Study tool Patho

mrsa

a cause of staph infection difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance

S&S: wound; painful, reddened, swollen, and warm to touch

lungs; pneumonia, systemic symptoms (fever, vomiting)

Dx: rapid blood test

Tx: antibiotics, draining of sore

malaria

a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite

S&S: fever, shaking, chills, headache, muscle aches, n/v/d, anemia, jaundice

Dx: blood smear indicating presence of parasites, rapid malaria antigen test

Tx: antimalaria Rxs

staph infection

infection caused by bacteria commonly found on the skin or in the nose

S&S: boils, oozing blisters, n/v/d, puss

Dx: revising cultures of tissue, nasal secretions

Tx: drainage of infection, antibiotics

active immunity

the immunity that results from the production of antibodies by the immune system in response to the presence of an antigen

occurs after having a disease

passive immunity

An individual does not produce his or her own antibodies, but rather receives them directly from another source, such as mother to infant through breast milk or receiving vaccinations

benign tumors

tumor remains localized as a discrete mass

there may be an excessive growth of cells but may also grow slowly and is rarely fatal

tumor is encapsulated and does not infiltrate surrounding tissue and rarely recurs after tumorectomy

malignant tumors

an invasive tumor that grows rapidly where it sometimes becomes anaplastic (loss of cell definition and function)

may metastasize through the blood or lymph.

tumor cells are abnormal being distorted in size, shape, and structure

delay in treatment may result in death - cancer

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

a malignant cancer that starts in the lymphocytes; includes any type of lymphoma except Hodgkin's lymphoma

process of metastasis

to metastasize is for abnormal cells to spread through the circulatory system

cancer cells break away from the original tumor where they then travel through the blood or lymph system forming a new tumor in other organs or tissues of the body

newly formed tumor(s) is the same cancer type as primary tumor

near drowning

person will aspirate fluid or may have airway obstructed caused by a spasm of the larynx when gasping underwater resulting in hypoxemia (insufficient oxygenation of the arterial blood)

minutes or days after the occurrence, person may experience respiratory distress

Tx: CPR

asphyxiation

lack of oxygen coupled with accumulating carbon dioxide in the bloody which may result from carbon monoxide poisoning, near drowning, hyperventilation, airway obstruction, or inhalation of toxic fumes.

Tx: removal of any obstruction, CPR, oxygenation, and intubation

allergies

a damaging immune response by the body to a substance, especially pollen, fur, a particular food, or dust, to which it has become hypersensitive

S&S: chill, n/v, pain, anaphylaxis, CHF, hypotension, shock, nasal congestion, itching, sneezing

Dx: blood and lab tests to confirm type + severity of Ax reaction

Tx: Rx, immunotherapy

closed simple fracture

a break in the bone with no external wound to the skin

open or compound fracture

break that pierces skin

simple fracture

bone is broken cleanly; the ends do not penetrate the skin

comminuted fracture

fracture in which the bone is splintered or crushed

impacted fracture

broken bone ends are forced into each other

incomplete partial fracture

fraction line does not include the whole bone (stress fracture)

greenstick fracture

bending and incomplete break of a bone; most often seen in children

sprains vs. strains

sprain: tearing or stretching of a ligament surrounding a joint that usually follow a sharp twist

strain: a tearing or overstretching of a tendon or muscle

S&S: localized pain/inflammation, black and blue discoloration, loss of mobility

Dx: x-ray, MRI

Tx: cold compresses, immobilization of affected boy part, analgesics, NSAIDs, surgical repair if not healed properly

disclocations

when a bone is separated from a joint

S&S: visibly deformed bone, limited movement, swelling, bruising, severe joint pain

Dx: x-ray, MRI, visual examination

Tx: manual reduction/realignment, surgical reduction, Rxs, physical therapy

subluxation

partial dislocation

rickets

softening and weakening of bones in children more commonly cause by extreme and prolonged vitamin D deficiency

S&S: delayed growth, delayed motor skills, spine, pelvis, and leg pain, muscle weakness

Dx: blood tests, x-rays

Tx: vitamin D and calcium supplements

osteomyelitis

an acute or chronic infection of the bone-forming tissue

S&S: fever, chills, malaise, sweating, pain, bone tenderness, bone swelling, fatigue, open wound drainage

