Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Unit 6 Classification of Disease

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Objectives Spell and define terms. Define disease and list some possible causes. Distinguish between signs and symptoms. List six major health problems.

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Objectives Identify disease-related terms. List ways in which a diagnosis is made. Describe malignant and benign tumors.

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Introduction Nurses value your observations –They are used to make evaluations and plan nursing care for patients The better you understand the basic principles of disease, the more accurate the information you can provide.

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Disease The body is a complex chemical factory –Depends on all of its parts to perform efficiently It is subject to external and internal forces –Stress that can threaten its ability to function properly

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Disease Predisposing factors to disease are general conditions –Malnutrition may contribute to the development of illness –Some diseases have related risk factors

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Disease Risk factors –Specific behaviors or conditions that tend to promote certain diseases

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Signs and Symptoms Signs of a disease –Can be seen by others Symptoms –Felt by the patient

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. The Course of Disease Development and course of different illnesses vary greatly –Acute disease develops suddenly –Progresses rapidly –Lasts for a predictable period –The patient recovers or dies

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. The Course of Disease With a chronic disease –Periods when the patient experiences the signs and symptoms –Periods when evidence of the disease is less pronounced or disappears altogether

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Complications A complication makes the original condition more serious

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Major Conditions Some of the major conditions or illnesses that can affect the body’s ability to function are: –Ischemia –Congenital abnormalities –Infection –Inflammation

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Major Conditions Some of the major conditions or illnesses that can affect the body’s ability to function are: –Obstruction –Trauma –Neoplasm

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Diagnosis Medical diagnosis –Made by the physician –Patient is examined –History of previous illness is taken and reviewed –Various laboratory and diagnostic tests are performed

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Diagnosis Physician compiles the information –Matches it to possible diseases –Names process to establish the medical diagnosis

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Diagnostic Studies Laboratory tests and diagnostic studies –Give physician valuable information for naming the disease process and planning the proper treatment for the patient

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Diagnostic Studies Protocols –Standards of procedure and care developed for the preparation and care of the patient for each test or study

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Diagnostic Studies Protocols –Follow to achieve satisfactory results – Improper patient preparation can result in: Inability to perform the test Inaccurate test results Delayed diagnosis Increased costs Increased patient anxiety Slower recovery

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Noninvasive Tests Some tests and studies are noninvasive –Ultrasound –Thermography –X-ray and fluoroscopy –Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) –Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) –Electroencephalogram (EEG) –Electromyogram (EMG)

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Invasive Tests Some tests and studies are invasive –Direct visualization procedures –Dye studies –Cardiac catheterization

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Other Techniques Chemical and microscopic studies –Examine samples of various body tissues and secretions

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Other Techniques The most common samples are: –Blood –Urine –Sputum from the lungs –Cultures from infected tissues –Gastric secretions –Feces

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Therapy Once a diagnosis is confirmed, appropriate therapy is determined Four basic approaches to therapy: –Surgery –Chemotherapy –Radiation –Supportive care

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Neoplasms Tumors can affect almost any organ of the body Tumor cells do not follow the normal laws of growth and reproduction –May not stay within the normal boundaries

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Neoplasms Excess numbers of cells and abnormal cells crowd out the normal cells and compete with them for nutrients.

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Types of Tumors Different types of tumors –More common among certain groups of people Children have more tumors of the nervous system, urinary system, and hematopoietic system.

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Types of Tumors Adults have more tumors of the reproductive organs, lungs, and colon. Two major types of tumors are classified as benign or malignant.

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Early Detection Early detection of cancer can often result in a cure. The sooner the cancer is found, the higher the rate of its cure. Pain is usually a late symptom.

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Body Defenses The body has a natural line of defenses against disease –Inflammation –Unbroken skin –Mucus

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Inflammation Body’s natural defenses Signs and symptoms of acute inflammation: –Redness –Swelling –Heat –Loss of function –Pain

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Immune Response Immune response –Protects the body against specific infections by producing special chemicals called antibodies

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Immune Response A vaccine may be given before exposure to a disease The body can then produce antibodies before actual exposure occurs