Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Gout
Pathophysiology: Gout is a joint disorder. Uric acid crystals form from the body breaking down purines and high levels are then in the blood. These crystals will then accumulate in the joints, causing inflammation and pain. Overview Joint disorder caused by buildup of uric acid crystals in the body Nursing Points General Pathophysiology: Gout is […]
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Pathophysiology: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks joints, tissues, and organs causing joint inflammation. This attack can injure the joints and organs. hysiology: Overview Chronic and systemic autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the joints Nursing Points General Leads to weakened joints, dislocation and deformity Assessment Inflammation of the […]
Lymphoma
Overview Cancer of the lymphatic system affecting lymphocytes Impairs immune response Nursing Points General Classified by Type Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Presence of Reed-Sternberg cells Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Absence of Reed-Sternberg cells 90% of Lymphomas Tumors may form in/around the lymph nodes Lymphocytes affected – can travel/metastasize through lymphatic system Assessment Painless swelling of lymph nodes Persistent fatigue […]
Leukemia
Overview Proliferation of abnormal, undeveloped WBCs Unable to function in infection control / immunity Diagnosed by blood tests and bone marrow biopsy Nursing Points General Characterized by type of WBC affected Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) 2-4 years of age Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) 50-70 years of age Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) Peak at 60 years […]
Thrombocytopenia
Pathophysiology: This can occur for either unknown reasons or autoimmune. Platelets are destroyed by the body (autoimmune) or are decreased for unknown reasons. Overview Decrease in circulating platelets (<100,000/mL) Often far less before treatment (<40,000/mL) Nursing Points General Causes Decreased production Aplastic Anemia Increased destruction Autoimmune Disorders Medication induced Heparin-Induced Assessment Abnormal Labs ↓ Platelet […]
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
Pathophysiology: With DIC there is an overactivation in the clotting cascade. The body clots and bleeds, clots, and bleeds and eventually there are not enough clots left and severe bleeding occurs. Overview Also known as “Consumption Coagulopathy” Widespread activation of the clotting cascade Results in the formation of blood clots in small blood vessels systemically […]
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Sickle Cell Anemia
Pathophysiology: A mutation in causes the red blood cells to form in a sickle shape. The sickle cell shape does not travel the way it should throughout the body. Overview Hereditary disorder that primarily affects African Americans by recessive trait Nursing Points General Genetic mutation leads to rigid, misshapen RBCs Affects the hemoglobin’s ability to […]
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Anemia
Pathophysiology: Anemia is when there is a low red blood cell (RBC) count. This is caused by blood loss, a decrease in red blood cell (RBC) production or increased RBC destruction. Overview ↓ Amount of RBCs or hemoglobin in blood ↓ Capacity of blood to carry oxygen Nursing Points General Types Iron-Deficiency Inadequate iron supply […]
Integumentary (Skin) Important Points
Overview There are various skin disorders or conditions you need to be aware of in addition to those in other lessons. Nursing Points General Detailed skin assessments should be done with EVERY head-to-toe assessment Remove gown Remove socks Pull back blankets Look between toes and in skin folds Assessment Petechiae Small red spots that do […]
Skin Cancer
Overview Abnormal cell growth in dermis and/or epidermis Most often caused by excessive exposure to UV rays Nursing Points General Types Basal Cell Carcinoma Most common Squamous Cell Carcinoma Usually open ulcers Melanoma Most deadly Most likely to metastasize Assessment Irregular Mole Asymmetry Borders (Irregular) Color (variegated – changes color) Diameter (>6 mm – pencil […]