L1: Chronic Diseases

Question 1

World Health Organization (WHO) definition of chronic diseases

Answer 1

long-lasting diseases that progress slowly

Question 2

Explain the features of chronic diseases

Answer 2

• last for 3 months or more
• progress slowly
• caused by multiple risk factors
• cannot be cured through medical interventions
• They require periodic monitoring and supportive care to reduce the severity of the disease and maximize the individual’s function and responsibility in self-care

Question 3

What are Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) ?

Answer 3

diseases that are not caused by an infectious agent but result from: genetic predispositions, lifestyle factors, or environmental exposures.

Question 4

Describe the significance of chronic diseases in global health

Answer 4

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of premature death globally, accounting for 41 million deaths each year, which is 74% of all deaths
Additionally, they disproportionately affect low-income populations, exacerbating health inequities.
There is a need for social services and specialized rehabilitation centers.

Question 5

How do chronic diseases impact healthcare systems?

Answer 5

Chronic diseases impact economic stability and healthcare systems worldwide. They often require long-term management, leading to increased healthcare costs and resource allocation.

Question 6

What are the top four causes of deaths from non-communicable diseases according to WHO?

Answer 6

1. cardiovascular diseases
2. cancers
3. respiratory diseases
4. diabetes

Question 7

Which types of chronic diseases are among the leading causes of disability worldwide?

Answer 7

Musculoskeletal diseases, rheumatic diseases, strokes, diabetes-related kidney failure, blindness, and leg and foot amputations

Question 8

What factors have contributed to the significant increase in chronic diseases in recent years?

Answer 8

• A decrease in infectious diseases,
• Increased life expectancy and aging populations,
• Industrialization,
• Environmental pollution,
• Increased individual stress,
• Rise in sedentary lifestyles,
• Changes in dietary patterns,
• Increased consumption of addictive substances like tobacco, etc.

Question 9

Explain the importance of understanding chronic diseases for healthcare providers

Answer 9

Nurses must understand and recognize chronic diseases to provide effective care, manage caregivers, and identify the needs of the entire group.

Question 10

Characteristics of Chronic Diseases

Answer 10

• begin in middle age, last a lifetime, and usually cannot be fully cured
• Multiple factors can play a role in the development of the disease.
• The extent and duration of a person’s exposure to these factors are important, and the time between exposure and the onset of the disease can be very long
• Chronic diseases can also lead to other chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes may cause neurological and renal disorders or blindness)
• chronic diseases tend to worsen with relapses

Question 11

How do chronic diseases typically progress over time?

Answer 11

Although periods of improvement may occur, chronic diseases tend to worsen with relapses, requiring individuals to undergo a learning process to manage symptoms and associated physiological and social issues that may arise as a result

Question 12

Effects of chronic disease on the family of the patient

Answer 12

The family’s adaptation to a changing lifestyle, reduction in social activities, economic difficulties during the treatment process, challenges in disease management, and changing roles can lead to stress and burnout in family relationships.

Question 13

Importance of compliance with treatment for controlling the disease

Answer 13

Chronic diseases require individuals to follow certain rules and develop a specific lifestyle (e.g., integrating prescribed diets and exercises for conditions like diabetes and hypertension).

Non-compliance with treatment:
- increases the risk and severity of complications, and
- accelerates the progression of the disease.

Question 14

Effect of chronic diseases on healthcare workers

Answer 14

Since chronic diseases demand long-term treatment and care, this can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and burnout among healthcare workers.

Question 15

4 behavioural risk factors and their chronic consequences

Answer 15

• tobacco use
• physical inactivity
• unhealthy diet
• harmful use of alcohol

The consequences of these behaviours:
- Metabolic / Physiological Changes
- Increased Blood Pressure
- Excess Weight / Obesity
- Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia

Question 16

Social, behavioural, metabolic and cardiovascular Factors Contributing to Hypertension

Answer 16

Social Factors:
Globalization, Urbanization, Aging, Income, Education, Housing

Behavioural factors:
Unhealthy diet, Tobacco use, Lack of physical activity, Harmful alcohol consumption

Metabolic risk factors:
High blood pressure
Obesity
Diabetes
Elevated lipid levels

Question 17

Cardiovascular diseases caused by hypertension

Answer 17

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Kidney diseases

Question 18

How does the WHO recommend combating chronic diseases?

Answer 18

• Tobacco use control
• Promotion of physical activity
• Reduction of alcohol consumption
• Encouragement of healthy eating
• Development of specific strategies to prevent cancer

Question 19

Define primary prevention in the context of chronic diseases.

Answer 19

Primary prevention involves eliminating disease causes through: regulating diet, establishing regular physical exercise, and preventing the use of substances like tobacco and alcohol.

Question 20

What is secondary prevention for chronic diseases?

Answer 20

Secondary prevention involves early detection of diseases through screening methods and laboratory tests among individuals who appear healthy.

Question 21

Explain tertiary prevention in chronic disease management.

Answer 21

Tertiary prevention focuses on preventing disease-related loss of function by:
ensuring continuity of treatment, keeping the disease under control, and conducting rehabilitative efforts to enable the patient’s participation in work, education, social life, and other activities.

Question 22

Describe the adaptation process stages for individuals diagnosed with chronic diseases.

