Course 2: Chronic Illnesses and the Patient Problem List Flashcards
1. Why are chronic illnesses concerning? 2. What is hypertension and how is it managed? 3. What is diabetes mellitus and how is it managed? 4. What is hyperlipidemia and how is it managed? 5. What is coronary artery disease and how is it managed? 6. What is asthma and how is it managed? 7. Project list
comorbidity
the simultaneous presence of two chronic diseases or conditions in a patient (i.e. asthma, HTN, HLD, DM, CAD)
etiology
the cause of a disease
systole (systolic)
phase of the heartbeat during which the muscle contracts, pumping blood to the body
diastole (diastolic)
phase of the heartbeat during which muscle is relaxed and the heat fills with blood
diuretic
a substance that promotes the production of urine
paresthesia
sensation of tingling or numbness
polydipsia
excessive thirst
ischemia
lack of blood supply
anticoagulant
a drug that prevents blood clotting
When does an illness become classified as chronic?
when it lasts longer than 3 months
Why are patients with comorbidities considered complex?
1, the treatment of one Dz may affect or contradict the treatment of a second (i,e, CHF & chronic renal failure – recommended therapy of reduced fluid intake vs. increased fluid intake, respectively)
- adverse drug interactions
- compounding symptoms may lead to poor compliance with treatment plan
- if both illnesses affect a specific organ system, the patient is at increased risk of organ failure
For complex patients, it is important to document what 3 three things?
- symptoms in chronological order
- the status and progress of each illness
- level of compliance with treatment plan
**note: complex pt often bill to a higher level, so it is important to document thoroughly and accurately.
HTN: etiology
an increase in blood pressure causes excess force against the arterial walls
HTN: risk factors (5)
FHx of HTN, obesity, high sodium diet, smoking, ETOH
HTN: CC (chief complaint/s)
- often asymptomatic (a.k.a. silent killer)
- hypertension (measure at home)
- headache, chest pain, palpitations, blurred vision, epistaxis (usually present when HTN begins to affect other organ systems)
HTN: PE (specific exam findings that correlate with HTN)
lower extremity edema, carotid bruit (heard by auscultation), JVD, abnormal heart sounds
HTN: Dx by…
BP check and monitoring with a sphygmomanometer
carotid stenosis
also called carotid artery disease; caused by narrowing of the carotid arteries (2 major arteries that carry blood from heart to brain, located in the neck)
HTN: systolic blood pressure
measures pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts (beats); top number
HTN: diastolic blood pressure
measure pressure in the arteries when the heart is relaxed (between heart beats); bottom number
HTN: hypotensive BP readings
sys: less than 90 / dia: less than 60
**HTN: normal range
sys/dia : 90/60 to 120/80
HTN: prehypertensive
sys/dia : 121/81 to 140/90
**HTN: hypertensive
sys/dia: greater than 140/90
Dz caused by HTN: MI/CAD
untreated HTN causes arteriosclerosis (thickening of arteries) which increases the risk of CAD or acute MI
Dz caused by HTN: CHF
the heart experiences increased effort and decreased efficiency, pumping excess fluid though the body
Dz caused by HTN: CVA
consistently increased pressure through the vessels of the brain causes weakening of arteries, leading to potential rupture and hemorrhagic CVA
Dz caused by HTN: Renal Failure
increased blood pressure through the kidneys causes weakening, leading to renal failure
Dz caused by HTN: Impaired Vision
increased pressure through the delicate vessels of the eyes causes them to rupture or thicken, causing vision loss
Pharmacological management HTN: diuretics
- reduce the volume of fluid in the blood vessels by urinating excess fluid
- ex: hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
Pharmacological management HTN: beta-blockers
- slow the heart rate and reduce the heart’s workload
- ex: brand name (generic)
lopressor (metoprolol)
toprol (metoprolol)
tenormin (atenolol)
Pharmacological management HTN: Ca channel blockers
- dilate the arteries and reduce the force of the heart’s contractions
- ex: norvasc (amlodipine); cardizem (diltiazem)
Pharmacological management HTN: ACE inhibitors
- relax the arteries and block re-absorption of water by the kidneys
- ex: lotensin (benazepril)
zestril (lisinopril)
Pharmacological management HTN: ARBs
- dilate the arteries
- ex: cozaar (losartan)
benicar (olmesartan)