Posted: September 2nd, 2022

Pathophysiology and Associated Alterations

Pathophysiology and Associated Alterations
Jennifer appears acutely unwell due to the functional changes that have occurred. The change in body temperature shows there are abnormalities that are currently happening in her body (Keskin & Guvenmez, 2019). The fever has been on and off and it has increased to a high of 102.8°F whereas it is expected that she should be around 98.8°F. The rise in temperature in children is caused by a viral infection. The child also has dry and hot skin showing that there are underlying medical conditions (Keskin & Guvenmez, 2019). The skin is hot due to the high temperature that is beyond the normal level thus showing of a significant level of fever. It is dry showing that it not moisturized as it should be. One of the causes is loss of moisture or water due to the fever. When the skin has lost excess moisture is tends to be dry.
The tympanic membrane is reddened showing a recent trauma or presence of blood in the membrane. The normal color of the tympanic-membrane is grey and thus the change shows presence of an infection. Erythematous in the throat shows there is an increased flow of blood on the superficial capillaries (Keskin & Guvenmez, 2019). Additionally, the tonsils with diffuse exudate indicate the presence of a bacterial or viral infection. When the tonsils are affected they swell and develop a gray or white coating. In children when the anterior cervical nodes are not palpable only if there is an infection (Keskin & Guvenmez, 2019). The anterior cervical nodes are palpable only in adults. The sore throat is a sign of a viral infection such as a cold or flu. The various changes in her body indicate the functional changes of various organs. The reactions are pointing towards a possible viral or bacterial infection. The condition has resulted in failure to eat food and sit well which shows the severity of the infection.

Redness and Irritation of Hands
Jack has come into contact with cleaning fluids that contain abrasive solvents and chemicals. Exposure to the chemicals has resulted into redness and irritation of hands since he does not have any significant medical history. When the skin is exposed to chemicals it produces a reaction such as irritation (Bains & Fonacier, 2019). The reaction of the skin is an evidence that foreign substances have been introduced to the skin without prior sensitization. The skin is red and flaky which is a symptom of exposure to chemicals that interfere with normal functioning of the skin. A flaky skin shows that the outer layer of the epidermis has been damaged. The damaged skin starts to scale out after the cells have been destroyed (Bains & Fonacier, 2019). Other functional changes that occur on the skin include release of pro-inflammatory cytokines to counter the effect of the chemicals on the epidermal cells. Skin barrier disruption is also a significant change on the skin.
The cleaning fluids are the main source of the irritation and redness. The redness is due to increased blood flow on the surface of the skin. The increased flow of blood in an attempt to clear the damage of the epidermal cells by the chemicals (Bains & Fonacier, 2019). Additionally, Jack denies any discomfort which means he is feeling uncomfortable. The discomfort is a sign of the severity of the irritation on the skin. It also shows the skin is reacting due to the changes occurring such as the damage of epidermal cells.
Hypertension
Martha at 65 years has retired from active service as an administrative assistant. However, she has a hypertension condition that has caused significant changes in her body. Hypertension increases the blood pressure which Martha has identified as racing heartbeat. One of the factors causing the high blood pressure is old age (Wing & Gabb, 2018). She is unable to sleep well which is accompanied by a racing heartbeat. The lack of sleep is a symptom showing that there are significant internal changes taking place (Wing & Gabb, 2018). The patient has been taking hydrochlorothiazide which is a diuretic that is used to treat high blood pressure. The drug causes side effects including lack of sleep (Wing & Gabb, 2018). The side effects occur due to increased urination during night time. Another significant side effect of the drug is lack of appetite. The adaptive responses is that the body is unable to experiencing quality sleep. Additionally, as the patient continues advancing in age she requires less sleep. She has also retired from her job which would make her tired and thus ready to take a rest in the evening. Currently, she is just at home taking care of her sick mother. Therefore the combination of factors are the reasons why she is experiencing her current condition.
Mind Map
The following mind map shows a clear demonstration of clinical presentation, pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, risk factors and the treatment options. The selected scenario is hypertension of a 65 year old woman. The following is the mind map figure 1.1

References
Bains, S. N., & Fonacier, L. (2019). Irritant contact dermatitis. Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology, 56(1), 99-109.
Keskin, H., & Guvenmez, O. (2019). A new treatment modality to reduce acute tonsillitis healing time. Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology, 26(2), 14-19.
Wing, L. M., & Gabb, G. M. (2018). Treatment of hypertension in older people. Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research, 48(1), 92-101.

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