...Chapter 1 The Problem and Its Setting Introduction Thrombocytopenia or abnormally low platelet counts in the body are typically caused by genetic disorder or fatal diseases. This condition may result from thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complications caused by heparin as well as from various diseases states such as chronic liver disease and dengue hemorrhagic fever. In most rural areas a health care institution is often inaccessible and most patients cannot afford high cost medication. Henceforth, herbal medicines are often used as an alternative treatment. Inadequacy of providing supportive treatment to correct the decrease of platelet is fatal to patients. Thus, several decoctions of herbal plants are purportedly used to improve platelet count. Recently, the mortality rate in heparin – induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) has been reported as high as 20% (Greinacher & Lubanow, 2003). Retrospective data shows that up to 8% of heparinized patients will develop the antibody associated with HIT and that approximately 1–5% of patients on heparin will progress to develop HIT with thrombocytopenia suffering from venous and/or arterial thrombosis in at least one-third of cases (Warkentin et al., 1998). Heparin – induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a potentially devastating immune mediated adverse drug reaction caused by the emergence of antibodies that activate platelets in the presence of heparin. Despite thrombocytopenia, bleeding is rare; rather, HIT is strongly associated with...
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...is insufficient evidence to conclude that flushing catheters with heparin is more effective in preventing blood from clotting in the lines than flushing with a normal saline solution. This evidence-based paper will identify the effect of each solution on IV lines, the preferred solution for patient safety and how to implement the preferred solution into daily care to promote the best client outcome. Heparin verses Normal Saline Flushes to Maintain Venous Access During my clinical rotations, I have observed catheter patency checks being performed with a normal saline injection prior to each administration of intravenous medications. I often wondered how this nursing intervention was established. Heparin flushes have been the commonly used solution to decrease occlusions for patients with intermittently used central venous catheters or intravenous catheters; until recently when medical experts completed a review of the associated risks with the use of heparin (Lewis, Dirksen, Heitkemper, Bucher, et al & Camera, 2011). Medical experts began to examine other interventions to maintain patency such as a normal saline flush. Through research and collection of data regarding catheter patency, catheter-related bloodstream infections and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, it was determined that there is insufficient evidence on the effectiveness or necessity of flushing catheters with heparin (Mitchell, Anderson, Williams & Umscheid, 2009). It was concluded that flushing...
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...in the middle. In the axils appear numerous involucres, purplish or greenish, dense, axillary, short stalk clusters or crowded cymes, about 1 mm long. The capsules are broadly ovoid, hairy, three-angled, about 1.5 cm. The small green flowers constitute the inflourescence characteristics of the euphorbias. The stem and the leaves produce white or milky juice when cut (Lind and Tallantire, 1971;Anonymous 2005). In some parts of Africa, extract of the plant are used in the treatment of asthma and respiratory tract inflammations (Kokwaro, 1993). The plant contains relatively abundant white latex. The white latex is capable of causing dermatitis (Oliver, 1960). The plant shows antibiotic activity (Sofowora, 1993). Upon reading some medical research studies on Euphorbia hirta...
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...affluent. This is happening because of the long life expectancy and increase exposure to substances that causes cancer. Determining the cause of cancer can be complex, even though more advanced technology have made it much better now to diagnose the disease. Studies have shown that obesity, tobacco use, environmental pollutants, certain diet increases the risk for cancer (National Cancer Institute, 2014). The symptoms of cancer can vary depending on where the cancer is formed, where it has spread and the size of the tumor. The fear of dealing with the disease causes stress and depression for the patient. Understanding the prognosis of cancer is important when planning a variety of options for treatment (National Cancer Institute, 2014). This paper will focus on the stages of cancer, side effects from treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation, how to lessen physiologic and psychological effects for patients with cancer. Cancer is diagnosed by experts who study a cell or tissue under the microscope. Medical exams such as ultrasound, endoscopy, blood draws for cancer marker test, and biopsies, computed tomography (CT), pap smears, mammograms...
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...Tropical Regions of Africa and South America name University professor date Yellow Fever Yellow fever is a viral infection which is potentially fatal. Statistics kept by WHO, the World Health Organization, estimates that out of 200,000 cases of yellow fever each year, there are 30,000 deaths as a result of the infectious process (“Yellow Fever Fact,” 2010). Yellow Fever is endemic to tropical regions. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that yellow fever is endemic to 30 sub-Saharan African countries and 13 Central and South American countries. In the 1900’s research discovered that yellow fever is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and the development of a vaccine followed shortly after (Hill, 2009). Despite the development of a vaccine, today yellow fever is a serious health risk to the inhabitants of tropical South America, Africa, and to any travelers visiting these areas. This paper will discuss the infectious process of yellow fever, how yellow fever is diagnosed, and its’ signs and symptoms. Next, the pathophysiological changes caused by yellow fever will be explained. Lastly, available treatments and education to prevent yellow fever will be explored. Disease and Infectious Process The vector of the yellow fever virus is the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Meanwhile, humans and monkeys are the principle reservoirs for the virus. The process of infection starts with a female mosquito that feeds on an infected carrier of the yellow fever virus. The mosquito...
