Patho Exam #3 Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary for the Pathophysiology examination on musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems.

Types of fractures

Various classifications of bone fractures, which may have multiple descriptors.

Complications of fractures

Issues arising following a fracture that can affect the healing process.

Compartment syndrome

A condition where pressure within muscles builds to dangerous levels, affecting circulation.

Osteomyelitis

An infection of the bone that can occur due to various causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Rickets

A disease in children caused by vitamin D deficiency, leading to weak or soft bones.

Osteomalacia

The softening of bones in adults due to a vitamin D deficiency.

Osteoporosis

A condition characterized by weak and brittle bones, often due to hormonal changes or deficiencies.

Risk factors for osteoporosis

Characteristics that increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis.

Osteoarthritis

A degenerative joint disease where cartilage breaks down over time.

Rheumatoid arthritis

An autoimmune disorder affecting joints, causing inflammation and pain.

Gout

A type of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in joints.

Tophus (tophi)

A deposit of uric acid crystals that can form in the joints or skin due to gout.

Bone tumors

Abnormal growths of tissue in or on a bone, which can be benign or malignant.

Pathological fractures

Fractures that occur in bone weakened by disease.

Fibromyalgia

A chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and tenderness.

Left-sided heart failure

A condition where the left side of the heart cannot effectively pump blood to the body.

Right-sided heart failure

A condition where the right side of the heart cannot effectively pump blood to the lungs.

Preload

The initial stretching of the cardiac muscle fibers prior to contraction.

Afterload

The pressure in the walls of the left ventricle during ejection.

Pericardial effusion

Fluid accumulation in the pericardial cavity.

Cardiac tamponade

A serious condition where fluid accumulation compresses the heart.

Cardiomyopathy

A disease of the heart muscle that affects its size, shape, and function.

Dilated cardiomyopathy

A condition where the heart becomes enlarged and weakened.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

A condition characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle.

Valve dysfunction

Impairment of the heart valves that interferes with normal blood flow.

Infective Endocarditis

An infection of the inner lining of the heart, often affecting heart valves.

Atrial Fibrillation

An irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to blood clots, stroke, and heart failure.

Atherosclerosis

A condition in which the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to plaque buildup.

Glucose and diabetes impact

High blood sugar levels can worsen or contribute to atherosclerosis.

Inflammatory marker for atherosclerosis

C-reactive protein (CRP), which indicates inflammation in the body.

Collateral circulation

Alternative pathways of blood flow that develop when main arteries are narrowed or blocked.

LDL vs HDL

Low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) vs. high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol).

Hypertension

High blood pressure that can lead to serious health problems.

Orthostatic hypotension

A form of low blood pressure that happens when standing up from sitting or lying down.

Risk factors for coronary artery disease

Conditions or habits that increase the likelihood of developing heart disease.

Cardiac ischemia

Reduced blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle.

Types of angina

Stable, unstable, and variant angina, each with distinct symptoms.

Myocardial infarction

A heart attack that occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked.

Tests for myocardial infarction

Heart enzyme tests and ECGs are used to diagnose an MI.

Definitive lab for MI

Troponin levels indicate heart muscle damage.

Aneurysms

An abnormal bulge in a blood vessel, often due to weakened vessel walls.

Aortic dissection

A serious condition in which the inner layer of the aorta tears.

Peripheral artery disease

A circulatory condition characterized by narrowed arteries reducing blood flow to limbs.

Varicose veins

Enlarged veins that are swollen and twisted, often appearing blue or dark purple.

Venous stasis in legs

A condition where blood pools in the legs due to improper functioning of the veins.

DVT/VTE

Deep vein thrombosis and venous thromboembolism involve the formation of blood clots in the deep veins.

Pyloric stenosis

A condition in infants where the pylorus becomes narrow, causing obstruction.

Hiatal hernia

A condition where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic digestive condition.

Appendicitis

An inflammation of the appendix that can lead to serious complications.

Peritonitis

An inflammation of the peritoneum, often due to infection.

Esophageal varices

Swollen veins in the esophagus that can rupture and cause bleeding.

Hepatic encephalopathy

A decline in brain function due to severe liver disease.

Cirrhosis

Progressive liver damage from various causes, such as alcohol abuse or chronic hepatitis.

Celiac disease

An autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten.