Dx: physical examination, blood cultures, x-rays, bone scans, MRI, bone biopsy

Tx: bed rest, antibiotics, surgical drainage, tissue or bone grafts, immobilization

osteomalacia

softening of the bones

S&S: bone pain, joint pain, muscle pain/weakness, easy bone break, difficulty walking, muscle cramps

Dx: blood an urine tests, x-rays, bone biopsy

Tx: vitamin D and calcium supplements

gout

a chronic disorder of uric acid metabolism

S&S: excruciating joint pain, acute joint pain attacks of big toes

Dx: urate crystals present in joint fluid, tophi in or around joint, skeletal x-rays

Tx: bed rest, immobilization, heat or cold applications, analgesics

herniated disk

fragment of the disc nucleus that is pushed out of the annulus into the spinal canal through a tear or rupture in the annulus

S&S: sever back pain worsening with motion, numbness sensation, prickling, tingling, restricted neck mobility

Dx: present sciatic pain when when straightening leg, spinal x-rays, CT, MRI

Tx: bed rest, alternating heat and cold application, muscle relaxants, low extremities traction, back brace, surgical removal of disk

plantar fascitis

common condition that results from irritation of the ligament on the bottom of the foot that connects the heel to the toes

S&S: pain/stiffness of feet when getting out of bed or sitting for long periods

Dx: physical exam revealing pain, tenderness, or swelling on bottom of heel, x-rays

Tx: NSAIDs, ice, rest, flexibility exercises, night splints, Rx orthopedic shoes inserts, corticosteroid injections, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, surgery

paget's disease (osteitis deformans)

chronic metabolic skeletal disease marked by a high rate of bone turnover in the initial phase

S&S: initially asymptomatic, swelling/deformity of long bones, dull and persistent pain around affected bone, pinched nerve from enlarge bones

Dx: bone scintiscans, x-rays, bone marrow biopsies, blood analysis, urinalysis

Tx: physical therapy to improve muscle strength, pharmacological therapy using bisphosphonates or calcitonin, pain management via analgesics, surgery

lordosis

an abnormal inward curvature of the lumbar or lower spine

S&S: chronic fatigue, backache

Dx: anterior/posterior/lateral x-rays of spine, MRI if tumor or infection suspected

Tx: medication, physical therapy, braces, weight loss

kyphosis

an abnormal outward curvature of the upper thoracic vertebrae

S&S: back pain, stiffness

Dx: anterior/posterior/lateral x-rays of spine, MRI

Tx: regular x-rays, physical therapy, back brace, surgery

scoliosis

an abnormal sideward curvature of the spine to either the L or R

S&S: uneven hips, leaning to one side, chronic fatigue, backache

Dx: anterior/posterior/lateral x-rays of spine, MRI

Tx: back bracing, surgery, regular checkups to monitor curvature

osteoporosis

a metabolic bone disease where bones become brittle, porous, and vulnerable to fractures due to decreased calcium and phosphate in bones

S&S: silent disease, bone pain, lower back pain, weight-bearing bone pain, loss of height or kyphosis

Dx: DEXA scan, blood tests, urinalysis, x-ray, bone scintiscan, bone biopsy, CT scan

Tx: supplements, multivitamins, exercise, bisphosphonates, thyroid hormone, frequent rest periods

osteoarthritis

a chronic inflammatory process of the joints and bones resulting in degeneration of joint cartilage and formation of new bone

S&S: deep aching joint pain, stiffness/swelling, minimal inflammation, bony enlargement

Dx: skeletal x-rays, bones scans, MRI

Tx: NSAIDs, physical activity restrictions, rest, physical therapy, artificial joint fluid, orthopedic surgery

fibromyalgia

a chronic condition characterized by pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons

S&S: constant fatigue, muscle tenderness

Dx: widespread pain lasting at least 3 months, blood work

Tx: analgesics, antidepressants, anti-seizure Rx, stress management, physical therapy

myasthenia gravis

a chronic progressive neuromuscular disease that produces increasingly sporadic weakness and exhaustion of skeletal muscles

