Systems and Diseases Flashcards
Alzheimer’s disease
A progressive neurodegenerative disease, that destroys memory and other important mental functions.
310: Rule Out
Parkinson’s disease
A disorder of the brain characterized by shaking (tremor) and difficulty with walking, movement, and coordination. The disease is associated with damage to a part of the brain that is involved with movement.
310: Accept (rule out if accompanied by dementia)
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)
A very rare and incurable degenerative neurological disorder (brain disease) that is ultimately fatal. It is the most common of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Symptoms include rapidly progressive dementia, leading to memory loss, personality changes and hallucinations caused by progressive death of brain cells.
310: Rule Out (Probe for travel to Europe)
Meningitis
An inflammation of the membranes (meninges) covering the brain and the spinal cord. The most common causes are infection (bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic), chemical agents and even tumor cells.
310: Eyes/corneas only if active
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
A chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints. A systemic disease that often affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and muscles.
310: Rule out for bones
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus)
A chronic, potentially debilitating or fatal autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s cells and tissue, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage. SLE can affect any part of the body, but most often harms the kidneys (lupus nephritis), heart, joints (rheumatological), skin, lungs, blood vessels and brain/nervous system. Lupus is treatable, mainly with immunosuppression, though there is currently no cure for it.
310: Eyes/corneas only
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
A chronic disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. MS can cause a variety of symptoms, including changes in sensation, visual problems, muscle weakness, depression, and difficulties with coordination and speech. MS can cause impaired mobility and disability in the more severe cases.
310: Acceptable; investigate ambulatory status
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s disease. A nervous system disease that weakens muscles and impacts physical function.
310: Accept for Cryolife ONLY
Sarcoidosis
The growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells (granulomas) in different parts of your body — most commonly the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes and skin
310: eyes/corneas only
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
A specific strain of the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium that has developed antibiotic resistance to all penicillins, including methicillin and other narrow-spectrum β-lactamase-resistant penicillin antibiotics.
310: Probe for cultures, case by case; rule out if systemic infection
Osteomyelitis
An acute or chronic bone infection
310: Eyes/corneas only if active
Malaria
A disease caused by a plasmodium parasite, transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
310: Rule out if pt had malaria in past 3 years or if pt traveled to malaria endemic area in past 6 months.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
A pathological process in the body where the blood starts to coagulate throughout the whole body. This depletes the body of its platelets and coagulation factors, and there is a paradoxically increased risk of hemorrhage. It occurs in critically ill patients, especially those with Gram-negative sepsis (particularly meningococcal sepsis) and acute promyelocytic leukemia.
310: Case by case
Congestive heart failure (CHF)
The inability of the heart to pump a sufficient amount of blood throughout the body. The pooling of blood leads to congestion in body tissue.
310: Accept
LifeNet: one strike
Coronary heart disease (CHD), also called coronary artery disease (CAD)
A disease in which a waxy substance called plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle.
When plaque builds up in the arteries, the condition is called atherosclerosis.
310: Accept
LifeNet: one strike
Hepatitis
A gastroenterological disease, featuring inflammation of the liver; clinical signs and prognosis, as well as the therapy, depend on the cause.
310: Probe type; case by case
Hepatitis A
An enterovirus transmitted by the orofecal route, such as contaminated food. It causes an acute form of hepatitis and does not have a chronic stage. It can be spread through personal contact, consumption of raw sea food or drinking contaminated water.
310: Rule out if active
Accept if able to confirm from MD or med rec that it was past history (after age 11)
Jaundice
Also known as icterus, is yellowing of the skin, sclera (the white of the eyes) and mucous membranes caused by increased levels of bilirubin in the human body.
May be caused by malaria, sickle cell anemia, hepatitis, bile duct obstruction, pancreatic cancer.
310: FDA rule out if unexplained; investigate cause
Cirrhosis
Chronic liver damage from a variety of causes leading to scarring and liver failure.
Causes may be due to:
Alcohol
Hepatitis B/C
Autoimmune Hepatitis
310: Investigate cause;
Cryptogenic cirrhosis - Rule out
Renal Failure or End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
The condition where the kidneys fail to function properly. Dialysis is generally required while a donor for renal transplant is found.
310: Accept
LifeNet: one strike
Dialysis
A treatment that does some of the things done by healthy kidneys. It is needed when your own kidneys can no longer take care of your body’s needs.
