NR 283 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY WORKSHEET 4

1. Define pathophysiology. - involves the study of functional or physiologic changes in the body that result from disease processes 2. Define homeostasis. - a relatively stable or constant environment in the body, including blood pressure, temperature, and pH, maintained by the various control mechanisms 3. Discuss the terms acute vs chronic. Provide examples. - Acute rejection develops after several weeks when unmatched antigens cause a reaction - Chronic or late rejection occurs after months or years, with gradual degeneration of the blood vessels. 4. Define hypokalemia. Discuss common effects of hypokalemia. - hypokalemia the serum level of potassium is less than 2 mmol per liter or 3.5 mEq per liter - Effects: Cardiac dysrhythmias  cardiac arrest. Hypokalemia interferes with neuromuscular function, and the muscles become less responsive to stimuli, as shown by fatigue and muscle weakness commencing in the legs. Paresthesias such as “pins and needles” develop. decreased appetite (anorexia) and nausea. In people with severe potassium deficits, the respiratory muscles become weak, leading to shallow respirations. In severe cases, renal function is impaired, leading to failure to concentrate the urine, and increased urine output (polyuria) results. 5. Define hyperkalemia. Discuss common effects of hyperkalemia. - hyperkalemia the serum level of potassium is greater than 2.6 mmol per liter or 5 mEq per liter - Effects: The ECG shows typical cardiac dysrhythmias, which may progress to cardiac arrest. Muscle weakness is common, progressing to paralysis as hyperkalemia advances and impairs neuromuscular activity. Fatigue, nausea, and paresthesias are also common. 6. Define hyponatremia. Discuss common effects of hyponatremia. - Hyponatremia refers to a serum sodium concentration below 3.8 to 5 mmol per liter or 135 - Effects: Low sodium levels impair nerve conduction and result in fluid imbalances in the compartments. Manifestations include fatigue, muscle cramps, and abdominal discomfort or cramps with nausea and vomiting. Decreased osmotic pressure in the extracellular compartment