Unit 1 - Disease and medical terminology Flashcards

1
Q

-aemia or -emia

A

blood condition (as in anemia)

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2
Q

-otomy

A

Cutting into an organ or tissue, preceded by the name of the organ (lobotomy)

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3
Q

-ectomy

A

Surgery that removes an organ begins with the name of the organ and is
followed by –ectomy (appendectomy)

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4
Q

-oscopy

A

A small incision is made to allow access to internal organs (laparoscopy)

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5
Q

-ostomy

A

Creates a permanent opening or stoma (colostomy)

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6
Q

-oplasty

A

Reconstruction, cosmetic, or plastic sugery (rhinoplasty)

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7
Q

-rraphy

A

Repair of damaged or congenital abnormalities (herniorraphy)

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8
Q

Emergency surgeries

A

Emergency surgeries must be performed to preserve life, limb, or function.

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9
Q

Elective surgeries

A

Elective surgeries are not performed as a result of life-threatening
conditions or situations

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10
Q

Semi-elective surgeries

A

Semi-elective surgeries can be postponed, but are necessary to
prevent disability or death.

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11
Q

Therapeutic surgeries

A

Therapeutic surgeries treat a condition that has been diagnosed.

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12
Q

Exploratory surgeries

A

Exploratory surgeries are used to confirm a diagnosis.

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13
Q

How is cancer staged?

A

Stage I: Cancer is in its earliest, most treatable stage. It has not spread.
Stage II: Cancer has progressed, but is still contained to a specific location in the body.
Stage III: Cancer has spread to affect nearby tissues.
Stage IV: Cancer has spread to affect distant tissues and organs in the body. Treatment
is difficult.

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14
Q

-algia, alg(i)o-

A

pain (myalgia)

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15
Q

ankyl(o)-, ancyl(o)-

A

something crooked or bent (ankylosis)

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16
Q

arthro-

A

of or pertaining to the joints or limbs (arthritis)

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17
Q

-asthenia

A

weakness (myasthenia gravis)

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18
Q

blast(o)-

A

germ or bud (blastomere)

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19
Q

brady-

A

slow (bradycardia)

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20
Q

carcin(o)-

A

cancer (carcinogen)

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21
Q

-cidal, -cide

A

killing or destroying (suicide)

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22
Q

contra

A

against (contraindications)

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23
Q

-crine

A

to secrete (endocrine)

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24
Q

cyph-

A

bent (cyphosis)

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25
Q

cyt(o)-, -cyte

A

cell (cytokine, leukocyte)

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26
Q

de-

A

away from, cessation (debridement)

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27
Q

-dynia

A

pain (vulvodynia)

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28
Q

dys-

A

bad, difficult (dysphasia)

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29
Q

-emesis

A

vomiting condition (hematemesis)

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30
Q

hemat-, haemato-

A

of or pertaining to blood

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31
Q

hema- or hemo-

A

blood (hematology)

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32
Q

hepat-

A

of or pertaining to the liver (hepatitis)

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33
Q

hypo-

A

below normal (hypoglycemia)

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34
Q

hyper-

A

extreme or beyond normal (hyperactivity)

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35
Q

-iasis

A

condition (mydriasis)

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36
Q

-ics

A

organized treatment or knowledge (obstetrics)

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37
Q

-ism

A

condition or disease (dwarfism)

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38
Q

-itis

A

inflammation of (tonsillitis)

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39
Q

-lepsis or –lepsy

A

attack or seizure (epilepsy)

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40
Q

logist

A

someone who studies a particular field (oncologist)

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41
Q

-ology

A

the academic study or practice of a certain field (urology)

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42
Q

myc(o)-

A

fungus

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43
Q

narc(o)-

A

sleep or numb (narcolepsy)

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44
Q

necr(o)-

A

death (necrosis)

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45
Q

odyn(o)-

A

pain (stomatodynia)

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46
Q

-oma, -omata

A

tumor, mass, collection (sarcoma)

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47
Q

onco-

A

tumor, bulk, volume (oncology)