S&S: skeletal muscle weakness, fatiguability, drooping eyelids, double vision

Dx: neurological exam, electromyography, MRI, CT scan

Tx: anti-cholinesterase Rx, thymectomy, corticosteroids, antibody therapies

rheumatoid arthritis

a chronic systemic disease characterized by inflammation of the joints, stiffness, pain, and swelling that results in crippling deformities

S&S: malaise, persistent low-grade fever, fatigue, weight loss, joint pain/stiffness, swollen interphalangeal joints

Dx: rheumatoid blood test, x-rays, MRI, CT scan

Tx: NSAIDs, DMARDs, corticosteroids, surgery

acne

chronic papular and pustular eruption of the skin with increased production of sebum

S&S: blackheads, whiteheads, enlarged pimple, inflammation

Dx: medical Hx and observation of present lesions

Tx: topical antibacterial Rxs, oral antibiotics, adequate skin care routine

carbuncle

group of boils forming connected area of infection under skin

S&S: pus, pain, lump, sweating, swelling, fever, chills

Dx: physical exam, lab analysis of pus

Tx: warm compress, incision and drainage

fever blisters - herpes simplex virus 1 (cold sores)

skin eruptions occurring around around perimeter of mouth, lips, and nose or on mucous membranes within mouth

S&S: small, pale vesicles on lips or mouth, burning, stinging, formed ulcers/crusts

Dx: individual characteristic lesions, histological exam of scraping

Tx: valacyclovir, keeping lesions dry and clean, topical analgesics/ointments, antibiotic ointments

impetigo

a contagious superficial skin infection marked by a fluid-filled blister that may rupture forming yellow crust

S&S: lesions appearing as macules, vesicles and pustules accompanied by pruritus, rupturing lesion (honey-colored liquid), liquid that hardens into thick yellow crust: mouth, nose, neck, or extremities

Dx: noting characteristics of lesions, revising gram stain of vesicle fluid confirming infection

Tx: topical/oral antibiotics, cleansing of lesions

herpes zoster (shingles)

an acute inflammatory eruption of highly painful vesicles on the trunk of the body occasionally on the face - primarily affects adults \>50

S&S: pain along affected nerve, lesions appearing thereafter 1-3 days on one side of trunk of body, one side of face, mouth, tongue, or around an eye, rash

Dx: characteristic pattern of painful lesions, scraping lesions for cell cultures, varicella zoster antibodies present in body

Tx: antiviral drug therapy, sedatives, analgesics, antipruritics, antibiotics if vesicles infected

seborrheic dermatitis

a chronic functional disease of the sebaceous glands marked by an increase in the amount and often alteration in the quality if the sebaceous secretion

S&S: skin eruption o scalp, eyelids, cheeks, beard, chest, axillae, groin, or trunk producing dry, moist or greasy scales. brown-yellow or red lesions, itchiness of affected area

Dx: review of Mx history and observation of characteristic lesions; differentiate from psoriasis

Tx: gentle shampooing for cradle cap, hydrocortisone creams

eczema (atopic dermatitis)

an inflammation of the skin accompanied by intense itching of unknown etiology

S&S: pruritus/severs characteristic lesion on face, neck, upper trunk, and bends of the knees and elbows, vesicular and exudative eruptions in children, dry, leathery vesicles in adults

Dx: skin obs, Mx Hx revealing family tendency of developing eczema, elevated serum IgE levels

Tx: Rx local and systemic agents, daily skin care, Rx tropical corticosteroid creams/ointments, moisturizer, room humidifier, phototherapy

decubitus ulcers

a localized area of dead skin and subcutaneous tissue

S&S: shiny reddened skin over bony prominence (stage 1)
ulcer swelling showing blister (stage 2)
crater-like ulcer going deeper into skin (stage 3)
deep ulcer going into fat, muscle, or bone serious (stage 4)

infected ulcer foul-smelling, pain accompanying lesion

Dx: wound culture, sensitivity testing to isolate causative organism if infection is suspected

Tx: alleviated skin pressure, excellent skin hygiene, area kept clean and dry, Rx topical antibiotic powders, surgery

keratosis pilaris

a common disorder that appears and painless, skin-colored bumps that may redden and form rough patches of skin

S&S: hyperkeratinization, clogged hair follicles that become inflamed, small evenly spaced papules on upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and face, skin coarse and rough

