of flare-ups.

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4
Q

Chronic pain is defined as lasting longer than how many months?

A

6 months

Chronic pain persists for over six months and can be either constant or intermittent, often resulting from conditions like arthritis.

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5
Q

True or False:

All chronic conditions cause daily severe symptoms.

A

False

Some chronic conditions have mild symptoms for long periods.

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6
Q

Define:

musculoskeletal conditions

A

Disorders that affect:

  • Muscles
  • Bones
  • Joints

Common examples include arthritis, osteoporosis, and fractures.

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7
Q

What causes arthritis?

A

Inflammation and wearing down of joint cartilage.

This leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling.

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8
Q

How can caregivers assist people with arthritis?

A

By helping with:

  • Mobility
  • Pain relief
  • Daily activities

Assistive devices and warm therapy can be beneficial.

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9
Q

Which mineral is essential for strong bones?

A

Calcium

A deficiency can lead to osteoporosis.

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10
Q

How does osteoporosis affect the body?

A

It makes bones weak and prone to fractures.

Common in older adults, especially women.

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11
Q

Define:

a hip fracture

A

A break in the upper thigh bone near the hip joint.

Hip fractures often require surgery and long recovery.

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12
Q

What should caregivers do after a hip fracture surgery?

A
  • Assist with mobility.
  • Prevent pressure ulcers.
  • Provide emotional support.

Recovery may take weeks to months.

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13
Q

What type of pain can individuals experience after losing a limb?

A

Phantom pain

Phantom pain refers to the sensation of pain felt in a body part that is no longer present, such as a limb that has been amputated.

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14
Q

Define:

cardiovascular conditions

A

Diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels.

Common conditions include hypertension and heart failure.

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15
Q

What causes angina?

A

Reduced oxygen supply to the heart.

It leads to chest pain, often triggered by exertion.

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16
Q

How should caregivers assist a person with angina?

A
  • Encourage rest.
  • Breathing exercises.
  • Report symptoms.

Nitroglycerin may be used to relieve pain.

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17
Q

What is chronic heart failure?

A

A condition where the heart cannot pump blood effectively.

Fluid buildup in the body can cause swelling and shortness of breath.

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18
Q

List THREE symptoms of chronic heart failure.

A
  1. Fatigue
  2. Swollen feet
  3. Difficulty breathing

Symptoms worsen over time.

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19
Q

Define:

hypertension

A

Chronically high blood pressure.

It increases the risk of stroke and heart disease.

It is often called the “silent killer” because it may not cause symptoms.

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20
Q

Fill in the blank:

A person with hypertension should avoid excessive _____ intake.

A

salt

Sodium can worsen high blood pressure.

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21
Q

What physiological change in older adults commonly leads to hypertension?

A

Narrowing of the arteries.

Hypertension in older adults is often due to atherosclerosis, where narrowed arteries require the heart to pump blood at higher pressures.

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22
Q

Define:

respiratory conditions

A

Disorders that affect breathing and lung function.

Examples include COPD, asthma, and pneumonia.

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23
Q

How does influenza affect the body?

A

It causes:

  • Respiratory inflammation
  • Fever
  • Fatigue

It can be severe in older adults.

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24
Q

What is pneumonia?

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A

Inflammation of the lungs caused by infection.

It can be bacterial, viral, or fungal.

