General med Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
What are the key pathophysiological features of Parkinson’s disease?
Loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra.
Accumulation of abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies.
How does Parkinson’s disease impact neurotransmission?
Dopamine deficiency disrupts signals between neurons that control movement.
What are the clinical manifestations of Parkinson’s disease?
Bradykinesia (slowness of movement).
Resting tremor.
Muscle rigidity (stiffness).
Postural instability.
What is a nursing intervention for a patient with Parkinson’s disease?
Implement a regimen of scheduled medications, such as levodopa-carbidopa, to manage motor symptoms effectively.
How does Parkinson’s disease progress over time?
Symptoms worsen as more dopamine-producing neurons degenerate, leading to increased motor and non-motor symptoms.
What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) in a deep vein, commonly in the legs.
What are the risk factors for developing DVT?
Prolonged immobility (e.g., bed rest, long flights).
Surgery or trauma.
Obesity.
Pregnancy and postpartum period.
Oral contraceptive use and hormone replacement therapy.
Cancer and chemotherapy.
Genetic predisposition (thrombophilia).
Age (older adults).
What are the clinical manifestations of DVT?
Unilateral leg pain and tenderness.
Swelling and warmth in the affected limb.
Redness or discoloration of the skin over the affected area.
Dilated superficial veins (collateral circulation).
What is a potential complication of DVT?
Pulmonary embolism (PE), where a clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, causing a blockage.
What are nursing interventions for a patient with suspected or diagnosed DVT?
Administer anticoagulant therapy (e.g., heparin, enoxaparin) as prescribed to prevent further clot formation and embolism.
Elevate the affected limb to reduce swelling and promote venous return.
Apply compression stockings to prevent complications and manage symptoms.
Educate the patient about signs and symptoms of DVT and the importance of medication adherence and follow-up appointments.
Encourage early ambulation and regular movement to prevent stasis and promote circulation.
What is shock?
Shock is a life-threatening condition where there is inadequate tissue perfusion due to impaired circulatory and oxygen delivery
Hypovolemic shock:
Due to loss of blood volume (e.g., hemorrhage).
Cardiogenic shock
Due to heart failure or myocardial infarction.
Distributive shock
Includes septic, anaphylactic, and neurogenic shock.
Obstructive shock
Due to physical obstruction of blood flow (e.g., pulmonary embolism).
What are the common signs and symptoms of shock?
Hypotension (low blood pressure).
Tachycardia (rapid heart rate).
Pale, cool, clammy skin.
Altered mental status (confusion, agitation).
Decreased urine output.
What are nursing interventions for a patient in shock?
Position patient supine with legs elevated to improve venous return.
What are the types of burns based on depth?
Superficial (First-degree) burns: Damage to the outer layer of the skin (epidermis), causing redness and pain (e.g., sunburn).
Partial-thickness (Second-degree) burns: Damage to the epidermis and part of the underlying dermis, causing blistering, severe pain, and possible scarring.
Full-thickness (Third-degree) burns: Destruction of the entire thickness of the skin, involving nerve endings, muscles, and bones. Skin appears white, charred, or leathery.
What is cystic fibrosis (CF)?
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system, causing thick, sticky mucus to build up in these organs.
What are the clinical manifestations of cystic fibrosis?
Persistent cough with thick mucus (sputum).
Frequent lung infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath.
Poor growth and weight gain despite a good appetite (especially in children).
Salty-tasting skin due to abnormal sweat gland function.
What is a common respiratory medication used in cystic fibrosis management?
Bronchodilators such as albuterol (salbutamol)
What are key nursing interventions for a patient with cystic fibrosis?
Airway clearance techniques: Teach and encourage methods such as chest physiotherapy (CPT), postural drainage, and percussion to help loosen and clear mucus from the lungs.
Administer pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT): Ensure the patient takes enzymes with meals and snacks to aid digestion and nutrient absorption.
What is a potential complication of cystic fibrosis?
Chronic respiratory failure due to progressive lung damage and recurrent infections, leading to decreased lung function over time.
