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Calcification - the depositing of calcium
salts in the body, which occurs normally in teeth and bones but
abnormally in injured muscles and narrowed arteries. (Source :
AMA)
Calcium channel blocker - a drug used to
treat chest pain, high blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat
by preventing the movement of calcium into the muscle. (Source :
AMA)
Cancer - a group of diseases in which
cells grow unrestrained in an organ or tissue in the body; can
spread to tissues around it and destroy them or be transported
through blood or lymph pathways to other parts of the body.
(Source : AMA)
Capillary - a tiny blood vessel that
connects the smallest arteries to the smallest veins and allows
exchange of oxygen and other materials between blood cells and
body tissue cells. (Source : AMA)
Cardiogenic shock - a condition marked by
enlargement of the heart, either because of a thickened heart
muscle or an enlarged heart chamber; usually a result of the
heart having to work harder than normal, as occurs with high
blood pressure. (Source : AMA)
Cardiomegaly - a condition marked by
enlargement of the heart, either because of a thickened heart
muscle or an enlarged heart chamber; usually a result of the
heart having to work harder than normal, as occurs with high
blood pressure. (Source : AMA)
Cardiomyopathy - a disease of the heart
muscle that results in decreased output and reduced blood flow.
(Source : AMA)
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation - the
administration of heart compression and artificial respiration
to restore circulation and breathing. (Source : AMA)
Cardiovascular system - the heart and
blood vessels that are responsible for circulating blood
throughout the body. (Source : AMA)
Carditis - inflammation of the heart.
(Source : AMA)
Care Management Services
- Coordination of long-term care services by a
professional care manager.
Caregiver - The National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) defines a
family caregiver as someone who has a deep personal relationship with a person
who is chronically ill or disabled and whose own life has been impacted by their
loved one's condition. Family caregivers provide varying degrees of assistance
and support. For some, caregiving is a 24 hour a day activity. For others it is
intermittent. For all it is a complex and difficult situation.
Caregiver Burnout - Result of the stress related with caregiving and the lack
of attention to one's (the caregiver's) emotional, physical well-being.
Case Manager- typically a nurse or social worker who coordinates long-term
care services upon release from a hospital.
Catheterization - a technique in which a
hollow, flexible tube is used to drain body fluids (such as
urine), to introduce fluids into the body, or to examine or
widen a narrowed vein or artery. (Source : AMA)
Care Plan - (Plan of care) A written strategy that states what services a
resident will receive to reach and keep their best physical, mental, and psychosocial well being.
(Source : HCFA)
Central nervous system - the brain and
spinal cord. (Source : AMA)
Cerebrovascular disease - a disease
affecting any artery supplying blood to the brain; may cause
blockage or rupture of a blood vessel, leading to a stroke.
(Source : AMA)
Chemotherapy - the treatment of
infections or cancer with drugs that act on disease-producing
organisms or cancerous tissue; may also affect normal cells.
(Source : AMA)
Cholecystectomy - the surgical removal of
the gallbladder. (Source : AMA)
Cholesterol- a substance in
body cells that plays a role in the production of hormones and
bile salts and in the transport of fats in the bloodstream.
(Source : AMA)
Chronic Care - Chronic Care is the ongoing provision of medical, functional,
psychological, social, environmental, and spiritual care services that enable
persons with serious and persistent conditions to optimize their functional
independence and well-being, from the time of condition onset until problem
resolution or death. Chronic diseases account for approximately 80% of all
deaths. (Source : National Chronic Care Consortium).
Chronic Condition - disabling illness of long duration unable to be cured.
Chronic obstructive lung disease- a
combination of the lung diseases emphysema and bronchitis,
characterized by blockage of airflow in and out of the lungs.
(Source : AMA)
Cirrhosis of the liver- gradual loss of liver function
due to cell damage and internal scarring. (Source : AMA)
Claudication- a cramping pain in one or both legs
while walking, which can cause limping. (Source : AMA)
Clinical trial- carefully monitored and planned
testing of a new drug or treatment. (Source : AMA)
Closed fracture- a bone break that does not break the
skin. (Source : AMA)
Clotting factor- a substance in the blood that is
needed for blood to harden and stop a wound from bleeding.
(Source : AMA)
Cluster headache- severe pain that occurs suddenly and
affects one side of the head, including the face and neck.
(Source : AMA)
Cocarcinogen- a substance that does not cause cancer
by itself, but increases the effect of a substance that does
cause cancer. (Source : AMA)
Cognitive Impairment - Impaired abilities such as judgment, memory, learning,
comprehension, and reasoning.
