Altered Physiology

Learning Objectives

Students will:

· Evaluate cellular processes and alterations within cellular processes

· Analyze alterations in the immune system that result in disease processes

· Identify racial/ethnic variables that may impact physiological functioning

· Evaluate the impact of patient characteristics on disorders and altered physiology

Module 1 Assignment: Case Study Analysis

An understanding of cells and cell behavior is a critically important component of disease diagnosis and treatment. But some diseases can be complex in nature, with a variety of factors and circumstances impacting their emergence and severity.

Effective disease analysis often requires an understanding that goes beyond isolated cell behavior. Genes, the environments in which cell processes operate, the impact of patient characteristics, and racial and ethnic variables all can have an important impact.

An understanding of the signals and symptoms of alterations in cellular processes is a critical step in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. For APRNs, this understanding can also help educate patients and guide them through their treatment plans.

In this Assignment, you examine a case study and analyze the symptoms presented. You identify cell, gene, and/or process elements that may be factors in the diagnosis, and you explain the implications to patient health.

To prepare:

CASE STUDY

Scenario 2: A 42-year-old man comes to clinic with chief complaint of pain, redness, and swelling of his right calf. He states that he had been working in his yard using a string trimmer when the trimmer slipped and cut his leg. He cleaned the wound with water from the garden hose and covered the wound with a large Band-Aid. Several days later, he developed fever to 100.6˚ F and chills and noticed that his leg was swollen and red. He comes to the emergency department for definitive care.

The Assignment (1-2-page case study analysis)

· Explain why you think the patient presented the symptoms described.

· Identify the genes that may be associated with the development of the disease.

· Explain the process of immunosuppression and the effect it has on body systems.

READING RESOURCES

McCance, K. L. & Huether, S. E. (2019).
Pathophysiology: The biologic basis for disease in adults and children (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby/Elsevier.

·  Chapter 1: Cellular Biology; Summary Review

·  Chapter 2: Altered Cellular and Tissue Biology: Environmental Agents(pp. 46-61; begin again with Manifestations of Cellular Injury pp. 83-97); Summary Review

· Chapter 3: The Cellular Environment: Fluids and Electrolytes, Acids, and Bases,

· Chap