Chapter 1: Introduction to Pathophysiology Flashcards
Pathophysiology
The study of mechanisms of disease
Pathology
The study of changes in cells and tissues as a result of injury or disease
Anatomy
The study of body structures
Physiology
The study of body functions
Disease
The functional impairment of cells, tissues, organs, or organ systems
Syndrome
A condition with a recognizable, predictable pattern
Pathogenesis
The origin and development of disease
Risk factors
Vulnerablilities that increase the chances that disease may occur
Etiology
Precise cause of disease
Pathogen
Disease-causing microorganism
Idiopathic
Describes a condition that does not have a clear cause
Nosocomial
Describes disease that results from exposure to infection in a healthcare environment
Iatrogenic
Describes a disease that result from medical treatment
Clinical manifestations
The presenting signs and symptoms of a disease
Signs
Objective manifestations that can be seen or measured
Symptoms
Subjective indicators that are reported by the ill individual
Precipitating factors
Triggers that lead to the onset of disease
Local
Refers to manifestations that are found directly at the site of disease and are confined to that area
Systemic
Refers to manifestations that present throughout the body and are not confined to one area
Acute
Describes manifestations or illnesses that begin abruptly and last a few days to a few months
Chronic
Describes manifestations or illnesses that develop gradually and generally last longer than 6 months
Insidious
Gradual in onset
Remissions
Symptom-free periods
Exacerbations
Flaring of symptoms
Subacute
Somewhere in duration and severity between acute and chronic
Asymptomatic
The absence of any noticeable symptoms even though diagnostic tests indicate disease is present
Diagnosis
Identifying a disease
Prognosis
Prediction of how well an individual will proceed through the disease process
Morbidity
Poor quality of life as a result of disease
Mortality
Death
Health
Perceived wholeness of body, mind, and spirit
Illness
A state that results in suffering or distress
Homeostasis
Dynamic balance in the body marked by the appropriate and effective responses to stimuli, keeping the body in a steady state
Epidemiology
The study of disease in populations
Incidence
The number of new disease cases within a certain time frame
Prevalence
The number of total disease cases within a certain time frame
Endemic
When incidence and prevalence are stable and predictable; when a disease remains in a population
Epidemic
Dramatic increase in disease incidence in a population
Pandemic
When an epidemic spreads across continents
Primary prevention
Protecting people from developing disease or injury
Secondary prevention
Early detection of disease through screening and early treatment
Tertiary prevention
Rehabilitation after diagnosis of a disease or injury
Multifactorial
Having several events that led to the development of the condition