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48
Q

-osis

A

condition or disease (psychosis)

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49
Q

pachy-

A

thick (pachyderma)

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50
Q

para-

A

abnormal

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51
Q

patho-

A

disease (pathology)

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52
Q

-pathy

A

disease (neuropathy)

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53
Q

-penia

A

deficiency (osteopenia)

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54
Q

-pepsia

A

relating to the digestive tract (dyspepsia)

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55
Q

pharmaco-

A

medication, drug (pharmacology)

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56
Q

-phobia

A

exaggerated fear or sensitivity (arachnophobia)

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57
Q

-plasia

A

formation, development (dysplasia)

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58
Q

-plasty

A

surgical repair or reconstruction (rhinoplasty)

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59
Q

-plexy

A

stroke or seizure (cataplexy)

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60
Q

presby(o)-

A

old age (presbyopia)

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61
Q

psor-

A

itching (psoriasis)

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62
Q

pyo-

A

pus (pyometra)

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63
Q

pyro-

A

fever (antipyretic)

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64
Q

-ptosis

A

drooping, prolapse (nephroptosis)

65
Q

-rrhage

A

burst forth (hemorrhage)

66
Q

-rrhoea

A

discharge (diarrhea)

67
Q

scoli(o)-

A

twisted (scoliosis)

68
Q

-spadias

A

split or fissure (hypospadias)

69
Q

spasmo-

A

spasm (spasmodic)

70
Q

squam(o)-

A

scaly or full of scales (squamous cell)

71
Q

stenosis

A

abnormal narrowing of a blood vessel or tubular structure or organ (stenosis)

72
Q

tachy-

A

irregularly fast (tachycardia)

73
Q

-tension, -tensive

A

pressure (hypertension)

74
Q

tetan-

A

rigid, tense (tetanus)

75
Q

therap(o)-

A

treatment (hydrotherapy)

76
Q

thromb(o)-

A

clotting of blood (thrombosis)

77
Q

toxi-, toxo-, toxico-

A

poison (toxicity)

78
Q

ultra-

A

beyond, excessive

79
Q

varic(o)-

A

swollen or twisted vein (varicose)

80
Q

-y

A

condition or process (surgery)

81
Q

Medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis

A
  1. NSAIDs
  2. Steroids
  3. DMARDs (Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs)
  4. TNF-alpha inhibitors
  5. Immunosuppressants
82
Q

Medical terminology

Root word

A

The root word is typically
Greek or Latin in origin and describes a part of the body. It is usually unable to stand alone and
thereby needs a prefix or suffix to modify it. For example, nephros or renes are the root words
for the kidneys, but the root needs additional modifiers to make sense.

83
Q

Role of prefixes in medical terminology

A

The prefix is added to the front of the root word to give additional information about the body part it describes. It can include location, number of parts, or time involved.

84
Q

Role of suffixes in medical terminology

A

Suffixes are added to

the end of the word and provides additional meaning of the condition, procedure, or disease process.

85
Q

How to approach medical terms

A

The best approach is to look at the suffix first, then decode the
prefix, and finally decipher the root word.

86
Q

Categories of diagnostic tests

A

Non-invasive, minimally invasive, and invasive

87
Q

Non-invasive diagnostic tests

A

Non-invasive tests do not break the skin and do not result in contact with internal body cavities
beyond the natural body orifices.

88
Q

Minimally invasive diagnostic tests

A

Minimally invasive tests are less invasive than surgery, but
involve the use of medical devices like an endoscope or laparoscope. These procedures usually
require a cut in the skin or access to a body cavity or anatomical opening.

89
Q

Invasive diagnostic tests

A

Invasive tests are also

called open surgery and require penetration or cuts in the skin or entrance to a body cavity.

90
Q

Clinical exam

A

A clinical exam usually involves a check of pulse, blood pressure, height, weight, temperature,
respiration, and abdominal examination.

91
Q

Complete blood count

A

Components of the blood are measured, including red blood cell count,
white blood cell count, and platelets.

