Factors That Influence Disease
In clinical settings, some of the
most common questions that patients ask are Why do I have this? What caused
this disorder? Will it ever go away? These emotional questions can be difficult
to ask and to answer. However, for patients to come to terms with their
diagnoses and adhere to treatment plans, they must have an understanding of
factors that might have caused, or continue to impact, their disorders. As an
advanced practice nurse, it is important that you are able to explain
disorders, associated alterations and symptoms, and changes that might occur
within your patients’ bodies.
To prepare:
Review this week’s media
presentation with Dr. Terry Buttaro. Reflect on the importance of developing an
in-depth understanding of pathophysiology.
Select a disorder from the
following list:
Adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s
disease)
Atherosclerosis
Cholelithiasis (gallstones)
Colon cancer
Cystic fibrosis
Hemophilia
Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)
Osteoporosis
Parkinson’s disease
Tuberculosis
Select one of the following
patient factors: genetics, gender, ethnicity, age, or behavior. Reflect on how
that factor might impact your selected disorder, as well as potential
associated alterations and symptoms.
Identify the pathophysiology of
the associated alterations, including the normal and altered cellular function.
Consider both intra- and extra-cellular changes that occur.
By Day 3
Post a brief description of a
patient scenario involving the disorder and the factor you selected. Explain
how the factor might impact your selected disorder, as well as potential
associated alterations and symptoms. Finally, explain the pathophysiology of
the associated alterations, including changes in cellular function.
