4 Flashcards
What is hypoglycemia?
Low blood sugar <4MMOL/L
Hypoglycemia can lead to symptoms such as shakiness and confusion.
What is hyperglycemia?
High blood sugar >11MMOL/L
Hyperglycemia can lead to increased thirst and frequent urination.
What are the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia?
- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Hunger
These symptoms indicate a need for immediate treatment to raise blood sugar levels.
What are the signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia?
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
Persistent hyperglycemia may require medical intervention.
What are some organs in the lymphatic system?
- Lymph Nodes: Filter germs and help fight infection
- Spleen: Removes old blood cells and fights infection
- Thymus: Helps make immune cells
- Tonsils: Trap germs from air and food
These organs play crucial roles in the immune response.
What is the function of the lymphatic system?
- Supports the cardiovascular system by returning excess fluid to the circulatory system via lymphatic vessels
- Immunity and protection: Lymph nodes, lymph tissues, and lymph organs pick up debris, filter bacteria and aid in developing immunity
The lymphatic system is essential for fluid balance and immune function.
What are the two major ducts of the lymphatic system?
- Right lymphatic duct
- Left lymphatic duct (thoracic duct)
These ducts are responsible for draining lymph from different parts of the body.
What is edema?
Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body’s tissues
Edema can indicate underlying health issues, such as heart or kidney problems.
What is immunity?
The body’s way of protecting itself from germs and infections
Immunity is crucial for preventing disease and maintaining health.
What are the two types of immunity?
- Non-specific immunity: body’s reaction to anything it sees as foreign which enters the body
- Specific immunity: body’s reaction to a specific foreign agent
Both types work together to protect the body from pathogens.
What is the difference between the first line of defense and the second line of defense?
- First line of defense: Mechanical & physical barriers- e.g. intact skin, mucous membranes
Chemical barriers- e.g. tears
Reflexes- e.g. sneeze, cough - Second line of defense: Inflammation, phagocytosis, fever
The first line provides immediate protection, while the second line responds to infections.
What is a pathogen?
A harmful germ, like a virus, bacteria, or fungus, that can cause disease or infection
Pathogens are responsible for many infectious diseases.
What are the two outcomes to pathogens?
- Infection: The pathogen enters the body and causes illness
- Immunity: The body fights off the pathogen, often creating future protection
Understanding these outcomes is important for disease prevention and treatment.
What are phagocytes?
Phagocytes are immune cells that ‘eat’ and destroy germs. They help clear infections.
What is a fever?
A fever is a high body temperature, often above 100.4°F (38°C), caused by the body fighting an infection. Symptoms include feeling hot, chills, and sweating.
What is inflammation?
Inflammation is swelling, redness, heat, and pain in affected areas. It’s the body’s way of protecting itself and healing.
What are the two types of lymphocytes?
The two types of lymphocytes are B-cells and T-cells.
B-cells make antibodies to help fight infections, while T-cells kill infected cells and help control immune responses.
What is an autoimmune disease?
An autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells by mistake, causing pain, inflammation, and damage.
What is the process of inhalation?
Inhalation (inspiration) is the process of breathing in.
What is the process of exhalation?
Exhalation (expiration) is the process of breathing out.
What are the organs of the respiratory system?
The organs include the nose and nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs, and alveoli.
These organs work together to bring oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide.
What is gas exchange?
Gas exchange is the process where oxygen and carbon dioxide are swapped in the body.
In the lungs, oxygen moves into the blood from alveoli, and carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the alveoli.
What are age-related changes to the respiratory system?
- May lead to SOBOE or dyspnea even at rest
- Skeletal changes
- Hardening of arteries
- Weakened throat muscles
- Weakened vocal cords
What is fluid balance?
Fluid balance means having the right amount (2000 - 2500 mL) of water in the body. The body keeps this balance by taking in fluids and losing fluids.
Why do we need water in the body?
Water helps digest food and absorb nutrients, keeps cells and organs working, controls body temperature, removes waste through urine and sweat, and lubricates joints. Water is essential for almost every body function.
What is dehydration?
Dehydration is not having enough water in the body, causing dry mouth, dizziness, and low urine output.
What is the HCA role in dehydration?
The HCA encourages drinking fluids, watches for signs of dehydration, and reports to the nurse.
What is edema?
Edema is swelling due to too much fluid in the body’s tissues, often in legs or hands.
What is the HCA role in edema?
The HCA helps elevate swollen areas if advised, monitors for changes, and follows any fluid restriction orders.
What is fluid restriction?
Fluid restriction is limiting the amount of fluids a person can drink, often for heart or kidney issues.