310: Accept
Tuberculosis (TB)
An infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most commonly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB). TB is spread by aerosol droplets expelled by people with active TB disease of the lungs when they cough, sneeze, speak, or spit.
310: Rule out if active
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
A group of respiratory tract diseases (commonly, chronic bronchitis and emphysema) that are characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation.
310: Accept
Pneumonia
An illness of the lungs and respiratory system in which the microscopic, air-filled sacs (alveoli) responsible for absorbing oxygen from the atmosphere become inflamed and flooded with fluid.
310: Case by case; investigate WBC, temps, cultures, CXR
Acoustic Neuroma
A noncancerous tumor on the main nerve leading from the inner ear to the brain.
310: Accept
Acupuncture
Involves the insertion of extremely thin needles through the skin at strategic points on the body. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain.
310: If performed using shared needles within 12 months of death - Rule Out
Addison’s Disease
A disorder in which the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones.
310: Need information about etiology. Probe for steroid use - reason for use must be documented
Agent Orange
A powerful mixture of chemical defoliants used by U.S. military forces during the Vietnam War. The VA has recognized certain cancers and other health problems as presumptive diseases associated with this chemical.
310: Accept; Inquire about associated health problems
AIDS
A syndrome caused by the HIV virus. It is when a person’s immune system is too weak to fight off many infections, and develops when the HIV infection is very advanced. The last stage of HIV infection where the body can no longer defend itself and may develop various diseases, infections and if left untreated, death.
310: Rule Out
Amputation
The removal of a limb by trauma, medical illness, or surgery. As a surgical measure, it is used to control pain or a disease process in the affected limb, such as malignancy or gangrene.
310: Accept if healed or due to non-infectious causes
LifeNet: count as one strike if due to circulatory problems
Amyloidosis
A rare disease that occurs when a substance called amyloid builds up in your organs. Amyloid is an abnormal protein that is usually produced in your bone marrow and can be deposited in any tissue or organ.
310: Defer if related to multiple myeloma, otherwise acceptable.
Anasarca
A general swelling in the body, considered a massive edema, and is brought on when there is a fluid build up in the tissue.
310: Accept
LifeNet: one strike
Anemia
A condition in which the blood doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells
310: Aplastic Anemia: investigate cause
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Condition in which fluid collects in the lungs’ air sacs, depriving organs of oxygen.
310: Investigate cause
Arthritis
Inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness that can worsen with age.
310: Investigate type
Ascites
The accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, causing abdominal swelling
310: Investigate cause, cultures
Astrocytoma
A tumor that arises from the star-shaped cells (astrocytes) that form the supportive tissue of the brain
310: Low grade astrocytoma, and astrocytoma grade I or II - Accept. High grade astrocytoma (grade III), or glioblastoma multiform - Rule Out.
Autoimmune disease
A disease in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells.
310: Investigate type
Bacteremia
The presence of bacteria in the blood
310: Rule out if positive at TOD
Endocarditis
An infection of the heart’s valves or inner lining; occurs when germs get into the bloodstream and settle inside the heart, often on a valve . The infection is usually caused by bacteria.
310: Investigate type
Cardiomegaly
An enlarged heart
310: Accept
LifeNet: one strike
Cardiomyopathy
A condition where the heart muscle is abnormal, making it harder for the heart to pump and deliver blood to the rest of the body. The main types include dilated, hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathy.
310: Investigate type
Cataract
A cloudy or opaque area in the normally clear lens of the eye. Depending upon its size and location, it can interfere with normal vision.
310: Accept
Cellulitis
A common and potentially serious bacterial skin infection. Complications include spread of the infection into the bloodstream or to other body tissues
310: Resolved or past history - Accept. Current or active - Rule Out of affected skin and MS tissues underlying affected skin; distant unaffected skin and other MS tissues - may be Accept.
Cerebral palsy
A group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture; caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain that affects a person’s ability to control his or her muscles. The most common motor disability in childhood.
310: Investigate mobility
Chicken pox
A highly contagious viral infection causing an itchy, blister-like rash on the skin.
310: Resolved or past history - Accept.
Chlamydia
A common sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria. Transmission via oral, vaginal, or anal sex with an infected partner.
310: Accept
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder, a small, digestive organ beneath the liver
310: Accept; probe for systemic infection
Clostridium difficile (C-diff)
Inflammation of the colon caused by the bacteria Clostridium difficile.
