Discuss Alterations in Cellular Processes
Discussion: Alterations in Cellular Processes NURS 6501
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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.
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Understanding of signals and symptoms of alterations in cellular
Discussion Alterations in Cellular Processes NURS 6501
Discussion Alterations in Cellular Processes NURS 6501
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.
To prepare:
By Day 1 of this week, you will be assigned to a specific scenario for this Discussion. Please see the “Course Announcements” section of the classroom for your assignment from your Instructor.
By Day 3 of Week 1
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 response.
Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.
By Day 6 of Week 1
Respond to at least two of your colleagues on 2 different days and respectfully agree or disagree with your colleague’s assessment and explain your reasoning. In your explanation, include why their explanations make physiological sense or why they do not
Scenario 3: 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.
1. The role genetics plays in the disease. Some genetic factors that can play a part in malabsorption syndrome involve conditions that hinder digestion. These include chronic pancreatitis, Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and hereditary folate malabsorption. These genetic diseases cause an inflammatory process in certain parts of the Gi tract resulting in malabsorption of essential nutrients (Medline Plus, 2020).
2. Why the patient is presenting with the specific symptoms described. The patient presents with protein malnutrition characterized by an energy-deficient state caused by deficiencies of fat, carbohydrates, and protein, also known as macronutrients. The patient has a history of malabsorption syndrome, so the patient has difficulty absorbing protein. Their inadequate oral intake exacerbates the condition due to difficulty eating secondary to a lack of dentures.
Elderly individuals with chewing difficulties risk weight loss, poor nutrition, and increased mortality due to insufficient nutrition intake. Proper chewing of food is essential for adequate absorption of certain nutrients, primarily more substantial proteins (Keller & Layer, 2014). The patient’s poor nutrition results in a deficiency or low protein levels in the blood, causing abdominal edema similar to kwashiorkor’s extreme case.
3. The physiologic response to the stimulus presented in the scenario and why you think this response occurred. Due to protein deficiency or starvation, muscles start to atrophy leading to protein degradation (McCance & Huether, 2019). Albumin synthesis is decreased due to protein deficiency. Albumin plays a significant role in maintaining oncotic pressures within the blood vessels. Low albumin levels within the lumen allow for interstitial leakage of fluid, as presented by increased edema (Gounden, Vashisht, & Jialal, 2020).
4. The cells that are involved in this process. Immune cells are closely linked to metabolic changes caused by malnutrition. Malnutrition will influence cytokine levels, immune cell counts, and their effectiveness. Protein malnutrition diminishes the functionality of T-cells, neutrophils, and natural killer cells (McCance & Huether, 2019). There will also be a change in hormone activity and albumin levels.
5. How another characteristic (e.g., gender, genetics) would change your response. Insufficient enzyme production diseases can affect the absorption of macronutrients, including protein. Individuals who have pancreatic cancers, Crohn’s, inflammatory bowel diseases, and diabetes are some examples that can disturb the exocrine pancreas functions, which can worsen these physiological responses (Keller and Layer, 2014). Individuals with organ failure or deficiencies bring on higher demand for nutrients. This demand exacerbates the energy deficit compared to nutritional intake. Hypermetabolic conditions increase energy expenditure on the body and worsen the malabsorption physiology (Saunders & Smith, 2010).
References
Gounden, V., Vashisht, R., & Jialal, I. (2020). Hypoalbuminemia. StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526080/
Keller, J., & Layer, P. (2014). The Pathophysiology of Malabsorption. Viszeralmedizin, 30(3), 150–154. https://doi.org/10.1159/000364794
McCance, K. L. & Huether, S. E. (2019). Pathophysiology: The biologic basis for disease in adults and children (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby/Elsevier.
Medline Plus. (2020). Malabsorption Syndromes. https://medlineplus.gov/malabsorptionsyndromes.html
Saunders, J., & Smith, T. (2010). Malnutrition: causes and consequences. Clinical medicine (London, England), 10(6), 624–627. https://doi.org/10.7861/clinmedicine.10-6-624
Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the “Post to Discussion Question” link and then select “Create Thread” to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Submit!
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