92
Q

Perioperative period

A

Refers to three phases of surgery: preoperative, intraoperative, and
postoperative

93
Q

-ectomy

A

Surgery that removes an organ begins with the name of the organ and is
followed by –ectomy (appendectomy)

94
Q

-otomy

A

Cutting into an organ or tissue, preceded by the name of the organ (lobotomy)

95
Q

-oscopy

A

A small incision is made to allow access to internal organs (laparoscopy)

96
Q

-ostomy

A

Creates a permanent opening or stoma (colostomy)

97
Q

-oplasty

A

Reconstruction, cosmetic, or plastic sugery (rhinoplasty)

98
Q

-rraphy

A

Repair of damaged or congenital abnormalities (herniorraphy)

99
Q

Therapeutic surgeries

A

Surgery to treat a condition that has been diagnosed

100
Q

Exploratory surgeries

A

Surgeries that are used to confirm a diagnosis.

101
Q

Percentage of deaths worldwide caused by the two top causes of death

A

48% of deaths caused by heart disease

21% of deaths caused by cancer

102
Q

General symptoms of cancer

A

Unexplained anemia, weight gain or loss, fever, night sweats, and pain, discomfort, or an unusual texture in a specific area.

More specific symptoms associated with particular forms can include hoarseness, skin changes, changes in bowel or bladder habits, and persistent indigestion

103
Q

Examples of diagnostic tests for cancer

A
Blood tests
Biopsy
X-rays
CT scan
PET scan
MRI
Ultrasound
104
Q

Treatment of cancer

A
  1. Surgery: Surgery is performed to remove the tumor. In cases where the
    tumor has metastasized or if the cancer is located in an area in which surgery would endanger the patient’s life, surgery is not feasible.
  2. Chemotherapy: Drugs are injected, usually intravenously, to kill cancer cells.
  3. Radiation therapy: High-powered beams target and kill cancer cells. Radiation
    treatment from outside the body is called external beam radiation
  4. Bone marrow transplant and peripheral blood stem cell transplants: Healthy stem
    cells, are collected either from the patient or a donor and injected into the body.
  5. Biological therapy: This kind of cancer treatment trains the body’s immune system to attack and eliminate cancer cells.
  6. Hormone therapy: Blockage of hormones used by hormone-dependent tumours
  7. Targeted drug therapy: These medications hone in on a tumor’s particular survival
    mechanism and target whatever abnormality is fueling growth.
  8. Clinical trials: These are studies to help find new treatments for cancer.
  9. Palliative care
105
Q

Brachytherapy

A

Radiation therapy placed inside the body

106
Q

external beam radiation

A

Radiation therapy from outside the body

107
Q

Which cells does HIV target?

A

T-cells, also called CD4 cells

108
Q

True or false. HIV only becomes contagious once a patient is symptomatic

A

False. HIV is transmissible even when a patient is asymptomatic

109
Q

What is usually the first sign of HIV infection?

A

Flu-like symptoms approximately 1 month after exposure that might disappear after 1 to 4 weeks

110
Q

Symptoms and complications that emerge as HIV progresses

A
  • Men and women may develop thrush
  • Women may develop severe vaginal yeast infections and/or PID
  • Shingles
  • A persistent, recurring fever
  • Night sweats
  • Fatigue unrelated to stress or lack of sleep
  • Feeling sick
  • Weight loss
  • Lymphadenopathy in the neck, underarms, or groin
111
Q

Symptoms of AIDS

A
Soaking night sweats
Cough
Shortness of breath
Headaches
Fever of 100 degrees for several weeks
Shaking chills
Swollen glands
Chronic diarrhea
Unusual lesions on the tongue
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Skin rashes
Weight loss
112
Q

Phases of HIV before AIDS

A
  1. Primary infection

2. Clinical latent infection (8 to 10 years)

113
Q

Clinical exam

A
  1. Pulse
  2. Blood pressure
  3. Height
  4. Weight
  5. Temperature
  6. Respiration
  7. Abdominal examination
114
Q

Risk factors for cancer

A
  1. Age
  2. Family history
  3. Lifestyle factors (diet, smoking, sexual practices)
  4. Environmental factors (exposures)
  5. Chronic inflammation
115
Q

Side effects of HAART therapy

A

nausea, rash, diarrhea,

and abnormal distribution of body fat.

