Concepts Flashcards
Pathogenesis
How the disease process evolves
Ex: atherosclerosis and Coronary artery disease
- the progression from a fatty streak to occlusion of a blood vessel in a person with CAD
Morphology
The way the cell looks
Sign
A manifestation that is noted by an observer
Symptom
A subjective complaint that is noted by the person with a disorder
Morbidity
The effects of an illness on a persons life
Mortality
Death producing characteristics of a disease
Natural history
The progression and projected outcome of the disease WITHOUT medical intervention
Ex: A cancer patient receiving no medical treatment like chemotherapy, radiation therapy or drugs
- just wants to live life & let nature take its course
Prognosis
The predicted outcome of the disease process
Prevention
Halting disease progress or development
Evidence based practice
Current or best information for treatment
Three levels of prevention?
- Primary prevention
- Secondary prevention
- Tertiary prevention
Primary prevention
“Preventing something”
- removing risk factors so disease does not occur
- health promotion activities
Ex: immunizations, exercise, etc
Secondary prevention
- Detecting disease while it is still curable
- starting to develop signs & symptoms
Ex: Pap smears
Tertiary prevention
Preventing further deterioration or reducing complications of disease
Ex: antibiotic use, blood pressure meds, etc.