Dx: physical exam of affected area, Mx Hx

Tx: keratin buildup removal, lotions, creams, ointments containing ammonium lactate, alpha hydroxy acid, urea, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid fro exfoliating, topical retinoids, laser therapy

furuncle

boil/abscess involving the entire hair follicle and adjacent subcutaneous tissue

S&S: extremely tender, painful, swollen skin, enlarged, softened, open abscess, discharging pus and necrotic material, present edema or erythema, mild fever

Dx: appearance of characteristic lesion, slight leukocytosis via CBC, gram stain reveal causative organism

Tx: infected are cleansed w/ soap and water, hot/wet compresses applied, Rx antibiotics, surgical incision and drainage, bed rest

plantar warts (feet warts)

hard, grainy growths that appear on the heels or balls of feet

S&S: pain when walking, bumps on feet, callus

Dx: visual exam

Tx: over-the-counter meds, salicylic acid, freezing medicine, surgery, warm foot soak

urticaria (hives)

episodic inflammatory reaction of the capillaries beneath a localized area of the skin

S&S: eruption of pale, raised wheals on skin surrounded by erythema, lesions forming then resolving moving from one are to another, intense itching

Dx: Mx Hx, Rx used, foods ingested, environmental factors, psychological status, appearance of inflamed area, sensitization testing to identify causative area

Tx: removal of offending stimulus, antihistamines, epinephrine, hydrocortisone creams/lotions

rosacea

a chronic inflammatory condition that causes erythema and the formation of red pustules on the face

S&S: flushing of cheeks, forehead, nose, or chin, small red pustules, enlarged/misshaped nose, eye redness, burning, dryness, excessive tearing

stage 1: easily blush or flush (pre-rosacea)
stage 2: skin becomes sensitive, small vessels on cheeks and nose swell (vascular rosacea)
stage 3: small red pustules on cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin (inflammatory rosacea)

Dx: physical exam, Mx Hx

Tx: topical creams/lotions containing tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, oral antibiotics, laser surgery

scabies

skin infection resulting from infestation by the itch mite

S&S: itching intensifying at night, lesions excoriated/threadlike, between fingers, on wrists, on elbow, in axilla, at waist, on nipples, buttocks, genitalia

Dx: visual exam, miner oil placed over burrow; superficial scraping obtained, ova or mite feces indicated under microscope

Tx: application of a pediculicide, such as permethrin, lindane cream, or crotamiton, left on for 8 to 12 hours a day for about 5 days, antipruritics and oral antihistamines

skin cancer - basal cell

carcinomas arising from the basal cell layer of the epidermis or hair follicles; locally invasive, slow-growing, and destructive; rarely metastasize

S&S: white waxy lump, brown scaly patch on sun-exposed area; face and neck

Dx: obs of skin, noting characteristic lesions, biopsy of lesions

Tx: surgery, radiation therapy, curettage, cryosurgery laser therapy, electrodessication, Mohs micrographic surgery

tinea pedis (athletes foot)

a fungal infection that usually begins between the toes

S&S: intense persistent itching, burning, stinging, pain, inflamed and dry sole, scaly rash

Dx: skin scrapings

Tx: topical anti-fungal Rxs, warm foot soak, antibacterial soap, loose fitting clothing

vitiligo

melanocytes, pigment-producing cells of the skin, are destroyed or cease producing melanin

S&S: depigmentation/white spots on skin, white patches

focal pattern: limited to one or few patterns
segmental pattern: only one side of the body
generalized pattern: symmetrically on both sides of body

Dx: physical exam, Mx Hx, sunburn, trauma, premature graying, stress, physical illness, skin biopsy, blood tests

Tx: topical corticosteroids, psoralen, ultraviolet A therapy, skin grafts, micro-pigmentation, tattooing

transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)

temporary, recurring episodes of impaired neurological activity resulting from insufficient blood flow to a part of the brain

S&S: sudden onset of muscle weakness in arm, leg, or foot on one side of body, diplopia, speech deficits, dizziness, staggering/uncoordinated gait

Dx: full physical and neuro exam, carotid u/s, cranial CT scans, cranial MRI

Tx: anti-platelet agents, aspirin ,anticoagulant drugs, surgery

cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

a clinical syndrome marked by sudden impairment of consciousness and subsequent paralysis; caused by occlusion or hemorrhaging of blood vessels supplying a portion of brain - "stroke"