Effects of hepatic failure

Dysfunction in the liver affecting metabolism and detoxification.

Portal hypertension

Increased pressure in the portal venous system, often due to liver cirrhosis.

Hepato-renal failure

Kidney failure associated with severe liver disease.

Lab tests for liver function

Includes liver enzymes, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections or other factors.

Bowel obstruction causes

Can result from tumors, strictures, or hernias.

Hernia complications

Can lead to strangulation or bowel obstruction.

Intussusception

A condition in which part of the intestine telescopes into itself.

Volvulus

Twisting of the intestine that can lead to obstruction.

Crohn’s Disease

A type of inflammatory bowel disease affecting any part of the gastrointestinal tract.

Ulcerative colitis

A chronic inflammatory bowel disease causing ulcers in the colon.

Major differences between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's

Ulcerative colitis affects only the colon, while Crohn's can affect any part of the GI tract.

Compartment Syndrome

A serious condition where pressure within a confined space constricts blood vessels and nerves, leading to severe pain, swelling, and diminished pulse.

Osteomyelitis

A bone infection caused by bacteria or fungi, most commonly affecting long bones, presenting with fever, chills, localized pain, and swelling.

Rickets

Softening of bones in children due to vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate deficiency, causing bone pain and deformities like bowed legs.

Osteomalacia

Softening of bones in adults due to vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate deficiency, causing bone pain and tenderness.

Osteoporosis

A decrease in bone density caused by hormonal changes, aging, and inadequate calcium/vitamin D, leading to increased fracture risk.

Osteoarthritis

A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, causing joint pain and stiffness.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune disease causing chronic inflammation in the joints, with symptoms like joint swelling and systemic effects.

Gout

A form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by elevated uric acid levels, often triggered by dietary factors.

Tophus (Tophi)

A deposit of uric acid crystals that forms under the skin in chronic cases of gout, found in joints and cartilage.

Pathological Fracture

A fracture that occurs in bones weakened by disease processes (e.g., osteoporosis, cancer, osteomyelitis) rather than by trauma.

Fibromyalgia

A condition characterized by chronic widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and tenderness in various locations.

Left-sided Heart Failure

Characterized by decreased cardiac output leading to pulmonary congestion, with symptoms like dyspnea and fatigue.

Right-sided Heart Failure

Results in systemic congestion, with symptoms including peripheral edema and ascites.

Preload

The degree of stretch of the heart muscle before contraction, influenced by venous return.

Afterload

The resistance the heart must overcome to eject blood, related to the arterial pressure.

Pericardial Effusion

Accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac, which can cause chest pain or shortness of breath.

Cardiac Tamponade

A medical emergency caused by significant pericardial effusion, where increased pressure on the heart impairs its ability to pump blood.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Characterized by enlarged heart chambers and decreased contractility.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Characterized by a thickened heart wall which can lead to outflow obstruction.

Stenosis (Valve Dysfunction)

Narrowing of a heart valve, impeding blood flow.

Regurgitation (Valve Dysfunction)

Backward flow of blood through a heart valve due to its incomplete closure.

Infective Endocarditis

Infection of the inner lining of the heart valves or chambers, often affecting those with pre-existing heart conditions.

Atrial Fibrillation

An irregular and often rapid heart rate that can cause poor blood flow to the body, associated with hypertension and heart disease.

Atherosclerosis

A disease where plaque builds up inside the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow.

C-reactive protein (CRP)

An inflammatory marker often used to assess risk for atherosclerosis.

Collateral Circulation

New blood vessels that form when arteries are narrowed or blocked, usually in response to chronic ischemic conditions.

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

Often called "bad cholesterol" due to its role in plaque buildup in arteries.

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)

Considered "good cholesterol" as it helps transport cholesterol away from arteries.

Hypertension

Consistently elevated blood pressure readings which can lead to complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage.

Orthostatic Hypotension

A form of low blood pressure that occurs when standing up from sitting or lying down, causing dizziness or fainting.

Stable Angina

Predictable chest pain triggered by exertion, relieved by rest or medication.

Unstable Angina

Sudden chest pain at rest or with minimal exertion, indicating an increased risk of heart attack.

Variant Angina (Prinzmetal's Angina)

Chest pain caused by coronary artery spasm, often occurring at rest.