Answer 22

1. Shock-denial
2. Reaction: anxiety displayed by anger, suppression, or opposition but the individual slowly begins to accept the reality of the situation.
3. Resistance: individual begins to adapt to their new situation. Irreversible changes have occurred in their life, and they start to question their outlook on life and how to approach the future. The individual has entered the adaptation process to their illness.
4. Adaptation: the individual accepts the reality of their condition and adapts to their new life. At this point, the person comes to terms with their illness and develops strategies to cope with their situation in the best possible way.

Question 23

List some Strategies that can be recommended to enhance patients’ adherence to their treatment and care under nursing leadership

Answer 23

• Simplified treatment program if possible
• Identification of at-risk groups
• Providing social support if necessary
• Individual education on the importance of maintaining their own care
• Implementation of behavior change strategies to improve an individual’s self-efficacy.

Question 24

Aim of nursing care in chronic diseases

Answer 24

to enhance functional ability, delay deterioration, and improve quality of life

Question 25

Describe nursing care for patients with chronic diseases

Answer 25

- direct care - supportive care - counselling for patients, their families, and caregivers is emphasized.

Question 26

What is the most important health issue of our time?

Answer 26

chronic diseases in natural disasters

Question 27

What can happen to symptoms of Chronic Diseases in Disasters?

Answer 27

Inadequate care and resources and Insufficient continuity of care Leads to the exacerbation of symptoms associated with morbidity and mortality - development of new chronic disease - Increase in cardiac mortality rates due to stress and anxiety brought on by the disaster

Question 28

Explain the Role of Nurses in Managing Chronic Diseases During Disasters

Answer 28

important role in developing the ability of individuals with chronic illnesses to plan initiatives that will increase their self-confidence in managing their condition before a disaster.

Question 29

Nurses play a critical role for individuals and communities during and after disasters by:

Answer 29

- Identifying risks, - Developing risk management plans, - Planning and implementing disaster preparedness training, - Responding promptly and effectively, - Participating in the recovery process alongside other disaster management teams.

Question 30

Enhancing Nurses' Competencies in Disaster Management

Answer 30

For comprehensive disaster preparedness, nurses should be involved in the development and implementation of disaster plans. They should receive training on potential issues that may arise before, during, and after a disaster. Nurses must also be prepared for different disaster scenarios (e.g., natural, biological, chemical, and radiological disasters) through regular drills and exercises. Nurses should possess knowledge of disaster technology to plan or coordinate disaster response, access medical records, and communicate with patients and other healthcare professionals. They should also be able to educate individuals with chronic diseases on strategies for maintaining health and managing their conditions during disasters.

Question 31

What is recommended for Individuals with Chronic Diseases During Disasters?

Answer 31

- Individuals with chronic diseases should wear a medical alert bracelet. - For Alzheimer's patients, strategies to calm them during stressful times should be prepared in advance. - Individuals with dementia may wander aimlessly and easily get lost, so they should not be left alone.

Question 32

Recommendations for Individuals with arthritis and chemotherapy

Answer 32

Individuals with arthritis should avoid joint injuries that could worsen their symptoms and should refrain from heavy physical tasks after a disaster. Chemotherapy patients are advised to avoid infections

Question 33

Recommendations for Individuals with respiratory diseases (such as COPD, asthma, etc.) during disasters

Answer 33

they should ensure they have adequate equipment and supplies for oxygen therapy during and after a disaster.

Question 34

Recommendations for Individuals with diabetes and dialysis and epilepsy During Disasters

Answer 34

- It is recommended that individuals with diabetes include at least one or two diabetes monitoring supplies (such as a glucometer, insulin syringe, strips, etc.) in their disaster supply kit. - should also check their feet daily for cuts, redness, swelling, sores, blisters, calluses, or other changes in the skin or nails. In the event of an injury or trauma, they should consult a healthcare professional. - obtain their dialysis center’s disaster plan and information on where to receive treatment if the center is closed during a disaster. - recommended that they prepare a disaster supply kit, which includes at least a three-day supply of medication.

Question 35

Priority Nursing Diagnoses for Patients Diagnosed with COVID-19:

Answer 35

- Infection - Lack of Knowledge - Hyperthermia - Impaired Breathing Pattern - Anxiety

Question 36

Role of the nurse for patients with covid 19

Answer 36

- Providing quality and individualized care - Preventing diseases, - Delivering health education, - Reducing or preventing the spread of misinformation during the pandemic. - address symptoms that develop due to the disease, prevent complications, and effectively assess potential risks to plan appropriate nursing care.

Question 36

Simples measures that were put in place during covid 19 to protect elderly

Answer 36

- Immunization, - Expanding telemedicine networks to reach vulnerable elderly individuals for emergencies and routine check-ups, - Establishing appropriate COVID-19 testing options, - Quickly planning the discharge of elderly individuals after their needs in the emergency room or hospital have been met, and ensuring their safe transfer home or to care facilities with continued monitoring.

Question 36

Appropriate Nursing Interventions for Individuals with Chronic Diseases Who Are Also COVID-19 Contacts or Suspected/Potential Patients:

Answer 36

Informing patients with chronic diseases and their relatives - Monitoring and treatment of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic - Ensuring that patients continue their medication treatment for chronic diseases during the pandemic