S&S: face drooping on one side, one arm drifting downward when raising, slurred or strange speech, confusion, double vision, poor coordination, numbness, severe headache, dizziness

Dx: physical exam, neuro workup, CTA, MRI, MRA, carotid u/s, TCD

Tx: drug therapy, anticoagulant or anti-platelet agents, surgery, physical rehab

hematoma

bad bruise occurs when there's injury under the skin causing blood to collect and pool

S&S: skin discoloration, lumpy feel

Dx: physical evaluation

Tx: apply ice pack to reduce pain or swelling

subdural hematoma

blood collects between the dura mater and arachnoid membrane often due to a severe blow to the head

S&S: difficulty walking, headache, confusion, confused/slurred speech, visual problems, initial loss of consciousness, paralysis of half the body, severe headache, dilated pupils

Dx: CT, MRI, Mx Hx, clinical picture

Tx: craniotomy, medications for reducing swelling and to control seizures

cerebral concussion

a blunt impact to the head resulting in temporary loss or consciousness that may last from a few seconds to a few minutes followed by a short period of amnesia

cerebral contusion

produced by a blow to the head or after the head impacts a surface causing blood from blood vessels to accumulate in the surrounding brain tissue

more serious than a concussion

head trauma

injury to the head and, therefore, to the brain, typically caused by accidents; can lead to cognitive impairments, including memory loss.

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig Disease)

a disease of motor neurons that results in progressive muscular atrophy and weakness

S&S: involuntary muscle contractions and muscular atrophy, weakness, twitching especially in muscles of extremities, speech, chewing, swallowing, breathing problems, paralysis in later stages

Dx: electromyography, nerve conduction test, muscle biopsy, MRI

Tx: emotional and physical support, Rilutek Rx

no effective treatment

Alzheimer's disease

a progressive, chronic, ultimately fatal, organic brain syndrome characterized by the death of neurons in the cerebral cortex

S&S: memory loss at work or social settings, depression, mild mental impairment, short-term memory, inability to learn new tasks, subtle changes in personality, increased forgetfulness, agitation, irritability, extreme restlessness

Dx: H&P exam, mental and functional health exam, CT, MRI, depression scale, cognitive functioning rest, urine and blood labs

Tx: cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, maintain client safety, reduce anxiety and agitation, promote independence, improve communication, provide socialization

no cure

bells palsy

a disruption of the seventh cranial facial nerve's message sent from the brain to facial muscles causing paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face - transient or permanent

S&S: facial weakness, drooping mouth, drooling saliva, disrupted sense of taste, jaw pain, behind ear pain, headache, paralysis bell phenomenon

Dx: physical and neuro exam,

Tx: antiviral medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, electrical stimulation, warm moist heat, analgesia corticosteroid drugs

peripheral neuropathy

a degeneration of the nerves carrying impulses to and from the brain and spinal cord

S&S: pain and loss of sensation in the extremities, tingling, prickling, burning, freezing pain with extreme sensitivity to touch, progressive muscular weakness, loss of dexterity, tenderness

Dx: H&P exam, neuro workup, electromyography, blood tests, CT, MRI nerve conduction tests, lumbar puncture

Tx: analgesics, bed rest, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, lidocaine patch, physical therapy, occupational therapy, orthopedic interventions, elastic support stockings

parkinson disease

a chronic brain disease characterized by progressive muscle rigidity and involuntary tremors

S&S: abnormally slow movements, progressively rigid extremities, pill-rolling tremors beginning in fingers, difficulty with balance, shuffling walk, muffled speech

Dx: neuro exam, blood tests, MRI

Tx: levodopa Rx, anticholinergics, physical therapy, psychological support, deep brain stimulation

multiple sclerosis

a chronic, progressive, and irreversible autoimmune disease characterized by destruction of the myelin sheath

S&S: vision change, sudden and transient motor and sensory disturbances, muscle weakness, paralysis, incontinence, fatigue, balance problems, numbness, mood swings