116
Q

What does AIDS stand for?

A

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome

117
Q

Origin of HIV

A

HIV is believed to have originated through contact with African primates that were infected with an ancestor of the HIV virus

118
Q

What is a normal CD4 count?

A

Between 500 cells/mm3 to 1,000 cells/mm3

119
Q

When do patients become most susceptible to opportunistic infections? (CD4 count)

A

Below 350 cells/mm3

120
Q

When is a patient said to have progressed from HIV to AIDS?

A

When the CD4 count falls below 200 cells/mm3

121
Q

Primary HIV infection

A

When the virus enters and spreads throughout

the body. High viral load and extremely contagious

122
Q

Opportunistic infections along with AIDS

A

Tuberculosis: People in developing nations are especially vulnerable.
 Salmonellosis: Contracted through contaminated food or water
 Cytomegalovirus (CMV): A common herpes virus that is often dormant in the body
 Candidiasis: Causes inflammation of and a thick coating on the mouth, tongue,
esophagus, or vagina
 Cryptococcal meningitis: Caused by a fungus present in soil, bird or bat droppings
 Cryptosporidiosis: An intestinal parasite found in animals that is contracted through
contaminated food or water
 Kaposi sarcoma: Tumor of the blood vessel wall that can also affect internal organs
 Lymphoma: Cancer of lymphocytes
 Wasting syndrome: Weight loss of at least 10% of body weight accompanied by fever, diarrhea, and chronic weakness
 Neurological complications: Can include confusion, forgetfulness, and depression, but can also lead to AIDS dementia complex
 HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN): Filters in the kidneys that remove fluid and
wastes from the bloodstream are inflamed

123
Q

HIV treatment is especially important if one of these factors is present

A
Severe symptoms
 Pregnancy
 CD4 count under 500
 HIV-related kidney disease
 Hepatitis B
124
Q

Lupus triggers

A

Sunlight causes lupus skin lesions. Medications, such as blood
pressure medications or antibiotics, can trigger a flare of lupus. Infections can also bring on
symptoms of lupus.

125
Q

What demographics are most often affected by lupus?

A

Lupus affects women more than men and is usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 to 40.
Anyone can have lupus, but it is most common in those of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent.

126
Q

Most characteristic symptom of lupus

A

The butterfly-shaped rash that covers the cheeks and nose

127
Q

Symptoms of lupus

A
Symptoms vary depending on which body system is affected. Common symptoms 
include:
 Joint pain
 Stiff, swollen joints
 Fatigue
 Fever
 Skin lesions that worsen with exposure to the sun
 Raynaud phenomenon (fingers or toes turn white or blue when cold or in stressful 
situations) 
 Shortness of breath
 Dry eyes
 Chest pain
 Headaches
 Memory loss
 Confusion
128
Q

Complications of lupus

A
Pericarditis
Increased risk of heart disease or heart attacks
 Kidney damage
 Kidney failure
 Edema
 Hallucinations
 Strokes
 Seizures
 Anemia
 Vasculitis
 Infections, including urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, yeast infections, 
herpes, and shingles
 Cancer
 Avascular necrosis (death of bone tissue, particularly in the hip)
 Miscarriage
 Preeclampsia
 Preterm birth
129
Q

How is lupus diagnosed?

A

Lupus is a difficult condition to diagnose because of the individual nature of symptoms. No
single test exists to diagnose lupus. Rather, a combination of tests, signs, symptoms, and
physical exams are used to detect the disease

130
Q

Diagnostic tests for lupus

A
A complete blood count (CBC)
 Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
 Urinalysis
 Kidney and liver assessment
 Antinuclear antibody test (ANA)
 Chest x-ray
 Echocardiogram
131
Q

Extra testing after a lupus diagnosis

A

Once lupus has been diagnosed, a biopsy may be performed to determine if kidney damage has
occurred. The results of the biopsy can determine the best course of treatment.

