PATHO BENCHMARK

COMMON DISEASES

Heart Failure

The heart can’t pump effectively, so blood backs up and fluid accumulates. If it backs up into the lungs (left-sided), you’ll see shortness of breath and crackles; if it backs up into the body (right-sided), you’ll see leg swelling and weight gain. The biggest risk is pulmonary edema. Nursing priorities are monitoring daily weight, lung sounds, and giving diuretics.

Myocardial Infarction

A coronary artery is blocked, cutting off oxygen to heart tissue, causing it to die. Patients usually have crushing chest pain, sweating, and nausea. The biggest early risk is deadly arrhythmias. Nursing priorities include rapid intervention (MONA), ECG monitoring, and checking troponin levels.

Atrial Fibrillation

The atria beat irregularly and ineffectively, causing blood to pool and increasing the risk of clots. The biggest concern is stroke. Patients may feel palpitations or fatigue. Nursing focuses on rate control and anticoagulation.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

A clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg, due to stasis, injury, or hypercoagulability. You may see leg swelling, redness, and pain. The biggest danger is the clot breaking off and causing a pulmonary embolism. Nursing priorities include anticoagulants and preventing movement of the clot.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic lung damage causes air trapping and poor gas exchange, leading to CO₂ retention. Patients have shortness of breath, chronic cough, and barrel chest. Too much oxygen can suppress breathing. Nursing focuses on low oxygen levels, breathing techniques, and monitoring ABGs.

Asthma

Airways become inflamed and narrowed, usually triggered by allergens or stress. This causes wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. The biggest risk is status asthmaticus (unrelieved attack). Nursing priorities include bronchodilators and airway support.

Pulmonary Embolism

A clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow. Patients present with sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and tachycardia. It can quickly become fatal. Nursing priorities include oxygen, anticoagulation, and rapid response.

Stroke

Blood flow to the brain is blocked or a vessel ruptures, causing brain cell death. Symptoms include facial droop, arm weakness, and speech difficulty. Time is critical. Nursing priorities are airway protection and rapid treatment (like tPA for ischemic stroke).

Increased Intracranial Pressure

Pressure inside the skull rises due to swelling or bleeding, reducing blood flow to the brain. Signs include decreased consciousness, headache, and vomiting. The biggest danger is brain herniation. Nursing priorities include elevating the head of the bed and monitoring neuro status.

Diabetes Mellitus Type 1

The body destroys insulin-producing cells, leading to high blood sugar. Patients require insulin. The biggest risk is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Nursing focuses on glucose monitoring and insulin therapy.

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

The body becomes resistant to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Symptoms include the “3 Ps” (polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia). Long-term complications affect the eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Nursing focuses on lifestyle changes and medications.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Severe insulin deficiency leads to fat breakdown, producing ketones and causing metabolic acidosis. Patients have fruity breath, deep breathing, and dehydration. It is life-threatening. Nursing priorities include fluids, insulin, and electrolyte correction.

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone

Too much ADH causes water retention, diluting sodium levels. Patients develop hyponatremia, confusion, and seizures. Nursing priorities include fluid restriction and sodium monitoring.

Acute Kidney Injury

Sudden loss of kidney function leads to fluid, waste, and electrolyte buildup. Patients have decreased urine output and high creatinine. The biggest danger is hyperkalemia. Nursing focuses on monitoring labs and fluid balance.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn. Chronic irritation can damage the esophagus. Nursing focuses on diet changes and medications.

Cirrhosis

Long-term liver damage leads to scar tissue, impairing function. Patients develop ascites, jaundice, and bleeding issues. Nursing priorities include monitoring fluid and preventing complications.

Sepsis

A severe infection triggers a systemic response, causing vasodilation and low blood pressure. This leads to poor organ perfusion. Nursing priorities are fluids, antibiotics, and monitoring for shock.

Anemia

Low red blood cells reduce oxygen delivery, causing fatigue and weakness. Causes vary (iron deficiency, bleeding). Nursing focuses on treating the cause and improving oxygenation.

