Factors That Influence Disease

In clinical settings, some of the most common questions that
patients ask are Why do I have this? What caused this disorder? Will it
ever go away? These emotional questions can be difficult to ask and to
answer. However, for patients to come to terms with their diagnoses and
adhere to treatment plans, they must have an understanding of factors
that might have caused, or continue to impact, their disorders. As an
advanced practice nurse, it is important that you are able to explain
disorders, associated alterations and symptoms, and changes that might
occur within your patients’ bodies.

To Prepare

• Review this week’s media presentation with Dr. Terry
  Buttaro. Reflect on the importance of developing an in-depth
  understanding of pathophysiology.
• Select a disorder from the following list:
  • Adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease)
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Cholelithiasis (gallstones)
  • Colon cancer
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Hemophilia
  • Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)
  • Osteoporosis
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Tuberculosis
• Select one of the following patient factors: genetics,
  gender, ethnicity, age, or behavior. Reflect on how that factor might
  impact your selected disorder, as well as potential associated
  alterations and symptoms.
• Identify the pathophysiology of the associated
  alterations, including the normal and altered cellular function.
  Consider both intra- and extra-cellular changes that occur.

By Day 3

Post a brief description of a patient
scenario involving the disorder and the factor you selected. Explain how
the factor might impact your selected disorder, as well as potential
associated alterations and symptoms. Finally, explain the
pathophysiology of the associated alterations, including changes in
cellular function.

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