Colectomy- the complete or partial surgical removal of
the large intestine (the colon), usually as treatment of a
cancerous tumor or a narrowing and blockage of the intestine.
(Source : AMA)
Colic- waves of pain in the abdomen that increase in
strength, disappear, and return; usually caused by a stone
blocking a bile or urine passageway or an intestinal infection.
Source : AMA)
Colitis- inflammation of the large intestine (the
colon), which usually leads to abdominal pain, fever, and
diarrhea with blood and mucus. (Source : AMA)
Colonoscopy- investigation of the inside of the colon
using a long, flexible fiberoptic
tube. (Source : AMA)
Coinsurance - The percentage of the Medicare-approved charge that you have to
pay; after you pay the Part A deductible; and after you pay the $100 deductible
each year for Part B. (Source : HCFA)
Colostomy- a surgical procedure in which
some part of the colon is cut and moved to the surface of the
abdomen so that feces can be passed into a bag worn outside of
the body. (Source : AMA)
Coma- a condition in which the area
of the brain involved in maintaining consciousness is somehow
affected, resulting in a state of unconsciousness in which the
patient does not respond to stimulation. (Source : AMA)
Competence: Competence is
a legal term referring to the ability to make decisions. A
patient who is legally incompetent is one who cannot make
decisions for him/herself.
Compound fracture- a bone break that breaks the skin.
(Source : AMA)
Compression fracture- a break in a short bone in which
its soft tissue is crushed. (Source : AMA)
Computed tomography
scanning- a technique for producing cross-sectional
images of the body in which X-rays are passed through the body
at different angles and analyzed by a computer; also called CT
scanning or CAT scanning. (Source : AMA)
Congregate Meal Programs - Funded in part, by the
Older Americans Act. It is intended for persons 60 years of age
or older to have one nutritionally balanced meal on weekdays.
Most senior centers serve as senior dining locations, also
senior apartments, churches, temples or community centers.
Transportation is available.
Concussion- disturbance of electrical activity in the
brain due to a blow to the head or neck, causing temporary loss
of consciousness. (Source : AMA)
Congenital- present or existing at the time of birth.
(Source : AMA)
Congestive heart failure- inability of the heart to
efficiently pump blood through the body, causing buildup of
blood in the veins and of other body fluids in tissue. (Source :
AMA)
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) - CCRCs are housing
communities that provide different levels of care based on the residents' needs
from independent living apartments to skilled nursing care in an affiliated
nursing home. Residents move from one setting to another based on their needs,
but continue to remain a part of their CCRC community. (Source : HCFA)
Contraindication- an aspect of a patient's condition
that makes the use of a certain drug or therapy an unwise or
dangerous decision. (Source : AMA)
Contusion- damage to the skin
and underlying tissue as a result of a blunt injury; a bruise.
(Source : AMA)
Copayment - In some Medicare health plans, the amount that you pay for each
medical service, like a doctor visit. (Source : HCFA)
Coronary- describes structures that encircle another
structure (such as the coronary arteries, which circle the
heart); commonly used to refer to a coronary thrombosis or a
heart attack. (Source : AMA)
Coronary arteries- the
arteries that branch off from the aorta and supply oxygen-rich
blood to the heart muscle. (Source : AMA)
Coronary artery bypass surgery- an operation in which
a piece of vein or artery is used to bypass a blockage in a
coronary artery; performed to prevent myocardial infarction and
relieve angina pectoris. (Source : AMA)
Coronary heart disease-
disorders that restrict the blood supply to the heart, including
atherosclerosis.
(Source : AMA)
Corticosteroids-
synthetic drugs that are used to replace natural hormones or to
suppress the immune system and help prevent inflammation.
(Source : AMA)
CT scanning- a procedure that uses X-rays and
computers to create cross-sectional images of the body to
diagnose and monitor disease. (Source : AMA)
Culture- the artificial growth of cells, tissue, or
microorganisms such as bacteria in a laboratory. (Source : AMA)
Custodial Care - Help with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and
mobility.
Cyst- a lump filled with either
fluid or soft material, occurring in any organ or tissue; may
occur for a number of reasons but is usually harmless unless its
presence disrupts organ or tissue function.
(Source : AMA)
Cystectomy- surgical removal of the bladder; the
bladder is often replaced with a short length of small
intestine. (Source : AMA)
Cystic fibrosis- an
inherited disorder in which the lungs are prone to infection,
and fats and other nutrients cannot be absorbed into the body.