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...plasma cells, “myeloma” refers to a tumor of the bone marrow, and “multiple” refers to more than one area of the bone marrow being affected (Mangan, 2006, p. 64hn1). Because the disease is incurable, and because only 30 percent of patients survive longer than five years after diagnosis, living with multiple myeloma can be difficult for patients and their families (Mangan, 2006, p. 64hn1). As health care providers on the front lines of patient care, nurses must be aware of the multi-system manifestations of multiple myeloma, be able to make the assessments needed to identify and prevent complications related to the disease and its treatment regimen, and be ready to provide patients and their families with knowledge and support. In this paper, the author will first provide a full description of multiple myeloma, including etiology and risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnostic tests, and treatment. This accomplished, the author will apply the stages of the nursing process to nursing care...
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...Epidemiology: Mononucleosis Tina Taber Grand Canyon University: 8 October 2014 Epidemiology is a science that uses quantitative, scientific, and research methods to study the causes of disease, how it is transmitted and preventive measures that can be taken to stop the transmission. Healthcare officials then use the information to help guide the public to optimal health. This paper will take a look at the disease Infectious Mononucleosis and how the community nurse can help fight against it and other infectious diseases. Mononucleosis, also known as the “kissing disease”, is an infectious disease that is mainly found in young adult college students or teen-agers from ages 15-17. Older adults can also get it but it is usually not found in them unless they are immunocompromised. According to the CDC, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, but other viruses can also cause this disease. (CDC, 2014) It is transmitted through the infected person’s salvia, mucous from the nose and throat and sometimes tears, close contact, and sharing drinks and utensils can spread the disease. Mononucleosis can have an incubation period anywhere from 33-49 days, and then symptoms appear around 4-6 weeks. It usually begins slowly with fatigue, a general ill feeling and sore throat. Other symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever, muscle aches, and loss of appetite, and possibly a swollen spleen. The treatment for Mononucleosis is usually plenty of...
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...osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis causes degenerative changes, within the joints causing bone stiffening and reactive inflammation. My patient was admitted on 10/21/11 with osteoarthritis and a left total knee replacement. Her PT and INR were a concern because she had developed mild thrombocytopenia which resulted in the elevation and potential bleeding. The physician had to take her off of Lovenox and switch her to an oral anti-coagulant Xarelto at 10mg once daily. During her care I was educated by the interdisciplinary teams managing mobility, safety, and the more modern approaches with a total knee replacement. The purpose of this clinical summary paper is to discuss managing mobility after a total knee replacement. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE In seeking out information on this topic, I used the Amarillo College Library Network and CINAHL database on campus and opened as many articles that I believed would aid in my research. The words I used for searching were: TKR, total knee care, and managing total knee replacement. The contributing factors gave me the articles that related to my patient that I had cared for in clinicals. These searches took me to the information that I was in need of for my paper. Turner’s (2011) primary focus was about care prior to surgery, during, post-operatively, and nursing care. Although this article is a basic overview from preoperative care to discharge, her agenda is clear that importance of risk factors, assessments and labs should...
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...Epidemiology: Chickenpox The Varicella-Zoster virus causes a very infectious disease called Chickenpox. Chickenpox is usually acquired through the inhalation of airborne respiratory droplets from an infected host. Chickenpox is primarily acquired during childhood , with more than 90% of all reported cases occurring in children under the age of 10. A person with chickenpox can spread the virus without even showing any signs or symptoms. It is usually most easily transmitted two to three days before a rash appears and keeps that high transmission rate until the blisters have crusted over. The following paper provides a detailed description of Chickenpox and the determinants of health contributing to the development of the disease. The epidemiologic triangle is used to explain the relationships among an agent, a host and the environment. The paper also addresses the role of the community health nurse in Chickenpox management and discusses the role of one national organization in the fight against the spread of Chickenpox. Description of Chickenpox Chickenpox is an infection caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus. It is considered contagious and is characterized by a itchy rash and appears like blisters all over the body . It occurs most frequently in children between the ages of five and eight years old and is transmitted so easily that the majority of the population will catch the disease at some point in their childhood. Chickenpox can be transmitted by coming into contact...
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...| Syllabus College of Natural Sciences HCA/240 Version 4 Health and Diseases | Copyright © 2011, 2009, 2007 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description This course introduces the student to the basic principles of illness and disease commonly seen in the health care environment. Topics may include infectious and noninfectious diseases, environmental health, and the promotion of good health practices. In addition, students will be introduced to common disease and medical procedure terminology. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality. Course Materials Zelman, M., Tompary, E., Raymond, J., Holdaway, P., & Mulvihill, M. (2010). Human diseases: A systemic approach (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. All electronic materials are available on the student website. Week One: Introduction to Human Health and Disease | | Details | Due | Points | ...
