Disease Processes

Question 1

Infectious Diseases

Answer 1

Caused by bacteria entering the body. A urinary tract infection is an infectious disease.

Question 2

Acute Diseases

Answer 2

Have a sudden onset and for the most part a short recovery time. Influenza is an acute disease

Question 3

Chronic Diseases

Answer 3

Usually lasts longer than 6 months, and recovery most likely requires ongoing medication and treatment. Atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease are chronic diseases.

Question 4

Degenerative Diseases

Answer 4

Occurs when the aging process causes tissues in the body to wear down. Arthritis is a degenerative disease.

Question 5

Osteoarthritis

Answer 5

The most common form of joint disorder. Arthritis is inflammation of the joint. Obesity, excessive kneeling or squatting, or joint injury can contribute over time to a breakdown of cartilage between the bones, primarily of the hip and knee joints. This wearing away of the cartilage can result in joint stiffness and pain, decreased range of motion, mobility challenges, and crepitus.

Question 6

Infections

Answer 6

Occurs when a pathogen enters the body, grows, and multiplies. Treatment varies with the type of infection and its location.

Question 7

Asthma

Answer 7

A chronic respiratory disorder characterized by constriction of the bronchi and bronchioles in the lungs due to inflammation. This can cause dyspnea, chest tightness, and wheezing. Allergens, cigarette smoke, chemicals, cold air, and exercise can trigger asthmatic episodes. Medications can reverse the airway obstruction.

Question 8

Pneumonia

Answer 8

Inflammation of the lungs due to an infection in which the air sacs fill with fluid and pus, making it difficult to breathe. Aspiration pneumonia results from inhaling foreign matter such as emesis into the lungs. Symptoms of pneumonia include fever, productive cough, and fatigue.

Question 9

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Answer 9

A group of chronic lung diseases (emphysema, chronic bronchitis) with which airflow to the lungs is progressively obstructed. Smoking and air pollution are the main causes of COPD. Patients who have COPD often have frequent coughing, hypoxia, dyspnea, and fatique.

Question 10

Cancer

Answer 10

Involves abnormal cell growth that causes tumors and can potentially spread to other parts of the body.

Question 11

Hypertension

Answer 11

High blood pressure is diagnosed when the systolic pressure is consistently 130 mm Hg or higher or the diastolic pressure is 80 mm Hg or higher. Risk factors for use, diabetes, atherosclerosis, kidney disease, some medications, and a high-sodium diet. Patients who have hypertension often do not have any symptoms, which is why hypertension is sometimes called the silent killer. Symptoms include sweating, blurred vision, fatigue, vertigo, and headache.

Question 12

Blood Pressure Ranges (Systolic mm Hg)

Answer 12

Expected reference range- Less than 120
Elevated- 120 to 129
High blood pressure (hypertension) stage 1- 130 to 139
High blood pressure (hypertension) stage 2- 140 or greater
Hypertensive crisis- 180 or greater

Question 13

Blood pressure ranges (Diastolic mm Hg)

Answer 13

Expected reference range- Less than 80
Elevated- Less than 80
High blood pressure (hypertension) stage 1- 80-89
High blood pressure (hypertension) stage 2- 90 or greater
Hypertensive crisis- 120 or greater

Question 14

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Answer 14

Results from a narrowing of coronary arteries due to plaque buildup. This results in the heart not receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients, especially during exertion. Poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, and diabetes mellitus can contribute to CAD. Often, the first indication of CAD is a heart attack.

Question 15

Heart Failure

Answer 15

A chronic disorder that results in the heart being unable to pump an adequate amount of blood to meet the needs of the body. Heart failure can result from an injury to the heart muscle such as after a heart attack, or from a congenital (from birth) heart defect. Other contributing factors are smoking, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, a sedentary lifestyle, and a high-cholesterol diet.

Question 16

Myocardial Infarction

Answer 16

Also known as a heart attack, occurs as a result of a blood clot or atherosclerosis preventing blood in the coronary arteries from reaching the heart. If the heart does not receive blood and oxygen, the heart tissue dies. This can be fatal, so recognizing symptoms as soon as possible and seeking treatment is imperative. Common manifestations of myocardial infarction include shortness of breath; chest pain or tightness that radiates to the neck, shoulder, or arm; diaphoresis; nausea; vomiting; heartburn-type in the upper abdomen; and dizziness

Question 17

Stroke

Answer 17

Also known as cerebrovascular accident occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked, causing brain cells to die. This is most often due to a blood clot. However, a ruptured artery in the brain can also cause a stroke. Symptoms include slurred speech, paralysis, facial droop, disorientation and other cognitive changes, sudden severe headache, and loss of consciousness.

Question 18

Diabetes Mellitus

Answer 18

Categorized as type 1 and type 2. Insulin regulates glucose levels in the body. With type 1, the pancreas is not able to produce insulin. Type 1 usually manifests early in life. With type 2, the cells of the body have become resistant to the insulin the pancreas is producing. Both types result in fluctuating blood glucose levels. When medications, diet, and exercise are not in balance and blood glucose levels are not controlled, serious complications can result