(Source : AMA)
Cystoscopy- examination of the urethra and bladder
using a long, thin, fiberoptic tube. (Source : AMA)
Cystostomy- the surgical placement of a drainage
opening in the bladder. (Source : AMA)
Daily Benefit Amount - The dollar amount
that is payable daily for covered expenses under a long-term
care insurance policy. Can range from $30 to over $300. The
higher daily benefit amount you choose, the higher your
insurance premium.
Debridement - surgical removal of dead,
damaged, or infected tissue, or some foreign material from a
wound or burn. (Source : AMA)
Decisional
capacity: Capacity is a medical term referring to the
ability to make decisions. A patient who lacks decisional
capacity is one who cannot make decisions for him/herself. This
may be a temporary or permanent state.
Deductible - The amount you must pay
before your insurance policy will start paying, May have to be
satisfied on an annual basis or once in the lifetime of the
policy. Under a long-term care insurance policy the elimination
period serves as the deductible.
Deep-vein thrombosis = the formation of
a blood clot inside of a deep-lying vein, usually in the legs.
(Source : AMA)
Defibrillation - a short electric shock
to the chest to normalize an irregular heartbeat. ( Source :
AMA)
Deficiency - A
way to show that a nursing home failed to meet one or more
federal or state requirements. (Source : HCFA)
Degenerative arthritis - the breakdown
of the cartilage lining the bones in joints, usually
weight-bearing joints (such as the knee); causes stiffness and
pain (also called osteoarthritis). (Source : AMA)
Dehydration -
A serious condition where a body's loss of fluids is more than
the amount of fluid taken into the body. (Source : HCFA)
Dementia - An
umbrella term used to describe the loss of cognitive or
intellectual function. Many conditions can cause dementia.
Dementia related to depression, drug interaction, thyroid and
other problems may be reversible if detected early. Several
other diseases also cause dementia, such as Parkinson's,
Creutzfeldt-Jakob, Huntington's and Multi- Infarct or vascular
disease, caused by multiple strokes in the brain. (Alzheimer's
Association)
Depression - feelings of hopelessness,
sadness, and a general disinterest in life, which for the most
part have no cause and may be the result of a psychiatric
illness. (Source : AMA)
Diabetes - A disease in which your body
is unable to properly use and store glucose ( a form of sugar).
Glucose backs up in the bloodstream, causing your blood glucose
or "sugar" to rise too high. There are two major types
: Type 1 (also called juvenile-onset or insulin- dependent) In
which your body completely stops producing any insulin, a
hormone that enables your body to use glucose found in foods for
energy. People with Type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin
injections to survive. This form of diabetes usually develops in
children or young adults, but can occur at any age. Type 2 (also
called adult-onset or non insulin-dependent) In which the body
produces insulin, but not enough to properly convert food into
energy. This form of diabetes usually occurs in people who are
over 40, overweight, and have a family history of diabetes.(
Source : Joslin Diabetes Center)
Diabetes insipidus - a rare condition
characterized by increased urine production. (Source : AMA)
Diabetes mellitus - a common form of
diabetes in which the body cannot properly store or use glucose
(sugar), the body's main source of energy. (Source : AMA)
Dialysis - a procedure to treat kidney
failure in which artificial means are used to filter waste,
maintain acid-base balance, and remove excess fluid from the
body. (Source : AMA)
Diaphragm - the large, dome-shaped
muscle separating the abdomen and chest that contracts and
relaxes to make breathing possible; also, a thin, rubber dome
that is used as a method of female contraception. (Source : AMA)
Diastolic pressure - the blood pressure
measured when the heart is at rest between beats. (Source : AMA)
Discharge Planner
-
Typically a nurse or social worker in charge of coordinating
care services upon one's discharge from a hospital. Also known
as case manager.
Disk prolapse - a disorder in which one
of the disks located between the vertebrae in the spine breaks
down and the pulpy interior squeezes out, causing pressure on a
nerve; commonly called a "slipped" or
"ruptured" disk. (Source : AMA)
Dislocation - displacement of the two
bones in a joint. (Source : AMA)
Distention - swelling, enlargement, or
stretching. (Source : AMA)
Diuretic - a drug that increases the
amount of water in the urine, removing excess water from the
body; used in treating high blood pressure and fluid retention.
(Source : AMA)
Diverticulitis - inflammation of
diverticula (small sacs in the intestine's inner lining); can
cause fever pain, and tenderness. (Source : AMA)
Do not
resuscitate (DNR) orders: A DNR order means that the patient
(or proxy or surrogate) has requested that CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
not be performed if a patient stops breathing or her heart stops
beating. It does not mean that other types of care will be
withdrawn.
