Chapter 1 Introduction to Disease

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 1 Pathology at First Glance Homeostasis: internal stability of the body Pathology: abnormal condition causing measurable changes in structure and function Pathogenesis: development of disease in stages

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 2 Pathology at First Glance (cont’d.) Syndrome: Defined collection of signs and symptoms that characterize a condition Diagnosis: Use of scientific or clinical methods to determine nature of the disease. Basis for treatment based on exam, signs, symptoms. history, lab data, diagnostic tests. to determine nature of the disease. Basis for treatment based on exam, signs, symptoms. history, lab data, diagnostic tests. Prognosis: Predicted course and outcome.

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 3 Describing Disease Signs  Abnormal objective findings  Examples: redness, swelling, purulent discharge, fever, pulse, pallor. Symptoms  Subjective patient reports  Examples: difficulty swallowing, pain, fatigue, headache, dizziness, itching.

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 4 Describing Disease (cont) Acute Illness  onset is usually abrupt  symptoms present themselves over hours to days  duration brief (<6 months) Chronic Illness  onset is slower  symptoms persist from acute/subacute phases  duration indefinite (> 6 months)

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 5 Disease  Remission: Signs and symptoms subside.  Exacerbation: Signs and symptoms recur in all severity during this period.  Relapse: Occurs when a disease returns weeks or months after its apparent cessation.  Complication: Disease or other abnormal state developing when a person already suffers from another disease.

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 6 Causes of Disease o Etiology: Cause of a disease. o Idiopathic: The cause of the disease is not known.

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 7 Risk factors  Predisposing Factors  age  gender  lifestyle  environment  heredity  Non-changeable predisposing factors  age  gender  heredity

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 8 Risk factors (cont)  Changeable predisposing factors  Lifestyle physical abuse and violence physical abuse and violence poor nutrition poor nutrition tobacco, drugs, and alcohol tobacco, drugs, and alcohol  Environment air and water pollution air and water pollution chronic stress chronic stress

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 9 More Diagnosis Info  Diagnosis of Disease  medical history  physical exam  laboratory tests (blood count, chemistry, etc.)  imaging tests (MRI, CT, X-ray, ultrasound, etc.)  biopsy  miscellaneous tests (pulmonary function, cultures, etc.)

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 10 Patient Teaching  Goals of patient teaching  facilitate patient compliance with the medical treatment plan  clarify information and instructions  foster patient independence and responsibility  establish trusting, therapeutic relationship

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 11 Patient Teaching (cont’d.)  Additional reasons for patient teaching  ease anxiety  facilitate greater sense of patient control  improve patient/family coping  highlight goals for recovery or acceptance  reduce unnecessary clinic visits and hospitalizations