Mechanisms of Disease, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Homeostasis

Internal stability of the body

Signs

Abnormal objective findings

Chronic Disease

Develops slowly, can be intermittent, lasts longer than 6 months

Superbugs

Virulent antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria

Pathogenesis

Stages of development of a disease

Benign Neoplasms

Develop slowly, resemble tissue of origin, rarely recur after removal

Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance

Major disruption of systemic health

Predisposing Factors

Age, gender, lifestyle, environment, heredity, immunodeficiency

Acute Inflammation

Abrupt onset response to tissue injury, accompanied by redness, heat, swelling, pain, loss of function

Genetic Counseling

Communication process centered on genetic disorder risk in a family, helps understand diagnosis and treatment options

Metastasis

Ability of malignant cells to invade other tissues

Karyotype

Ordered arrangement of photographs of a full chromosome set

Autoimmune Disease

Inappropriate body response attacking its own cells

TNM Staging System

System to stage cancer based on tumor size, lymph node involvement, distant metastases

Chemotherapy

Treatment fighting cancer by targeting rapidly dividing cells

Immunotherapy

Stimulates body to fight cancer

Cancer Vaccines

Research to produce vaccines treating cancer by triggering immune response

Holistic Approach

Comprehensive medical care considering physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being

Syndrome

Collection of signs and symptoms characterizing a disorder

Acute Illness

Abrupt onset of symptoms running a brief course

Inflammation

Normal physiologic response to tissue injury, accompanied by redness, heat, swelling, pain, loss of function

Pathogens

Microorganisms causing disease like bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa

Malignant Neoplasms

Cells variable in appearance, invade other tissues, metastasis makes eradication difficult

Genes

Small stretches of DNA molecule on chromosomes

Modes of Inheritance

Autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked recessive

Cancer Screening

Detects cancer early, evaluates response to therapy, screens for recurrence

Cultural Diversity

Recognition of individual differences in language, beliefs, and experiences in healthcare

Pain Physiology

Involves nociceptor stimulation signaling injury or tissue damage

Referred Pain

Pain perceived in a different location from its origin

Positive Health Behavior

Actions promoting well-being like exercise and healthy eating

Nontraditional Therapies

Complementary treatments such as acupuncture and massage

Integrative Medicine

Combining conventional and alternative practices for health

Patient Teaching Goals

Aim to promote compliance, support, and healthy choices

Hospice Care Principles

Focus on comfort, respect, and mental preparation for death

Autoimmune Diseases

Body's defense system attacking self-antigens

Immunodeficiency Disorders

Depressed or absent immune response due to various causes

Acute Injury Management

Emergency triage, precise assessment, and care priority

Psychological Evaluation

Observation of behavior, mood, and thought processes

Diagnosis Process

Involves medical history, physical exam, and diagnostic tests

Preventive Health Care

Strategies to prevent illness through risk identification and screening

Holistic Medicine Focus

Addresses social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of patient care

Gene Therapy

Experimental treatment targeting specific genes for disease

Stem Cell Research

Study of regenerative potential for various medical treatments

Tobacco Smoke Effects

Contains harmful chemicals impacting health, especially in children

Infection Control

Measures to prevent hospital-acquired infections and promote wellness

Pain Relief Methods

Includes narcotics, NSAIDs, and alternative therapies

Patient Teaching Importance

Eases anxiety, improves coping, and promotes self-care

Preoperative Care

Instructions and reassurance before a surgical procedure

Postoperative Care

Support and guidance after surgery, including pain management

Cancer Care Considerations

Personalized support, clear instructions, and referrals for cancer patients