Duodenal ulcer - an erosion in the inner
lining of the wall of the first part of the small intestine
(called the duodenum). (Source : AMA)
Durable Power of Attorney
- Legal document that allows someone to act legally on behalf of
another. Power of Attorney.
Dystrophy - any disorder in which cells
become damaged or do not develop properly because they do not
receive adequate nutrition. (Source : AMA)
ECG (sometimes called an EKG)- an electrocardiogram,
which is a record of the electrical impulses that trigger the
heartbeat; used to diagnose heart disorders. (Source : AMA)
Echocardiogram- an image of the heart that is created
by high-frequency (ultrasound) sound waves. (Source : AMA)
Eczema- inflammation of the skin, usually causing
itchiness and sometimes blisters and scaling; may be caused by
allergies, but often occurs for no apparent reason. (Source :
AMA)
Elective- describes a treatment or procedure that is
not urgent and can be arranged at the patientâ??s convenience.
(Source : AMA)
Electroencephalography- a procedure for recording the
electrical impulses of brain activity. (Source : AMA)
Eldercare Locator - A public service of the
Administration on Aging. The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide,
directory assistance service designed to help older persons and
caregivers locate local support resources for aging Americans.
anyone can call the Eldercare Locator on the toll-free number,
1-800-677-1116, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern
Time.
Elimination Period - Acts as a
deductible on a long-term care insurance policy. The period of
time, usually 0 to 100 days that you must pay for long-term care
expenses before your policy will begin payment. The longer the
elimination period you choose, the lower your insurance premium
will be.
Emergency Alert System - Commercially
available services to monitor residences, apartments, rooms, and
individuals for medical emergencies.
Embolism- the blockage of a blood vessel by an embolus
- something previously circulating in the blood (such as a blood
clot, gas bubble, tissue, bacteria, bone marrow, cholesterol,
fat, etc). (Source : AMA)
Emphysema- a chronic disease in which the small air
sacs in the lungs (the alveoli) become damaged; characterized by
difficulty breathing. (Source : AMA)
Encephalitis- inflammation of the brain, usually
caused by a virus; may be very mild and barely noticeable, but
is usually serious and can progress from headache and fever to
hallucinations, paralysis, and sometimes coma. (Source : AMA)
Endarterectomy- surgery performed to remove the lining
of an artery that has been narrowed by fatty tissue buildup.
(Source : AMA)
Endocarditis- inflammation of the inner lining of the
heart, usually the heart valves; typically caused by an
infection. (Source : AMA)
Endocardium- the inner lining of the heart. (Source :
AMA)
Endogenous- arising from inside of the body. (Source :
AMA)
Endorphin- a group of chemicals produced in the brain
that reduce pain and positively affect mood. (Source : AMA)
Endoscope- a lighted
instrument used to view the inside of a body cavity. (Source :
AMA)
Endothelium- the layer of flat cells that lines the
blood and lymph vessels, the heart, and other structures in the
body. (Source : AMA)
Endotracheal tube- a plastic tube that is fed down
into the trachea through the mouth or nose to supply oxygen to a
person who is not breathing properly. (Source : AMA)
Epidural anesthesia- a method of pain relief in which
a painkilling drug is injected into the space surrounding the
spinal cord to block sensations in the abdomen and lower body.
(Source : AMA)
Esophageal spasm- irregular contractions of the
muscles in the esophagus, which lead to difficulty swallowing.
(Source : AMA)
Esophageal varices- swollen veins in the lower
esophagus and possibly the upper part of the stomach; can cause
vomiting of blood and passing of black stool. (Source : AMA)
Esophagus- a tube-shaped canal
in the digestive tract, connecting the throat to the stomach.
(Source : AMA)
Estrogen- a group of hormones
(produced mainly in the ovaries) that are necessary for female
sexual development and reproductive functioning. (Source : AMA)
Estrogen replacement therapy- treatment with synthetic
estrogen drugs to relieve symptoms of menopause and to help
protect women against osteoporosis and heart disease. (Source :
AMA)
Exercise stress test- the monitoring of the heart
during strenuous exercise, usually on a treadmill or exercise
bicycle, to evaluate how the heart responds to stress. (Source :
AMA)
Exercise thallium test- an imaging test performed
during and after an exercise stress test to evaluate functioning
of the heart muscles. (Source : AMA)
Expectorant- a medication used to promote the coughing
up of phlegm from the respiratory tract. (Source : AMA)
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