NSG 530 / NSG 530
EXAM 4 STUDY GUIDE
Advanced Pathophysiology - Wilkes
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NSG 530 Exam 4 Study Guide key Terms and Definitions Review Course Expert-Verified
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### Anemias
. **Iron Deficiency Anemia**: This anemia arises from insufficient
iron, leading to a decrease in hemoglobin production. Symptoms include fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath due to reduced oxygen transport capacity in the blood. Diagnosis often involves low serum ferritin and low serum iron levels.
%. **Pernicious Anemia**: A form of macrocytic anemia caused by the
lack of intrinsic factor, which is essential for vitamin B% absorption.Patients may present with neurological symptoms due to the role of B% in myelin synthesis. Laboratory findings typically show enlarged red blood cells and low vitamin B% levels.
*. **Anemia of Chronic Disease**: Characterized by microcytic red
blood cells, this type occurs in various chronic conditions such as infections or malignancies. It is associated with low serum iron levels but normal or elevated ferritin, indicating iron sequestration due to inflammation.
/. **Thalassemia**: This inherited condition features defective
hemoglobin synthesis, leading to ineffective erythropoiesis and hemolysis. Patients typically present with microcytic anemia.Treatment may include transfusions or chelation therapy for iron overload. 2 / 4
1. **Hemolytic Anemia**: This anemia results from the premature
destruction of red blood cells, often due to autoimmune processes.Symptoms include jaundice, dark urine, and splenomegaly. Laboratory tests reveal elevated reticulocyte counts and bilirubin.
4. **Sickle Cell Anemia**: A genetic disorder that causes red blood
cells to adopt a sickle shape under low oxygen conditions. This results in vaso-occlusive crises leading to severe pain and organ damage.Management focuses on pain control, hydration, and hydroxyurea therapy.
### Endocrine Disorders
8. **Hyperthyroidism**: Characterized by excessive secretion of
thyroid hormones (T* and T/), this disorder can cause symptoms like weight loss, increased appetite, and heat intolerance. Grave’s disease is a common cause and is marked by the presence of Thyroid- Stimulating Immunoglobulins (TSIs).
=. **Hypothyroidism**: This condition results from insufficient
thyroid hormone production, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a common autoimmune cause where antibodies attack thyroid tissue.
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?. **Addison's Disease**: This adrenal insufficiency occurs when the
adrenal glands do not produce adequate amounts of cortisol and aldosterone. Symptoms often include fatigue, weight loss, and hyperpigmentation of the skin. Diagnosis includes low cortisol levels and elevated ACTH.
@. **Cushing's Disease**: Results from excessive cortisol levels
usually due to a pituitary adenoma secreting ACTH. Symptoms include hypertension, weight gain, and changes in fat distribution. Diagnosed through suppression tests and imaging studies.
### Musculoskeletal Disorders
. **Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)**: A chronic systemic inflammatory
disorder primarily affecting joints. RA leads to synovitis, which can result in joint damage and deformities. Diagnosis is confirmed by clinical presentation and laboratory tests for rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies.
%. **Osteoporosis**: This condition involves a decrease in bone
density, making bones fragile and susceptible to fractures. Risk factors include age, gender, and hormonal changes. DEXA scans are used for diagnosis, and treatment includes bisphosphonates and lifestyle modifications.
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