310: Investigate treatment and current symptoms
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
A common virus in the same family as herpesvirus, and can infect anyone. Transmission is by direct contact of body fluids (e.g., saliva, blood, urine, etc.) and organ transplant. Most healthy people do not experience any symptoms when, and it does not pose a serious health concern. A majority of adults have antibodies consistent with past infection.
310: Accept
{For organs, see 310}
Colitis
An inflammatory reaction in the colon, often autoimmune or infectious
310: Past history or inactive - Accept
Current active disease - investigate current treatment
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
A type of surgery that improves blood flow to the heart. A healthy artery or vein from the body is connected, or grafted, to the blocked coronary artery. The grafted artery or vein bypasses (that is, goes around) the blocked portion of the coronary artery. This creates a new path for oxygen-rich blood to flow to the heart muscle.
310: Rule out for HV
Crohn’s disease
A chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract.
310: Past history or inactive disease - Accept
Current active disease with colitis/ileitis - inquire about current treatment
Cystic Fibrosis
An inherited life-threatening disorder that damages the lungs and digestive system.
310: Investigate treatment and respiratory/ambulatory status; contact MD
Decubitus Ulcer
Injury to skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin.
310: Investigate number, location, size and depth, and underlying medical conditions. Significant infection may be cause for Rule Out.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
A blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs
310: Accept
Dementia
A general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Memory loss is an example.
310: Eyes/corneas only
Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
A group of diseases that result in too much sugar in the blood, or high blood glucose.
310: Accept
LifeNet: one strike
Down’s Syndrome
A genetic chromosome 21 disorder causing developmental and intellectual delays.
310: Case by case
Epstein Barr Virus (EBV)
Also called human herpesvirus 4, is one of eight viruses in the herpes family, and is one of the most common viruses in humans. It is best known as the cause of infectious mononucleosis.
310: Case by case
End-stage liver disease (ESLD)
Stage at which the liver has been severely damaged by the hepatitis, causing inflammation and permanent, irreversible scarring (cirrhosis).
310: Accept; probe for hepatitis
Glaucoma
A condition that causes damage to your eye’s optic nerve and gets worse over time. It’s often associated with a buildup of pressure inside the eye.
310: Accept
Gonorrhea
Also called the “clap” or “drip,” a contagious disease transmitted most often through sexual contact with an infected person
310: Rule Out if pt had or was being treated in last 12 months
Lymphoma
A cancer of the lymphatic system
310: Rule Out
Human T-lymphotropic virus or human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV)
The family of viruses are a group of human retroviruses that are known to cause a type of cancer called adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and a demyelinating disease
310: Rule Out
Hypercholesterolemia
High amounts of cholesterol in the blood
310: Accept
LifeNet: one strike
Hyperlipidemia
A condition in which there are high levels of fat particles (lipids) in the blood
310: Accept
LifeNet: one strike
Hypertension (HTN)
A condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high.
310: Accept
LifeNet: one strike
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
A condition in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick.
310: Accept
LifeNet: one strike
Insulin
A hormone made by the pancreas that allows your body to use sugar (glucose) from carbohydrates in the food that you eat for energy or to store glucose for future use; helps keeps your blood sugar level from getting too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia).
310: Accept
FDA RULE OUT IF BOVINE INSULIN MANUFACTURED IN UK AFTER 1980
Ischemic Bowel
A a medical condition in which inflammation and injury of the large intestine result from inadequate blood supply
310: Eyes/corneas only
Methadone
An opioid used to treat pain and as maintenance therapy or to help with detoxification in people with opioid dependence
310: Investigate reason for use; investigate IVDA use
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
Resembles liver disease; liver inflammation and damage caused by a buildup of fat in the liver.
310: Accept
Pancreatitis
An inflammation of the pancreas that may be caused by medications, infections, trauma, surgery or metabolic disorders.
310: Accept
Rhabdomyolysis
A breakdown of muscle tissue that releases a damaging protein into the blood
310: Accept; investigate cause
Sickle cell Disease
A group of disorders that cause red blood cells to become misshapen and break down
310: Accept; investigate if trait or in crisis
* Sickle cell train - accept
Syphilis
A highly contagious disease spread primarily by sexual activity, including oral and anal sex. Caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum, this disease is spread from sores, the vast majority of those sores go unrecognized.
310: FDA rule out if pt had or was being treated in the last 12 months
Urosepsis
A severe illness that occurs when an infection starts in the urinary tract and spreads into the bloodstream
310: Case by case; investigate treatment
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE)
A type of bacteria called enterococci that have developed resistance to many antibiotics, especially vancomycin
310: Rule out if active
