Gerontological Nursing Certification (GERO-BC) flashcards
GERO-BC · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Hayflick limit
- The maximum number of times a normal somatic cell divides before senescence; supports programmed aging theories and is linked to telomere shortening.
- Telomere shortening
- Progressive loss of protective DNA sequences at chromosome ends with each cell division; a biomarker of cellular aging and a programmed-aging mechanism.
- Free radical theory
- Stochastic aging theory proposing that cumulative oxidative damage from reactive oxygen species impairs cells and contributes to age-related functional decline.
- Decisional capacity
- Clinical determination that a person can understand relevant information, appreciate consequences, reason, and express a choice; age or dementia alone does not remove capacity.
- Elder self-neglect
- Failure of an older adult to meet basic needs such as food, hygiene, medication, or safety; often linked to isolation, poverty, or cognitive impairment.
- OBRA 1987
- US nursing home reform law establishing residents' rights, comprehensive assessment (MDS), individualized care planning, and restrictions on physical and chemical restraints.
- Patient Self-Determination Act
- 1990 US law requiring Medicare- and Medicaid-funded facilities to inform patients of advance directive rights and document whether directives exist.
- Katz ADL index
- Functional scale rating independence in bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and feeding; higher scores indicate greater independence.
- Lawton IADL scale
- Assesses complex tasks such as shopping, finances, medication management, transportation, cooking, housekeeping, and telephone use; detects early functional decline.
- Mini-Cog
- Brief cognitive screen combining three-item recall and clock drawing; scores of 0-2 suggest impairment and warrant further evaluation.
- CAM delirium features
- Confusion Assessment Method: acute onset or fluctuating course plus inattention, and either disorganized thinking or altered consciousness; identifies delirium.
- Timed Up and Go
- Fall-risk screen measuring seconds to rise, walk 3 meters, turn, and sit; usually 12 seconds or more indicates increased fall risk.
- Presbycusis
- Age-related bilateral high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss; impairs speech understanding, especially in background noise, and can mimic cognitive decline.
- Geriatric Depression Scale
- Self-report depression screen developed for older adults; emphasizes mood and anhedonia and avoids somatic items that overlap with medical illness.
- Beers criteria
- Evidence-based list of potentially inappropriate medications for older adults; guides deprescribing of drugs such as long-acting benzodiazepines and strong anticholinergics.
- Polypharmacy
- Use of multiple medications, commonly defined as five or more; increases risk of adverse drug events, interactions, and falls in older adults.
- Anticholinergic burden
- Cumulative effect of drugs blocking acetylcholine; can cause confusion, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and falls; often quantified by scales.
- Start low, go slow
- Geriatric prescribing principle starting at low doses and titrating gradually because of reduced hepatic and renal clearance and increased sensitivity.
- Teach-back method
- Asking patients to explain information in their own words; confirms understanding and identifies gaps during discharge and medication teaching.
- POLST
- Portable medical order form for seriously ill patients specifying resuscitation, treatment intensity, and hospitalization preferences; follows the patient across settings.
- Hospice eligibility
- Usually a prognosis of six months or less if disease follows its expected course, plus functional decline; focuses on comfort rather than curative treatment.
- USPSTF colorectal screening
- Recommended for adults aged 45 to 75; options include colonoscopy, fecal immunochemical testing, and stool DNA testing based on risk and preference.
- Adult immunization schedule
- Annual influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, pneumococcal and recombinant zoster vaccines, Tdap boosters, and RSV for eligible older adults.
- Motivational interviewing
- Collaborative counseling using open questions, affirmation, reflection, and summarization to strengthen a patient's own motivation for health behavior change.
- Self-management support
- Helping patients set goals, solve problems, use action plans, and build confidence to manage chronic conditions in daily life.
- PACE program
- Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly; Medicare- and Medicaid-funded comprehensive day-based care and coordination enabling frail older adults to remain at home.
- Health literacy
- Ability to obtain, process, and understand health information needed for decisions; low literacy warrants plain language, pictures, and teach-back.
- SBAR
- Structured communication tool: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation; improves handoffs and interprofessional safety.
- PDSA cycle
- Quality improvement method with Plan, Do, Study, Act; tests small changes, measures results, and spreads effective improvements.
- Root cause analysis
- Team method to examine system factors contributing to an adverse event and identify actions to prevent recurrence, rather than blame individuals.
- Delegation to UAP
- RN assigns tasks such as bathing or vital signs to unlicensed assistive personnel; assessment, teaching, and care planning remain RN responsibilities.
- Person-centered care
- Care honoring each older adult's preferences, values, routines, and goals; supports autonomy and dignity in shared decision-making.