25
How is pneumonia **treated**?
* Antibiotics * Fluids * Rest ## Footnote Severe cases may require hospitalization.
26
What is **COPD**?
**C**hronic **O**bstructive **P**ulmonary **D**isease ## Footnote It makes breathing difficult due to lung damage.
27
What are TWO major **forms of COPD**?
1. Emphysema 1. Chronic bronchitis ## Footnote Both conditions reduce airflow in the lungs.
28
What triggers **asthma attacks**?
* Allergens * Smoke * Stress * Exercise ## Footnote Inhalers and medication help manage symptoms.
29
# Define: **neurological** conditions
**Disorders that affect**: * The brain * Nerves * Spinal cord ## Footnote Examples include Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and MS.
30
What causes **Parkinson’s disease**?
A **lack of dopamine** in the brain. ## Footnote It leads to tremors, stiffness, and slow movement.
31
How should caregivers assist a person with **Parkinson’s disease**?
* Provide mobility support. * Encourage independence. * Offer emotional support. ## Footnote Movement can be challenging, so patience is key.
32
As Parkinson’s disease advances, which ability **remains unaffected**?
**Learning** new information. ## Footnote Although patients may struggle with movement and daily tasks, their cognitive function, including learning, is generally preserved.
33
What is **multiple sclerosis**?
A condition that damages the protective coating **on nerves**. ## Footnote It causes weakness, vision problems, and fatigue.
34
List TWO common **effects of a stroke**.
1. Paralysis 1. Speech difficulties ## Footnote A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted.
35
# Fill in the blank: A person with **stroke-related paralysis** should do \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ exercises.
range-of-motion ## Footnote These help maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.
36
# True or False: A spinal cord injury **always** results in **full paralysis**.
False ## Footnote The extent of paralysis depends on the location and severity of the injury.
37
# Define: diabetes
A condition where the body **cannot regulate blood sugar**. ## Footnote It can be managed with diet, exercise, and medication.
38
What are TWO common **symptoms of diabetes**?
1. Increased thirst 1. Frequent urination ## Footnote Other symptoms include fatigue and slow wound healing.
39
How can diabetes **lead to complications**?
Poor blood sugar control **damages organs**. ## Footnote It increases the risk of heart disease and kidney failure.
40
What should **caregivers monitor** in a diabetic person?
* Blood sugar levels * Diet * Signs of complications ## Footnote Foot care is also crucial to prevent infections.
41
Which symptom is typically **associated with hyperglycemia** rather than hypoglycemia?
Dry skin and mouth. ## Footnote Hypoglycemia presents with symptoms like confusion, dizziness, and tingling, while dry skin and mouth are indicative of high blood sugar levels.
42
Identify a health condition that **obesity** significantly **increases the risk for**.
Type 2 diabetes ## Footnote Obesity is a critical risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, characterized by the body’s ineffective use of insulin.
43
# Define kidney failure
A condition where the kidneys **cannot filter waste**. ## Footnote It can be acute or chronic.
44
How is kidney failure **managed**?
Dialysis or a kidney transplant. ## Footnote Without treatment, waste buildup can be fatal.
45
What is **cancer**?
Uncontrolled cell growth **that can spread**. ## Footnote Some cancers form tumors, while others affect the blood.
46
How is cancer **treated**?
* Surgery * Chemotherapy * Radiation ## Footnote Treatment varies based on cancer type and stage. A combination of the three can also be used.
47
What are common **side effects** of chemotherapy?
* Hair loss * Nausea * Fatigue ## Footnote Chemotherapy affects both cancerous and healthy cells.
48
How can caregivers support **people with cancer**?
* Provide emotional support. * Manage side effects. * Assist with daily tasks. ## Footnote Encouragement and comfort are important.
49
# Define: HIV / AIDS
A **virus** that weakens the immune system. ## Footnote HIV leads to AIDS if untreated. AIDS is characterized by weight loss, frequent infections, and fatigue.
50
How is HIV **transmitted**?
**Through**: * Blood * Sexual contact * Mother-to-child transmission ## Footnote It is not spread through casual contact.
51
What is **depression**?
A mental health disorder causing **persistent sadness**. ## Footnote It affects mood, energy levels, and daily activities.
52
# Fill in the blanks: A person with depression **may experience** \_\_\_\_\_\_ and \_\_\_\_\_\_ changes.
appetite and sleep ## Footnote Some may eat or sleep too much, others too little.
53
# Define: post-traumatic stress disorder (**PTSD**)
A disorder caused by experiencing a **traumatic event**. ## Footnote Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
54
How does chronic illness **affect emotional health**?
It can lead to: * Depression * Frustration * Anxiety ## Footnote Emotional support is crucial for long-term conditions.
55
# True or False: Anxiety disorders **always require** medication.
False ## Footnote Therapy, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle changes can help.
56
What should caregivers do for a person with **anxiety**?
* Provide reassurance. * Create a calm environment. ## Footnote Avoiding triggers can help manage symptoms.
57
What are common **signs of an anxiety attack**?
* Rapid heartbeat * Sweating * Dizziness ## Footnote Panic attacks can feel like a heart attack.
58
How can caregivers support a person with **suicidal thoughts**?
* Listen. * Show empathy. * Report concerns immediately. ## Footnote Taking all signs seriously can prevent harm.
59
What does the term **dyspnea** describe?
Difficulty in breathing. ## Footnote Dyspnea refers to labored or uncomfortable breathing, which can be caused by various conditions, including heart disease and anxiety.

CNA (25 decks)

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