Pathology

Q 1: Disease processes (Please use references (APA, 7th ed).
Case Study: Ms. A, age 35, was given a Pap test during a routine medical checkup. The test showed marked dysplasia of cervical cells but no sign of infection.
i. Discuss the purposes and uses of diagnostic testing and how it applies in this scenario.
ii. How does the following terms might apply to this scenario: prognosis, latent stage, remission, exacerbations, predisposing factors. (See The Language of Pathophysiology -terms frequently used.)
iii. Compare and contrast the various types of common cellular adaptations, focusing on dysplasia and the testing for this condition. (See Terms Used for Common Cellular Adaptations.)

Q 2: Inflammation and Healing (Please use references (APA, 7th ed).
Discuss the inflammatory process that occurs during infection.

Q 3: Genetics (Please use references APA, 7th ed).
Describe common diagnostic testing utilized in the diagnosis of genetic disorders.

Q 4: Fluid and Electrolyte Balance (Please use references (APA, 7th ed).
Case Study B Diarrhea
Baby C. 3 months old, has had severe watery diarrhea accompanied by fever for 24 hours. She is apathetic and responds weakly to stimulation. The condition has been diagnosed as viral gastroenteritis.
i. List the major losses resulting from diarrhea and fever.
ii. List other signs or data that would provide helpful information.
iii. Explain several reasons why infants become dehydrated very quickly.

Full Answer Section

   
  1. Terms that might apply to this scenario
  • Prognosis:The prognosis for marked dysplasia of cervical cells is good. With early detection and treatment, most women with marked dysplasia of cervical cells will not develop cervical cancer.
  • Latent stage:Marked dysplasia of cervical cells is not considered to be a latent stage of cancer. Latent cancer is cancer that is present in the body but is not causing any symptoms or signs.
  • Remission:Remission is a period when a disease is not detectable or is under control. Marked dysplasia of cervical cells is not considered to be in remission until the cells have returned to normal.
  • Exacerbations:Exacerbations are episodes of worsening symptoms or signs. Marked dysplasia of cervical cells can progress to cervical cancer, so it is important for women with marked dysplasia of cervical cells to have regular Pap tests and other follow-up care.
  • Predisposing factors:Predisposing factors are factors that increase a person's risk of developing a disease. Predisposing factors for marked dysplasia of cervical cells include:
    • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
    • Early age of first sexual intercourse
    • Multiple sexual partners
    • Smoking
    • Weakened immune system

iii. Comparison of cellular adaptations

Cellular adaptations are changes in the size, shape, or number of cells in response to changes in the environment. Common cellular adaptations include:

  • Atrophy:A decrease in the size of cells or tissues.
  • Hypertrophy:An increase in the size of cells or tissues.
  • Hyperplasia:An increase in the number of cells.
  • Dysplasia:Abnormal development of cells.

Dysplasia is a precancerous condition, meaning that the cells are abnormal but have not yet become cancerous. Dysplasia can occur in any type of cell in the body, but it is most common in the cervix, uterus, and colon.

Pap tests are used to screen for dysplasia of the cervix. Pap tests collect cells from the cervix and check them for abnormalities. If a Pap test shows abnormal cells, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of dysplasia.

Inflammation and Healing

Inflammation is a complex biological process that occurs in response to injury, infection, or other stressors. Inflammation is characterized by four cardinal signs: redness, heat, swelling, and pain.

The inflammatory process involves a number of different cell types, including neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes. These cells release a variety of chemical mediators, such as cytokines, chemokines, and histamine. These chemical mediators promote the recruitment of additional immune cells to the site of inflammation and activate a variety of cellular and molecular responses.

The inflammatory process is essential for healing. Inflammation helps to clear away damaged cells and debris, promote tissue repair, and protect the body from infection.

Steps in the inflammatory process

The inflammatory process can be divided into four main steps:

  1. Vascular response:The first step in the inflammatory process is the vascular response. This involves the dilation of blood vessels and increased blood flow to the site of injury. This increased blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to the site of injury and helps to remove damaged cells and debris.
  2. Cellular response:The second step in the inflammatory process is the cellular response. This involves the recruitment of neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes to the site of injury. These cells release a variety of chemical mediators that promote inflammation.
  3. Humoral response:The humoral response is the third step in the inflammatory process. This involves the activation of the complement system and the production of antibodies. The complement system is a group of proteins that help to kill bacteria and promote inflammation. Antibodies are proteins that bind to specific antigens and help to mark them for destruction.
  4. Resolution phase:The resolution phase is the fourth and final step in the inflammatory process. This involves the removal of inflammatory cells and mediators from the site of injury and the repair of damaged tissues.

Inflammation during infection

Inflammation is an important part of the immune response to infection. Inflammation helps to clear away infected cells and protect the body from the spread of infection.

The inflammatory response to infection is initiated by the recognition

 

Sample Answer

   

i. Diagnostic testing

Diagnostic testing is a group of medical procedures used to identify the cause of a patient's symptoms or signs. Diagnostic testing can be used to screen for diseases, diagnose diseases, and monitor the progression of diseases.

In the scenario described, the Pap test is a diagnostic test used to screen for cervical cancer. The Pap test collects cells from the cervix and checks them for abnormalities. Marked dysplasia of cervical cells is a precancerous condition, meaning that the cells are abnormal but have not yet become cancerous.