Assignment: Understanding of Pathophysiology

Assignment: Understanding of Pathophysiology

Assignment: Understanding of Pathophysiology

Factors That Influence Disease In clinical settings, some of the most common questions that patients ask are Why do I have this? What caused this disorder? Will it ever go away? These emotional questions can be difficult to ask and to answer. However, for patients to come to terms with their diagnoses and adhere to treatment plans, they must have an understanding of factors that might have caused, or continue to impact, their disorders. As an advanced practice nurse, it is important that you are able to explain disorders, associated alterations and symptoms, and changes that might occur within your patients’ bodies. To prepare: Review this week’s media presentation with Dr. Terry Buttaro. Reflect on the importance of developing an in-depth understanding of pathophysiology. Select a disorder from the following list: Adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) Atherosclerosis Cholelithiasis (gallstones) Colon cancer Cystic fibrosis Hemophilia Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) Osteoporosis Parkinson’s disease Tuberculosis Select one of the following patient factors: genetics, gender, ethnicity, age, or behavior. Reflect on how that factor might impact your selected disorder, as well as potential associated alterations and symptoms. Identify the pathophysiology of the associated alterations, including the normal and altered cellular function. Consider both intra- and extra-cellular changes that occur. By Day 3 Post a brief description of a patient scenario involving the disorder and the factor you selected. Explain how the factor might impact your selected disorder, as well as potential associated alterations and symptoms. Finally, explain the pathophysiology of the associated alterations, including changes in cellular function.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, pathophysiology is the study of “the abnormal physiological processes that cause or are associated with disease or injury.” A course in pathophysiology is an important part of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), as it is crucial to RNs who want to be successful members of any clinical team.

Allnurses.com points out that pathophysiology courses are a complement to anatomy and physiology classes. Anatomy and physiology show the processes of the body and its systems in a healthy state. Pathophysiology, by contrast, shows how the body and its systems work when disease or injury occurs. Nursing education like an , helps nurses better understand the disease and injury process — and how to treat their patients.