Preeclampsia

High blood pressure during pregnancy causes organ damage and protein in urine. The biggest risk is progression to eclampsia (seizures). Nursing priorities include monitoring BP and preventing seizures.

Hypertension

Chronic high blood pressure damages blood vessels over time, increasing risk for stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease. Often asymptomatic (“silent killer”). Nursing focuses on BP control and lifestyle changes.

Coronary Artery Disease

Plaque buildup narrows coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. Causes angina and can lead to MI. Nursing focuses on risk reduction and medications.

Cardiogenic Shock

The heart fails to pump enough blood, leading to low perfusion and organ failure. Patients are hypotensive with weak pulses. Nursing priorities are oxygen, medications, and hemodynamic support.

Peripheral Artery Disease

Narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to extremities, causing pain with walking (claudication). Nursing focuses on circulation and preventing ulcers.

Pneumonia

Infection fills alveoli with fluid/pus, impairing gas exchange. Patients have fever, cough, and crackles. Nursing focuses on antibiotics and oxygen.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Severe lung inflammation leads to fluid leakage into alveoli, causing hypoxia that doesn’t improve easily with oxygen. Nursing focuses on ventilation support.

Tuberculosis

Airborne infection that affects lungs. Symptoms include chronic cough, weight loss, and night sweats. Requires isolation and long-term antibiotics.

Seizure Disorder

Abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes seizures. Nursing focuses on safety and airway protection.

Meningitis

Infection of meninges causes fever, stiff neck, and photophobia. This is a medical emergency. Nursing focuses on antibiotics and isolation.

Parkinson’s Disease

Loss of dopamine causes tremor, rigidity, and slow movement. Nursing focuses on mobility and medication timing.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Progressive brain degeneration leading to memory loss and cognitive decline. Nursing focuses on safety and routine.

Hyperthyroidism

Too much thyroid hormone speeds up metabolism, causing weight loss, heat intolerance, and tachycardia. Risk: thyroid storm. Nursing focuses on slowing metabolism.

Hypothyroidism

Too little thyroid hormone slows metabolism, causing fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. Severe form = myxedema coma.

Cushing’s Syndrome

High cortisol causes weight gain, moon face, and high blood sugar. Nursing focuses on reducing cortisol effects.

Addison’s Disease

Low cortisol leads to weakness, weight loss, and low BP. Risk: Addisonian crisis (shock).

Diabetes Insipidus

Lack of ADH causes excessive urination and dehydration. Nursing focuses on fluid replacement.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Long-term kidney damage leads to waste buildup and fluid imbalance. Patients may require dialysis. Nursing focuses on fluid and electrolyte control.

Urinary Tract Infection

Bacterial infection in urinary tract causes burning and urgency. Nursing focuses on antibiotics and hydration.

Pyelonephritis

Severe kidney infection with fever and flank pain. Can lead to sepsis.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Ulcers in stomach/duodenum due to acid or H. pylori. Risk: bleeding. Nursing focuses on acid reduction.

Hepatitis

Viral infection causing liver inflammation. Leads to jaundice and fatigue.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation from alcohol or gallstones causes severe abdominal pain. Nursing: NPO, fluids, pain control.

Appendicitis

Infection causes RLQ pain. Risk: rupture. Surgical emergency.

Osteoporosis

Bones become weak and fracture easily. Nursing focuses on fall prevention.

Compartment Syndrome

Increased pressure cuts off blood flow. Signs: pain, pallor, pulselessness. Emergency.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Chronic inflammation destroys joints. Nursing focuses on pain and mobility.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Virus weakens immune system. Leads to opportunistic infections.

Anaphylaxis

Rapid allergic reaction causing airway swelling and hypotension. Emergency: epinephrine.

Sickle Cell Disease

Abnormal RBCs block blood flow, causing pain and organ damage. Nursing: oxygen, fluids, pain control.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

Widespread clotting uses up clotting factors → bleeding everywhere. Life-threatening.

Eclampsia

Severe preeclampsia leading to seizures. Emergency: magnesium sulfate.

Gestational Diabetes

High blood sugar during pregnancy. Risks to mother and baby.

Placenta Previa

Causes painless bleeding. No vaginal exams