NR283 Worksheet 1

Worksheet 1 NR283 Worksheet 1 Questions: 1. Define Pathophysiology. • The study of diseases; what is taking place (or what happens) when things go wrong; it builds on anatomy. 2. Define Diagnosis, Cause, Predisposing factors, and Pathogenesis. • Diagnosis  Refers to the identification of a specific disease through the evaluation of signs and symptoms, laboratory tests (see inside cover and Ready Reference 5 in the Appendix). • Causes  The causative factors of a disease. Some agents include congenital defects, inherited or genetic disorders, microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria, immunologic dysfunction, metabolic derangements, degenerative changes, malignancy, burns or other trauma, environmental factors, and nutritional deficiencies. o Idiopathic  When the cause of a disease is unknown. o Iatrogenic  When a treatment, a procedure, or an error causes a disease.  Examples: A bladder infection following catheterization, or bone marrow damage caused by a prescribed drug. • Predisposing factors  A condition that triggers the onset or exacerbation of a disease. • Pathogenesis  The early stages in the development of a disease or the sequence of events involved in the tissue changes related to the specific disease process. 3. Define Acute Disease, Chronic Disease, Incubation Period, Prodromal Period, Manifestations, Convalescence, Prognosis and Remission. • Acute Disease  A short-term illness that develops very quickly with marked signs like a high fever or sever pain. o Example: Acute appendicitis • Chronic Disease  A milder condition developing gradually, but persists for a long time and usually causes more permanent tissue damage. It is marked by intermittent acute episodes. o Example: Rheumatoid arthritis • Incubation Period  The time between the initial exposure to the infectious agent and the appearance of the first signs of infection. • Prodromal Period  The initial period in the development of a disease before acute symptoms occur; when a person is aware of a change in their body, but the signs are nonspecific; laboratory tests are negative during this period, thus making it difficult to confirm a diagnosis. o Example: Fatigue, loss of appetite, or headache. • Manifestations  The clinical evidence or effects and the signs and symptoms of a disease. o Example: Redness and swelling, which can be local or found at the site of the problem. • Convalescence (Rehabilitation)  The period of recovery and return to the normal healthy state; it may last for several days or several months.