Disease Pathophysiology
Choose a disease or diagnosis from the following list:
a) Type I Diabetes. b) Type II Diabetes. c) Hypovolemic Shock. d) Cardiogenic Shock
e) Septic Shock. f) Surgical site infection. g) Stage 3 pressure injury. h) Lupus
i) Rheumatoid arthritis. j) Anaphylaxis. k) HIV/AIDS. l) Cancer (any type)
Required elements:
a) Provide a description, in your own words, of the pathophysiology of the disease
b) Risk factors contributing to the development of the disease
c) Signs and symptoms – with description of why these would be found (a total of 6; be
sure to include subjective and objective data)
d) Diagnostics – 2 ways the disease may be diagnosed, including a brief description of the significance of the findings
e) Nursing diagnoses – at least 3 relevant nursing diagnoses, properly phrased
f) Treatment – at least 2 medical treatments, including some discussion of how this
treatment works
Sample Solution
Disease: Septic Shock
Definition: Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when sepsis leads to dangerously low blood pressure and organ dysfunction. Sepsis is a serious infection that causes inflammation throughout the body.
Pathophysiology: Septic shock is caused by a complex interaction between the body's immune system and the bacteria or other infectious organisms that cause the infection. When the body is infected, it releases white blood cells and other immune cells to fight the infection. These cells produce inflammatory chemicals, which help to kill the infection but can also damage healthy tissues.
Full Answer Section
In sepsis, the inflammatory response becomes so severe that it begins to damage the body's organs. This can lead to organ failure, including heart failure, kidney failure, and respiratory failure. Septic shock occurs when the inflammation causes the blood vessels to dilate (widen), which leads to a drop in blood pressure. This drop in blood pressure can reduce the amount of oxygen and nutrients that are delivered to the body's organs, which can further damage the organs and lead to death. Risk factors: The following factors increase the risk of developing septic shock:- Age: Septic shock is more common in older adults and infants.
- Underlying medical conditions: People with certain underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, and HIV/AIDS, are at increased risk of developing septic shock.
- Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems, such as those who have recently had surgery or who are receiving chemotherapy, are at increased risk of developing septic shock.
- Infection: Any type of infection can lead to septic shock, but the most common infections that lead to septic shock are pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and bloodstream infections.
- Subjective data:
- Fever
- Chills
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Muscle aches
- Weakness
- Objective data:
- Rapid heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Decreased urine output
- Confusion
- Warm skin
- Flushed skin
- Organ failure