132
Q

Medications commonly used to control lupus

A

NSAIDs: Used to treat pain, swelling, and fever
 Corticosteroids: Used to reduce inflammation
 Antimalarial drugs: Control lupus symptoms
 Immune suppressants: Reduce immune system responses

133
Q

Lifestyle measures to prevevnt lupus flares

A

Stress reduction
Adequate rest
 Protection against sun exposure
 Regular exercise
 Avoidance of smoking and second-hand smoke
 A healthy, balanced diet
Furthermore, DHEA, flaxseed, supplemental doses of vitamin D, and fish oil may stabilize symptoms and support areas affected by lupus.

134
Q

Scleroderma

A

Scleroderma is a rare, progressive condition that causes thickening, hardening, and tightening of the skin. It can harm the internal organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and digestive system.

A malfunction of the immune system appears to bring on scleroderma, leading to inflammation and the overproduction of collagen.

135
Q

Risk factors for scleroderma

A

Sex: women develop scleroderma at a rate four times higher than men.
Ethnicity: Those of African descent are more susceptible to the condition and are more likely to develop lung complications associated with the disease.
Family history: Scleroderma can run in families, but can also occur in
families without a history of the condition.
Environmental/medical history: Exposure to silica dust, some industrial solvents, and certain chemotherapy drugs increase the risk of developing scleroderma.

136
Q

Types of scleroderma

A

Localized and systematic. Localized scleroderma affects just
the skin. Systematic scleroderma affects the skin, blood vessels, and internal organs.

137
Q

General symptoms of scleroderma

A
  • Skin changes: Swollen fingers and hands, thickened skin patches, skin that appears shiny and tight, restricted movement of the affected area
  • Raynaud phenomenon: Numbness, pain, or color changes in the fingers or toes due
    constriction of the small blood vessels brought on by an exaggerated physical response to cold or emotional distress.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Acid reflux and nutrient deficiencies due to
    muscles not moving food through the intestines properly.
138
Q

rheumatoid arthritis

A

Rheumatoid arthritis is a consequence of the immune system attacking the lining of the
membrane that surrounds the joints, known as the synovium. The attack results in thickening of
the synovium, leading to inflammation within the joints. Eventually the cartilage and bone are
damaged or destroyed and the tendons and ligaments responsible for holding the joint together
stretch and weaken. The damage results in loss of shape and alignment in the afflicted joints.
Organs can also be affected.

139
Q

First presentation of localized scleroderma

A

Localized scleroderma may begin with Raynaud phenomenon before developing any other signs or symptoms

140
Q

Types of localized scleroderma presentation

A

Morphea and linear

141
Q

Morphea

A

A presenation of localised scleroderma. Oval shaped patches of thickened skim, morphea are white in the middle and
have a purple border. The patches can fade over 3-5 years, although the skin will be
darkened.

142
Q

Linear scleroderma

A

Appearing on one side of the body, streaks or bands of hardened
skin are visible on an arm, leg, or on the forehead. Linear scleroderma is most common
in children.

143
Q

Which type of scleroderma is most common in children?

A

Linear scleroderma

144
Q

Systemic scleroderma

A

Systematic scleroderma is categorized depending on what part of the body is affected. Skin
changes come on suddenly and worsen over the course of one to two years. Changes then level
off, subside, or resolve without treatment as the disease moves to the organs.

