Lecture 1: Pathology Overview Flashcards
What is a disease
Interruption, cessation, or disorder in the function of the body/ organ system
- recognized etiologic agent
- identifiable group of signs and symptoms
- anatomical alterations
6 aspects to the disease process
- Etiology
- Pathogenesis
- Morphological changes
- Clinical manifestations
- Diagnosis
- Clinical course
Etiology definition
The cause or origin of disease
-often multi factorial in origin
Etiology of disease: risk factors
- Congenital: defects that are present at birth, not hereditary
- acquired: defects are caused by events that occur after birth
- genetic predisposition: determined by genes
- environmental: may serve as a trigger to initiate disease process
Examples of biological etiologic factors
Bacterial, viral, fungi
Examples of physical force etiologic factors
Falls, SCI, TBI, burns
Examples of chemical agent etiologic factors
Alcohol, poison
Examples of nutritional excess or depletions etiologic factors
Diabetes, CAD
Examples of genetic abnormality etiologic factors
Cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, hypertension
Pathogenesis definition
How the disease process evolves
Morphological changes in disease process can be __
Gross anatomical and or microscopic
Sign definition and examples
Manifestations of a disease process (can see/measure)
Ex. Elevated temperature, swelling on extremity, changes in skin texture, elevated RR, HR
Symptoms definition and examples
Reported indications of disease perceived by the patient but not observed by others
-subjective complaints such as pain, dizziness, SOB
Syndrome definition and example
Groupings of signs and symptoms that are characteristic of a specific disease state
Ex. Metabolic syndrome
Complications and examples
Adverse extensions of a disease or treatment of a disease
Ex. CAD -> MI -> CHF
Hypertension -> stroke
Medications ->dyskinesia
Evolution of a disease: acute
- self limiting
- should resolve in a short period of time
Evolution of a disease: sub acute
- Intermediate
- a little more time to heal
- SCI, TBI
Evolution of a disease: chronic
-continuous long term process or exacerbations and remissions (pain, MS, PD, etc.)
Screening for referral in PT
- there can be a systemic disease or viscerogenic cause of a neuromuscular or musculoskeletal impairment
- PT screening differentiates between a “medical” problem and a “PT” related problem
Reasons to screen for a systemic disease or medical condition
- early detection and referral are key
- direct access
- quicker and sicker
- signed prescription (potentially from a doctor that hasn’t seen the patient)
- unrecognized early signs and symptoms (PTs see the patients longer)
- patient/client disclosure
The screening process
Past medical history
- patient demographics (age, gender, race/ethnicity, occupation)
- Personal and family history (risk for disease, medical/surgical history, medications, prescience of a disability, IDD or acquired )
- Psychosocial (education - provides insight on how you may communicate effectively, family system - live alone or with others, culture/religion -regarding touch, clothing, etc.)
- risk factors assessment
- clinical presentations- pain pattern/types
- associated signs and symptoms of systematic disease
Yellow flags in the screening process
Cautionary or warning symptoms that signals “slow down” and think about the need for screening
Red flags in the screening process
May not be a PT problem or only a PT problem
-looking for a viscerogenic or systemic origin or pain and or symptoms
3 possible decisions after screening
- diagnose and treat
- referral/consultation
- both
