Basic Concepts Of Pathophysiology Flashcards
PHYSIOLOGY
The study of functions and processes that occur in the body. Mostly the NORMAL process
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
The study of the underlying changes in body physiology that result from disease or injury
HOMEOSTASIS
Maintenance of the constant conditions in the body’s internal environment.
A balance to “right itself” from stressors
COMPENSATION
A return to homeostasis after being challenged by a stressor.
Adaptation of healing through the use of control/compensatory mechanisms
DECOMPENSATION
When the body is unable to meet the challenge of stressors, and the control mechanisms are “exhaused”. There is a failure to adapt and heal
DISEASE
A harmful condition of the body and/or mind
DISORDER
A disturbance in the healthiness of of the body
SYNDROME
A collection of symptoms
ETIOLOGY
The cause of a disease, including all factors that contribute to development
IDIOPATHIC
Disease with an unidentifiable cause
IATROGENIC
A problem that occurs as a result of medical treatment, such as medication, radiation, etc.
NOSOCOMIAL
Problems that result as a consequence of being in a hospital environment
Commonly known as “hospital acquired”
CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
“SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS”
Signs - manifestations that can be objectively identified by a trained observer
Symptoms - subjective manifestations that can only be reported by the patient experiencing them
LOCAL VS. SYSTEMIC
Local - in a small location or particular area, generally redness, swelling, rash
Systemic - generalized, all over the body. Such as fever, urticaria, malaise.
ACUTE VS. CHRONIC
Acute - fairly rapid appearance of signs and symptoms of disease, usually lasts a short times. Will resolve in a few days
Chronic - develop more slowly, signs and symptoms are generally insidious and last longer. Include periods of remissions, and periods of exacerbations
