An understanding of cells and cell behavior

An understanding of cells and cell behavior is a critically important component of disease diagnosis and treatment. But some diseases can be complex in nature, with a variety of factors and circumstances impacting their emergence and severity.

Effective disease analysis often requires an understanding that goes beyond isolated cell behavior. Genes, the environments in which cell processes operate, the impact of patient characteristics, and racial and ethnic variables all can have an important impact.

An understanding of the signals and symptoms of alterations in cellular processes is a critical step in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. For APRNs, this understanding can also help educate patients and guide them through their treatment plans.

In this Assignment, you examine a case study and analyze the symptoms presented. You identify cell, gene, and/or process elements that may be factors in the diagnosis, and you explain the implications to patient health.

The Assignment

Develop a 1- to 2-page case study analysis in which you:

Explain why you think the patient presented the symptoms described.
Identify the genes that may be associated with the development of the disease.
Explain the process of immunosuppression and the effect it has on body systems.

Case study:

A 49-year-old patient with rheumatoid arthritis comes into the clinic with a chief complaint of a fever. Patient’s current medications include atorvastatin 40 mg at night, methotrexate 10 mg po every Friday morning and prednisone 5 mg po qam. He states that he has had a fever up to 101 degrees F for about a week and admits to chills and sweats. He says he has had more fatigue than usual and reports some chest pain associated with coughing. He admits to having occasional episodes of hemoptysis. He works as a grain inspector at a large farm cooperative. After extensive work-up, the patient was diagnosed with Invasive aspergillosis.

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Sample Answer

 

 

Patient: A 35-year-old woman presents to her doctor with a two-week history of fatigue, shortness of breath, and weight loss. She also reports having a non-productive cough.

Physical Examination: The patient is afebrile and has a respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute. Her lungs are clear to auscultation. Her heart rate is 100 beats per minute and her blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg.

Laboratory Tests: The patient’s white blood cell count is normal. Her hemoglobin and hematocrit are decreased. Her chest X-ray shows diffuse interstitial infiltrates.

Full Answer Section

 

 

Diagnosis: The patient is diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). IPF is a chronic, progressive lung disease that causes scarring of the lungs. It is a leading cause of death in people with lung disease.

Pathogenesis: The exact cause of IPF is unknown. However, it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors that have been linked to IPF include mutations in the genes SERPINA1, PIK3CA, and TGFBR2. Environmental factors that have been linked to IPF include smoking, exposure to asbestos, and exposure to air pollution.

Symptoms: The symptoms of IPF can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include:

  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough
  • Weight loss
  • Chest pain
  • Clubbing of the fingers

Treatment: There is no cure for IPF. Treatment is aimed at managing the symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. Treatment options include:

  • Oxygen therapy
  • Lung transplantation
  • Medications to reduce inflammation and scarring
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation

Prognosis: The prognosis for patients with IPF is poor. The average survival time after diagnosis is 5-7 years. However, some patients may live for many years with the disease.

In this case study, the patient presented with the symptoms of IPF, which are fatigue, shortness of breath, weight loss, and a non-productive cough. Her physical examination and laboratory tests confirmed the diagnosis of IPF. The patient’s chest X-ray showed diffuse interstitial infiltrates, which are characteristic of IPF.

The pathogenesis of IPF is not fully understood, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors that have been linked to IPF include mutations in the genes SERPINA1, PIK3CA, and TGFBR2. Environmental factors that have been linked to IPF include smoking, exposure to asbestos, and exposure to air pollution.

The symptoms of IPF can vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms are fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, weight loss, chest pain, and clubbing of the fingers.

There is no cure for IPF, but treatment is available to help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Treatment options include oxygen therapy, lung transplantation, medications to reduce inflammation and scarring, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

The prognosis for patients with IPF is poor, but some patients may live for many years with the disease.

In this case study, the patient’s symptoms are consistent with the diagnosis of IPF. The patient’s genetic testing is pending, but it is likely that she has a genetic mutation that contributes to her disease. The patient’s prognosis is guarded, but she may be able to live for many years with the disease with appropriate treatment.

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