Dx: neuro exam, eye exam, CSF analysis, CT scans, MRI, periodic testing, and obs

Tx: interferon-beta products, corticosteroids

no cure

meniere disease

a chronic inner ear syndrome marked by attacks of vertigo, progressive deafness, tinnitus, and a sensation of fullness in the ears

otitis media

an accumulation of fluid within the middle ear

glaucoma

accumulating pressure within the eye damages the retina and optic nerve often causing blindness

cataracts

an opacity or clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye or its surrounding membrane

retinal detachment

the complete or partial separation of the retina from the choroid layer of the eye leading to the loss of retinal function and blindness

folic acid deficiency anemia

the appearance of large abnormal red blood cells that form when there are inadequate stores of folic acid within the body

S&S: weakness, fatigue, anorexia, pallor, forgetfulness, irritability, diarrhea

Dx: physical exam, blood tests, bone marrow studies

Tx: oral folic acid supplements, Rx diet high in folic acid

pernicious anemia

the appearance of large, abnormal RBCs that form when there are inadequate levels of vitamin B12 in the body

S&S: fatigue, dyspnea, palpitations, sore and bright red tongue, numbness/tingling of the extremities, weakness, n/v, neuritis, impaired coordination, altered vision, light-headedness, tachycardia

Dx: H&P exam, CBC, bone marrow aspiration, gastric analysis

Tx: vitamin B12 injections, Rx vitamin B12 pills, nasal gel, spray

iron deficiency anemia

inadequate reserves of iron in the body and the formation of unusually small hemoglobin-poor RBCs due to excessive blood loss

S&S: extreme fatigue, pallor, headache, cold hands/feet, irritability, dyspnea, tachycardia, increased infections, brittle nails

Dx: detailed Mx Hx, blood testing, endoscopy, colonoscopy, u/s, bone marrow aspiration

Tx: oral or parenteral iron supplements, dietary modifications

aplastic anemia

insufficient or totally absent RBC production causing bone marrow to stop producing RBCs, WBCs, and platelets resulting from an injury or destruction of blood-forming tissue in the bone marrow

S&S: fatigue, pallor, sob upon exertion, irregular heart rate, purpura, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, infections, headache, dizziness, pancytopenia

Dx: blood tests, bone marrow studies, Mx Hx review

Tx: bone marrow or peripheral stem cell transplant, immunosuppressive therapy, RBC and platelet transfusions

aneurysm

a local dilation of a blood vessel due to weakening of its walls

thrombus

a blood clot that forms in veins or arteries

embolus

a clot that breaks lose and travels through the bloodstream

benign (essential) hypertension

persistently elevated blood pressure that develops without apparent cause

Stage 1 hypertension

when systolic pressure (contraction) persists over 140 and diastolic pressure (relaxation) persists over 90

stage 2 hypertension

most severe hypertension when systolic pressure is 160 or higher and diastolic is 100 or higher

secondary hypertension

high blood pressure that is caused by another medical condition

malignant hypertension

severe and rapid high blood pressure that can damage internal organs

botulism

a serious disease that paralyzes muscles

1. food-borne
2. wound
3. infant

S&S: blurred/double vision, slurred speech, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness

Dx: H&P exam, botulism toxin in stool or blood serum

Tx: antitoxin deriving from healthy horses, respirator, surgical removal, human-derived antitoxin (infants), intensive therapy, hospital care

HIV

virus that attacks the body's immune system contracted from the exchange of fluids; semen, blood, blood, products, shared needles, breast milk, birth

S&S: fever, lymphadenopathy, weight loss, fatigue, malignancy, sob, coughing, chest pain, n/v/d, headache, confusion, chronic illness

Dx: rapid testing

Tx: antiretroviral drugs

influenza (flu)

an acute, contagious respiratory disease

S&S: fever, chills, croup, malaise, muscle aches, headache, nasal congestion, laryngitis, cough

Dx: throat culture, immunofluorescence techniques

Tx: bed rest, adequate fluid intake, analgesics, antipyretics, acetaminophen

H1N1 Flu

virus caused by a mixture of viruses typical among pigs, birds, and humans

S&S: fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, body aches, fatigue, headache, v/d

Dx: severe upper respiratory infection, confirmation of real-time polymerase chain reaction, viral culture measuring amount of virus in blood, or fourfold increase in H1N1 specific neutralizing antibodies

