Scenario: An 83-year-old resident of a skilled nursing facility presents to the emergency department with generalized edema of extremities and abdomen. History obtained from staff reveals the patient has history of malabsorption syndrome and difficulty eating due to lack of dentures. The patient has been diagnosed with protein malnutrition.
At its core, pathology is the study of disease. Diseases occur for many reasons. But some, such as cystic fibrosis and Parkinson’s Disease, occur because of alterations that prevent cells from functioning normally.
Understanding of signals and symptoms of alterations in cellular processes is a critical step in diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. For the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), this understanding can also help educate patients and guide them through their treatment plans.
For this Discussion, you examine a case study and explain the disease that is suggested. You examine the symptoms reported and explain the cells that are involved and potential alterations and impacts.
Post an explanation of the disease highlighted in the scenario you were provided. Include the following in your explanation:
The role genetics plays in the disease.
Why the patient is presenting with the specific symptoms described.
The physiologic response to the stimulus presented in the scenario and why you think this response occurred.
The cells that are involved in this process.
How another characteristic (e.g., gender, genetics) would change your responses.
______________________
Based on the scenario provided, the disease suggested for the 83-year-old resident of a skilled nursing facility is Kwashiorkor, a severe form of protein malnutrition.
Role of genetics:
Genetics may not directly play a significant role in the development of Kwashiorkor. This disease is primarily caused by inadequate protein intake, often due to a lack of variety or quantity in the diet. However, genetic factors can indirectly influence an individual’s susceptibility to malnutrition by affecting their nutrient absorption, metabolism, or overall health.
Presentation of specific symptoms:
The patient is presenting with generalized edema of the extremities and abdomen. This symptom is a characteristic feature of Kwashiorkor and occurs due to a decrease in plasma protein levels. Inadequate protein intake leads to a reduction in serum oncotic pressure, resulting in fluid accumulation in the interstitial spaces, causing edema.
Physiological response to the stimulus:
The stimulus presented in the scenario is protein malnutrition, which leads to a deficiency of essential amino acids required for protein synthesis and other vital cellular functions. In response to insufficient protein intake, the body enters a catabolic state, breaking down muscle tissue to provide amino acids for critical bodily functions. This response occurs to maintain the supply of amino acids for essential processes, but it results in muscle wasting and impaired tissue repair.
Cells involved in this process:
Various cells and tissues are involved in the pathophysiology of Kwashiorkor. The liver cells (hepatocytes) play a crucial role in protein synthesis and metabolism dissertation writing service. In Kwashiorkor, the liver’s synthetic capacity is diminished, leading to decreased production of albumin and other plasma proteins, contributing to the development of edema. Additionally, immune cells, such as lymphocytes, may be affected, compromising immune function.
Influence of other characteristics:
Other characteristics, such as gender and genetics, may influence the presentation and response to Kwashiorkor. For example, gender differences in dietary preferences and cultural factors may impact protein intake patterns and nutritional status. Additionally, genetic variations related to nutrient metabolism or absorption could affect an individual’s susceptibility to malnutrition or alter their response to treatment interventions. However, in the scenario provided, specific information regarding gender or genetic factors was not mentioned, so it is difficult to assess their impact.