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...EDCAN CASE STUDY : Libby In the chosen case study a 48 year old women named Libby contracts breast cancer for the second time. In Libby’s journey throughout her treatment she discovers many physical, social, psychological and spiritual issues which affect her overall well-being. This paper will discuss how important it is for nurses to give the best treatment possible; during, between and after therapy. It will also discuss the risks of developing this cancer and how important it is to find the condition early to promote a healthier recovery (Australian Government, 2012). Reducing Risks All women want to know what they can do to lower their risk of breast cancer. Some factors which contribute to breast cancer are your age, being a woman and your genetics. These factors cannot be changed but many other factors can, such as maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, eating nutritious food and limiting alcohol consumption. By making healthier lifestyle choices the risk of breast cancer is decreased (National Breast Cancer Centre, 2006). In Australia, breast cancer is the most common cancer; one in nine women will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the age of 85. Just being a woman is the biggest risk factor for developing breast cancer. There are approximately 13,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Australia, and men may also develop breast cancer but it is extremely rare (Cancer Council Australia, 2007). Age is another important factor, the risk of...
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...Cri du Chat Cri du chat syndrome is a rare genetic disorder which approximately affects 1 in 20,000 to 50,000 live births. The disease does not depend on ethnic backgrounds, but is most common in the case of women. The disorder gets its name from the typical cry of babies born with this syndrome. The baby sounds like a kitten, because of problems with the nervous system and larynx. The good news is that about 1/3 of kids recover by the age of 2. Negative aspects of this disease may be: * Feeding problems, because they can't suck and swallow well * Low weight at birth and poor evolution * Motor, cognitive, and speech delays * Behavioral problems such as aggression, hyperactivity, and repetitive movements * Uncommon facial traits that can change in time * What is Cri-du-Chat syndrome? The name of this syndrome is French for "cry of the cat," referring to the distinctive cry of children with this disorder. The cry is caused by abnormal larynx development, one of the many symptoms associated with this disorder. It usually becomes less noticeable as the baby gets older, making it difficult for doctors to diagnose cri-du-chat after age two. Cri-du-chat is caused by a deletion (the length of which may vary) on the short arm of chromosome 5. Multiple genes are missing as a result of this deletion, and each may contribute to the symptoms of the disorder. One of the deleted genes known to be involved is TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase). This gene is...
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...The Long Road to Direct Factor Xa Inhibitors: A History of Anticoagulation Marjorie Burnsworth Tacoma Community College July 24, 2014 Abstract This paper explores the history of the chemical research and development of anticoagulant medications over the years and how this has lead to the development of direct factor Xa inhibitors (fXa inhibitors). Since ancient doctors first used leeches to treat their patients, people have been aware of the properties of anticoagulants and anti-thrombolytics, but the development of Heparin almost 100 years ago signified the start of a century of chemical discovery and development in the field of anticoagulation that has peaked in the last 25 years. Following the development of Heparin, scientists next developed Vitamin K Antagonists (VKA's), such as Coumadin, which gave an oral option for anticoagulation but they were not without side effects. Nearly 30 years passed before chemists came up with the next step forward in anticoagulation, low-molecular-weight-heparin (LMWH). It was LMWH that first opened scientists eyes to factor Xa and the possibility of considering it as a possible target for future anticoagulation. In order to proceed with development, however, they had to look back to the past. Back to leeches and heparin, as these would prove hold the keys to the future development of direct factor Xa inhibitors. The Long Road to Direct Factor Xa Inhibitors: A History of Anticoagulation ...
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...Drug Information Paper: Levodopa/Carbidopa: Sinemet Kristin Curcione Daemen College This drug information report will explore in detail the medication Levodopa. Levodopa is the most effective drug for the symptomatic treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Levodopa works when it is absorbed in the blood from the small intestine and travels through blood to the brain where it is converted to dopamine (Parkkinen, O'Sullivan, Kuoppamäki, et al., 2011). It is intended for the purpose of treating chronic neurodegenerative diseases. It is primarily used in neurology practice for patients who are experiencing idiopathic Lewy body degenerative disease of the central nervous system. This paper will also discuss use of Carbidopa as it is used...
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...CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION Background of the Study The papaya, papaw, or pawpaw is the fruit of the plant Carica papaya, the sole species in the genus Carica of the plant family Caricaceae. It is native to the tropics of the Americas, perhaps from southern Mexico and neighbouring Central America. It was first cultivated in Mexico several centuries before the emergence of the Mesoamerican classical civilizations. Papaya leaves contains coumarin, papain and iron which are the three main essentials that increase blood platelets. Dengue viruses, mosquito-borne members of the Flaviviridae family, are the causative agents of dengue fever. Dengue is the most important emerging viral disease of humans that in recent decades has become a major international public health concern. There is a widespread of dengue cases in every corner of our country. Many people can’t afford to go to hospitals just to get medical assistance especially indigent families. Therefore because of the expensive disbursement in prestigious hospitals such as medicines needed to cure dengue, affected people die without being aided. Most people know about papayas but not many know about the amazing health benefits of Papaya Leaves. Papaya Leaves contain powerful healing compounds that are very important for great health and vitality... and for curing cancer and dengue fever. With the rising number of people catching dengue fever, the demand for papaya leaf juice has soared. The extract of raw papaya leaf...
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