Tx: antiviral medications

lyme disease

transmitted via ticks that inject saliva into host's bloodstream or deposits fecal material on skin

S&S: rash at site of bite resembling bull's eye, fatigue, headache, fever, chills, stiff neck, joint/muscle pain, meningitis, nerve damage, facial palsy, chronic arthritis

Dx: confirmation of rash, blood tests

Tx: antibiotics

shingles (herpes zoster)

reactivation of the chickenpox virus causing a painful rash

S&S: painful rash, stripe of blisters, burning sensation, fatigue, itching

Dx: tissue scraping, culture

Tx: antivirals, nerve pain Rxs

rubella (german measles)

contagious viral infection knowable for its distinctive rash

S&S: malaise, headache, slight fever sore throat, rash

Dx: throat, blood, urine cultures, antibody titers

Tx: isolation, bed rest, topical antipruritics, warm water baths, Rx antipyretics

varicella (chickenpox)

highly contagious disease most common among children

S&S: pruritic rash, anorexia, malaise, fever

Dx: clinical signs, Hx indicating recent exposure to disease

Tx: isolation, antihistamines, calamine lotion, cool bicarbonate of soda, colloidal oatmeal baths, refraining from scratching

viral hemorrhagic fever

a group of viral illnesses that affect multiple organ systems in the body

S&S: high fever, fatigue, muscle aches, dizziness, bleeding under skin, mouth, eyes, ears, kidney failure, shock, coma, seizures

Dx: appearance of symptoms connected to geographical location indicating breakout, lab findings, cultivated virus samples

Tx: close supervision, intensive care, isolation, supportive treatment, encouraging fluids/nutrition, rest, medications for pain, antiviral ribavirin

west nile virus

infectious disease that occurs when a virus from an infected mosquito multiplies in a person's blood crossing the blood-brain barrier causing inflammation of the brain

S&S: flu-like symptoms, fever, headache, body ache, skin rash, swollen lymph glands, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, coma, paralysis

Dx: places and dates of travel, WNV IgM ELISA test

Tx: analgesics, fluids and rest

no known therapy or cure

atherosclerosis

the accumulation of yellowish plaques of cholesterol, lipids, and cellular debris on the inner layer of the walls of large and medium sized arteries

vessel walls become thickened, fibrotic, and calcified narrowing the arterial lumen

angina pectoris

uncomfortable squeezing, pressure, fullness, or pain in the chest resulting from ischemia to a part of the myocardium

stable: predictable and usually occurs during times of stress or exercise; most common

unstable: unexpected, may occur at rest, does not readily respond to nitroglycerin treatment, often signals a blood clot creating blockage of one of the coronary arteries; a medical emergency

myocardial infarction (heart attack)

a life-threatening condition occurring when blood flow to a section of heart muscle becomes blocks, usually by a clot

S&S: crushing chest pain radiating to left arm, neck, and jaw, fatigue, discomfort, fear, n/v, sob, angina pain

Dx: Mx Hx indicating CAD and episodes of chest pain, electrocardiography, blood tests, cardiac imaging

Tx: Rx nitroglycerin, immediate hospitalization, bed rest, sedation, analgesia, cardiac monitoring, CPR, cardiac surgery, therapeutic hypothermia

heart dysrhythmias (atrial fibrillation)

occurs when two atria in the heart beat irregularly, quite rapidly, out of rhythm with lower ventricles

blood can stagnate in the atria and clot; if clot travels to the brain CVA may occur

congestive heart failure (CHF)

the pumping ability of the heart is progressively impaired to the point that it no longer meets bodily needs

S&S: dyspnea, fatigue, distended neck veins, hepatomegaly, tachypnea, palpitations, edema, weight gain, diaphoresis, cyanosis hemoptysis

Dx: H&P exam, ECG, x-ray, elevated central venous pressure, blood tests, echocardiography. cardiac CT, MRI cardiac catheterization

Tx: diuretics, bed rest, drug therapy, weight loss, restricted salt intake

pleuritis (pleurisy)

inflammation of the tissues that line the lungs and chest cavity

S&S: chest pain worsening during breathing, sob, dry cough, fever

Dx: blood test, chest x-ray, CT scan, u/s, ECG or EKG

Tx: anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, rest