145
Q

Complications of scleroderma

A
Restricted blood flow
 Gangrene
 Amputation
 Reduced lung function
 Pulmonary hypertension
 Elevated blood pressure
 Protein in the urine
 Renal crisis
 Kidney failure
 Scarring of the heart tissue
 Arrhythmias
 Congestive heart failure
 Pericarditis
 Acid reflux
 Tooth decay
 Difficulty swallowing
 Bouts of constipation followed by diarrhea
 Erectile dysfunction
 Constriction of the vaginal opening
146
Q

Diagnosis of scleroderma

A

Blood tests are used to assess the level of antibodies produced by the immune system. Using a
modified Rodnan skin score (MRSS), 17 areas of the skin are palpated. The total skin score can
be used to predict the degree of fibrosis of the internal organs. Biopsies are analyzed for
abnormalities to determine if the condition is affecting the organs. Based on initial tests, more
tests may be ordered to look for effects on the lungs, heart, kidneys, or gastrointestinal tract.

147
Q

Treatment of scleroderma

A

Scleroderma sometimes resolves on its own without treatment. However, complications can
arise from untreated cases of scleroderma. While there is not cure for the condition, symptoms
can be controlled:
 Medications: Dilating blood vessels can treat Raynaud disease. Immune system
suppressing medications can also help.
 Therapy: Pain management, strength and mobility improving exercises can help.
Ultraviolet therapy can help with appearance of skin lesions, while laser surgery can
eliminate them.
 Surgery: Amputation may be necessary if ulcers have developed gangrene. Serious cases
of scleroderma may necessitate lung transplants.

148
Q

Risk factors or causes of rheumatoid arthritis

A

Genetics plays a role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. People with family members
who were afflicted with the condition are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Genes are
not solely responsible for the condition; certain environmental factors such as cigarette smoking
may lead to onset of the disease. Women develop rheumatoid arthritis more often than men,
most often beginning between ages 40-60.

149
Q

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

A

Rheumatoid arthritis usually begins in the smaller joints before progressing into large joints like
the knees, elbows, shoulders, or hips. Signs and symptoms may come and go with periods of
flares followed by periods of apparent remission. Symptoms usually occur in the same joint on
both sides of the body.
Rheumatoid arthritis has the following symptoms:
 Warm, swollen, tender joints
 Fever
 Morning stiffness that lasts more than an hour
 Rheumatoid nodules under the skin
 Fatigue
 Weight loss

150
Q

Complications of rheumatoid arthritis

A

Carpal tunnel syndrome: Inflammation in the wrists can lead to nerve compression of
the hand and fingers.
 Osteoporosis
 Inflammation of the blood vessels
 Lung disease: Rheumatoid arthritis can have inflammation and scarring in tissue of the
lungs.
 Heart problems: Hardened and blocked arteries or inflammation of the sac surrounding
the heart are associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

151
Q

Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis

A

No single test exists to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, the disease shares common traits
with other conditions so early diagnosis is often difficult. Blood tests can reveal elevated levels
of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) which signals inflammation within the body. Levels of
rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies are also determined
through blood tests.

152
Q

What test is used to track the progression of rheumatoid arthritis?

A

X-rays

153
Q

Can rheumatoid arthritis be cured?

A

Rheumatoid arthritis can be managed, but this condition cannot be cured

154
Q

What is the goal of medicine usage in rheumatoid arthritis?

A

Medications to

manage the pain and inflammation can slow joint damage

155
Q

Joint protection in rheumatoid arthritis

A

Occupational or physical therapy can help

protect the joints, while surgery is sometimes necessary if joints are severely damaged

156
Q

Medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis

A
 NSAIDs
 Steroids
 DMARDs (Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs)
 TNF-alpha inhibitors
 Immunosuppressants
157
Q

Surgical treatments for rheumatoid arthritis

A

Tendon repair
 Joint replacement
 Joint fusion

158
Q

Non-medical interventions for pain relief in rheumatoid arthritis

A

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can help manage the condition through application of heat
and cold during flares. Heat eases the pain and relaxes painful muscles while cold can numb or
alleviate pain and muscle spasms. Regular exercise is important for patients with rheumatoid
arthritis as it can strengthen the muscles around the joints.

159
Q

Dietary interventions for rheumatoid arthritis

A

Fish oil supplements are sometimes

prescribed to reduce the pain and stiffness associated with the disease.