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
g) Nursing interventions – at least 4 nursing interventions, including some discussion of the goals and outcomes of these interventions
Full Answer Section
DNA is the genetic material that contains the instructions for building and maintaining cells. When DNA is damaged, cells can grow and divide uncontrollably. This can lead to the formation of tumors.
Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body and are usually not life-threatening. Malignant tumors can spread to other parts of the body and can be life-threatening.
Cancer cells can damage healthy tissues and organs in a number of ways. They can compete with healthy cells for nutrients and oxygen. They can also release toxins that can damage healthy cells. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
Risk factors
The risk factors for cancer vary depending on the type of cancer. However, some common risk factors for cancer include:
- Age: The risk of developing cancer increases with age.
- Family history: People with a family history of cancer are at increased risk of developing cancer themselves.
- Genetics: Some people have inherited genetic mutations that increase their risk of developing cancer.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity are all lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of developing cancer.
- Environmental exposure: Exposure to carcinogens, such as asbestos, radiation, and certain chemicals, can increase the risk of developing cancer.
Symptoms
The symptoms of cancer can vary depending on the type of cancer and the location of the tumor. However, some common symptoms of cancer include:
- Unintended weight loss or gain.
-
-
- Night sweats.
-
- Changes in skin texture or color.
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits.
- Unusual bleeding or discharge.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Lumps or masses in the breast or other parts of the body.
Diagnosis
Cancer is diagnosed through a variety of tests, such as physical examinations, blood tests, imaging tests, and biopsies.
Treatment
The treatment for cancer depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, and the patient's overall health. Some common cancer treatments include:
- Surgery: Surgery is often used to remove tumors.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific molecules that are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer.
Prevention
There are a number of things that people can do to reduce their risk of developing cancer, such as:
- Quitting smoking.
- Limiting alcohol consumption.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Eating a healthy diet.
- Exercising regularly.
- Protecting themselves from the sun.
- Getting regular cancer screenings.
Conclusion
Cancer is a serious disease, but it is important to remember that it is treatable. With early diagnosis and treatment, many people with cancer can go into remission and live long and healthy lives.
Sample Answer
Cancer is a disease that occurs when cells grow and divide uncontrollably. It can start in any part of the body and can spread to other parts of the body. There are many different types of cancer, each with its own unique cause and treatment.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of cancer is complex and not fully understood. However, it is known that cancer is caused by changes in DNA. These changes can happen for a variety of reasons, including genetic mutations, exposure to carcinogens, and lifestyle factors.