Disease Process and Terminology Flashcards
Pathology
scientific study of disease
objective description of traits, causes and effects of abnormal conditions
symptoms = negative characteristics
signs = abnormal objective findings
pathogenesis = development of the disease
Acute vs chronic diseases
acute = abrupt onset, generally shorter than 6 months, resolve or result in death chronic = slow, intermittent, longer than 6 months
Predisposing factors
age gender lifestyle environment heredity
Inflammation and repair
acute inflammation = redness, swelling, pain, loss of function
widespread inflammation = fever, malaise, loss of appetite
inflammatory response = nonspecific immune response
Infection
caused by pathogens
local infection = redness, swelling, heat, pain, fever, pus, red streaks
widespread infection = fever, headache, body aches
can be endogenous (within the body), exogenous (outside of the body)
MRSA = methicillin resistant strains of bacteria, antibiotic resistant bacteria
Body’s natural defence systems
natural mechanical and chemical barriers (skin, pH)
inflammatory response
immune response
Genetic diseases
23 chromosomes, one pair from father, one from mother
XY = sex chromosomes, everything else = autosomes
genetic diseases produced by
abnormality in genetic code of single gene
several abnormal genes
absence/presence of chromosome
alteration in structure of chromosomes
Genetic counseling
communication process centered on occurrence or risk of occurrence of a genetic disorder
bridges the gap between medical/scientific concepts and emotional aspects
Cancer
uncontrolled cell proliferation
neoplasms = relentlessly growing mass of abnormal cells
metastases = secondary tumors, more difficult to eradicate from the body
tumor markers allow screening tests to detect tumor cells, which helps determine diagnosis, and response to therapy
Main types of cancer
carcinoma = cancer of the epithelial cells sarcoma = cancer of supportive tissues lymphoma = cancer from lymph nodes and tissues of immune system leukemia = cancer of blood cell precursors melanoma = cancer of melanin-producing cells
Staging
method that reflects tumor size and extent of tumor spread
TNM system
T = size or extent of the tumor
N = regional lymph node involvement of the tumor
M = number of distant metastases
I is an early stage tumor, IV most advanced stage
Grading
well-differentiated = low-grade tumor cells, still retain features of original tissue cells poorly-differentiated = high-grade tumor cells, do not resemble tissue from where they are derived
Diagnosis of disease
obtain medical history (risk factors, drug allergies, present therapy, onset of symptoms)
perform physical examination (inspection, auscultation, palpation, percussion)
obtain diagnostic studies and tests (microscopic examination, chemical analysis, radiographic studies, body scans, endoscopy, ultrasonography)
compare with normal findings
integrate and interpret
formulate diagnosis, treatment plan, prognosis, prevention
provide patient teaching, pertinent information, appropriate referral
Treatment of disease
can be to cure or control symptoms, or to be supportive
preventative measures, therapeutic procedure, medications, measures for relief of pain, surgery, physical therapy, diet modification, psychotherapy, patient education, follow-up care
Pain
many different interpretations for pain, based on cultural values, past experiences, religious belief, emotional support, anxiety
variety of pain rating scales to measure an individual’s perception of pain
