Pathophysiology Introduction Flashcards
What are the 4 inter-related topics included in Pathophysiology?
- Etiology
- Pathogenesis
- Clinical Manifestations
- Treatment Implications
Define Etiology
The study of the causes or reasons for phenomena
What would make an etiology “idiopathic”?
If the etiological cause is unknown
What would make an etiology “iatrogenic”?
If the etiological cause is a result of unintended or unwanted medical treatment.
Define “Pathogenesis”
The development of a disease, from initial stimulus to the manifestation of the disease.
What are clinical menifestations?
Signs of disease (usually objective)
How are “symptoms” defined?
As the subjective feelings of an abnormality in the body
When might a disorder be considered a “syndrome”?
When the etiology of a particular set of signs and symptoms has not yet been determined
What is the interval between the exposure to an injurious agent and the first appearance of signs/symptoms named?
The latent period
What might the time including the onset of the first signs/symptoms of a disease be called?
The prodromal period or “prodrome”
What would a section of time during the course of a disease where symptoms and signs become mild or even disappear be called?
A silent period or sometimes, a “latent” period
What is a “subclinical stage”?
A time where the patient may function normally but the disease is well-established
How long do acute conditions usually last?
Hours to days to weeks
How long to chronic conditions usually last?
Months to years.
Define “exacerbation”
A sudden increase in the severity of a disease, including, at times, it’s signs and symptoms.
Define “remission”
An abatement or decline in severity of a disease and, at times, it’s signs and symptoms.
What is “convalescence”?
The stage of recovery after a disease, injury, or surgical operation.
What is “sequela” (pl: sequelae”)
Subsequent pathologic conditions produced by diseases.
Why is a complication different than sequelae?
Sequelae are conditions caused by diseases, such as scarring, whereas a complication is an entirely new process that is produced by the original problem such AKI resulting from cardiogenic shock.
What is “validity”?
The degree to which a measurement reflects the true value of the object it is intended to measure
What is “reliability”?
Also called “precision”
The ability of a test to give the same result in repeated measurements.
Why might lab values and measurements differ from facility to facility?
Could be due to a difference in reagents used or laboratory methods.
What is the “predictive value” of a test?
The extent to which the test can differentiate between the presence or absence of a condition in an individual
Define “sensitivity”?
The probability that the test will be positive when applied to a person with the condition being tested.
