Nurs 220 Pathophysiology Questions
Define and give an example of the following:
a. etiology
b. incidence
c. precipitating factor
d. complication
e. prognosis
f. iatrogenic
g. sequelae - ANS a. Etiology—concerns the causative factors in a particular disease
b. Incidence—the number of new cases of a disease in a given population noted within a stated time
period
c. Precipitating factor—a condition that triggers onset or exacerbation of disease
d. Complication—new secondary or additional problems that arise after the original disease begins
e. Prognosis—the probability of specific outcomes
f. Iatrogenic—refers to a disease caused by the actions of a health care worker, including treatment,
diagnosis, or failure to recognize complications
Differentiate between the terms metaplasia and malignant neoplasm. - ANS Metaplasia—occurs
when one mature cell type is replaced by a different mature cell type that is functional. Malignant
neoplasms are referred to as cancer and involve dysplastic tissues.
Describe the changes in a cell that lead to the following:
a. loss of function
, b. necrosis - ANS Loss of function is preceded by changes in cell metabolism because of changes in
structure and function. Necrosis is the death of groups of cells caused by processes such as cells
being liquefied by certain enzymes (liquefaction necrosis), cell proteins being altered or denatured
(coagulative necrosis), breakdown of fats by enzymes (fat necrosis), or formation of a thick "cheesy"
substance that later leads to liquefaction (caseous necrosis).
Define the following terms:
a. apoptosis
b. gangrene - ANS Apoptosis—programmed cell death
Gangrene—an area of ischemic and necrotic tissue that has been invaded by bacteria
CJ is having surgery next week to remove a malignant breast tumor, following discovery of a lump in
the breast and a biopsy. Her mother and aunt have had breast cancer. CJ is taking medication for
high blood pressure.
Match the significant information in the preceding question to the appropriate term: diagnosis,
medical history, etiology, prognosis, benign neoplasm, iatrogenic, signs, complication, treatment,
cancer, and examination of living tissue. Some terms may not be used or may be used more than
once. - ANS Malignant breast tumor and high blood pressure—diagnosis
High blood pressure and family cancer—medical history
Medication—treatment
Surgery—treatment and diagnosis
Biopsy—examination of living tissue
Describe appropriate guidelines for a healthy diet for an older individual. - ANS The diet should be
well-balanced and provide adequate amounts of all nutrients, protein, minerals (e.g., calcium and
iron), vitamins, carbohydrates, and fats to maintain cell function, regeneration, and repair. Fiber
content should be sufficient to prevent constipation. The total energy requirement is decreased
because of the decreased basal metabolic rate. The amount of fat, particularly animal fat, may be
reduced to decrease the total caloric intake and risk of elevated cholesterol levels; however, some
fat and fat-soluble vitamins are necessary. Adequate water should be included, particularly when
salivary secretion is reduced. There may be dietary restrictions, such as restrictions on sodium,
glucose, or cholesterol, imposed by certain diseases. In some cases, chewing and swallowing
problems may necessitate some alterations in the form and/or preparation of the food.
Define and give an example of the following:
a. etiology
b. incidence
c. precipitating factor
d. complication
e. prognosis
f. iatrogenic
g. sequelae - ANS a. Etiology—concerns the causative factors in a particular disease
b. Incidence—the number of new cases of a disease in a given population noted within a stated time
period
c. Precipitating factor—a condition that triggers onset or exacerbation of disease
d. Complication—new secondary or additional problems that arise after the original disease begins
e. Prognosis—the probability of specific outcomes
f. Iatrogenic—refers to a disease caused by the actions of a health care worker, including treatment,
diagnosis, or failure to recognize complications
Differentiate between the terms metaplasia and malignant neoplasm. - ANS Metaplasia—occurs
when one mature cell type is replaced by a different mature cell type that is functional. Malignant
neoplasms are referred to as cancer and involve dysplastic tissues.
Describe the changes in a cell that lead to the following:
a. loss of function
, b. necrosis - ANS Loss of function is preceded by changes in cell metabolism because of changes in
structure and function. Necrosis is the death of groups of cells caused by processes such as cells
being liquefied by certain enzymes (liquefaction necrosis), cell proteins being altered or denatured
(coagulative necrosis), breakdown of fats by enzymes (fat necrosis), or formation of a thick "cheesy"
substance that later leads to liquefaction (caseous necrosis).
Define the following terms:
a. apoptosis
b. gangrene - ANS Apoptosis—programmed cell death
Gangrene—an area of ischemic and necrotic tissue that has been invaded by bacteria
CJ is having surgery next week to remove a malignant breast tumor, following discovery of a lump in
the breast and a biopsy. Her mother and aunt have had breast cancer. CJ is taking medication for
high blood pressure.
Match the significant information in the preceding question to the appropriate term: diagnosis,
medical history, etiology, prognosis, benign neoplasm, iatrogenic, signs, complication, treatment,
cancer, and examination of living tissue. Some terms may not be used or may be used more than
once. - ANS Malignant breast tumor and high blood pressure—diagnosis
High blood pressure and family cancer—medical history
Medication—treatment
Surgery—treatment and diagnosis
Biopsy—examination of living tissue
Describe appropriate guidelines for a healthy diet for an older individual. - ANS The diet should be
well-balanced and provide adequate amounts of all nutrients, protein, minerals (e.g., calcium and
iron), vitamins, carbohydrates, and fats to maintain cell function, regeneration, and repair. Fiber
content should be sufficient to prevent constipation. The total energy requirement is decreased
because of the decreased basal metabolic rate. The amount of fat, particularly animal fat, may be
reduced to decrease the total caloric intake and risk of elevated cholesterol levels; however, some
fat and fat-soluble vitamins are necessary. Adequate water should be included, particularly when
salivary secretion is reduced. There may be dietary restrictions, such as restrictions on sodium,
glucose, or cholesterol, imposed by certain diseases. In some cases, chewing and swallowing
problems may necessitate some alterations in the form and/or preparation of the food.
