Geriatrics Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Geriatrics?

Geriatrics is the branch of medicine which focuses on health care for elderly and aging individuals. This medical specialty can involve a wide variety of treatments focusing on prevention, diagnosis, and management of diseases commonly found in the elderly population. Geriatricians are trained to assess the physical and mental health needs of older individuals, as well as their social and environmental context, in order to provide comprehensive care. As people age, their bodies become more vulnerable to certain illnesses and conditions such as cancer, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, heart disease and diabetes. Many also suffer from psychological issues such as depression or anxiety due to changes in lifestyle that may come with aging. Geriatricians work with patients to create individualized treatment plans tailored towards helping them maintain quality of life while managing these various ailments they face. One important aspect of geriatrics is prevention; identifying potential risks early helps ensure that proper measures are taken before an illness progresses too far. To this end geriatricians will often evaluate a patient’s diet and exercise routine; recommend modifications if necessary; review medications (including over-the-counter drugs) for possible interactions or side effects; monitor vitals like blood pressure; perform regular exams for vision and hearing loss; refer patients for specialized tests when needed; coordinate care with other medical professionals including nursing staff when applicable etc. All these efforts aim at keeping seniors healthy over time so they can enjoy life longer without needing special assistance with daily activities or developing severe long term medical problems. In addition to providing preventive care geriatricians also provide palliative care services offering relief from pain & discomfort due to chronic illness – as well as rehabilitation programs aimed at improving mobility & strength after an injury or surgery. They may even be involved in making decisions related to end-of-life planning such as advance directives outlining what type of interventions should/should not be done if someone becomes incapacitated due health reasons. Overall, geriatrics covers a wide range topics related all aspects of healthcare delivery specifically designed around elderly population needs from promotion & maintenance through treatment & recovery ultimately aiming at helping them stay independent & make most out their golden years.