Question

Geriatric and Anticoagulants

Case Study

Define each of the vocabulary words. Although the words may have several subheadings, it will give you a place to begin your inquiry. Do not give the shortest answer. Think about who, what, where, when, why, and how Vocabulary: Anemia: Anticoagulation: Atrial Fibrillation: Fatigue: Garlic (allicin): Homocysteine: International Normalized Ratio (NR): Off-label medication: Platelet aggregation: Prothrombin time (PT): Subdural hematoma: Thrombus: Triglycerides: Vitamin K-dependent factors:

Answer 1

1. Anemia: It is a condition where the blood lacks healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is the main part of red blood cells and it helps in binding oxygen. If there is too low or abnormal red blood cells or if haemoglobin is low or abnormal the body doesn't get enough oxygen. Women, young children and people with chronic diseases are at risk of anemia. Anemia is also caused due to blood loss.

2. Anticoagulation is the process of thinning blood. The agents that does this are called anticoagulants. It prevents or reduces the coagulation of blood and prolonging the clotting time.

3. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and rapid heart rate. It increases the risk for stroke, heart failure and other related complications. The two atria beat irregularly without coordination with the ventricles. The causes are due to high blood pressure, heart attacks, heart diseases, lung diseases.

4. Fatigue is feeling overall tiredness or lack of energy and a strong desire to sleep which interferes with normal daily activities. Causes are due to lifestyle factors, physical health conditions, and mental health issues.