Effect heat has on nociceptors
Nociceptors are pain receptors activated by neuropathic or nociceptive stimuli released during pain towards impending or actual tissue injury (Dubin, 2010). Nociceptors frequently are related to the perception of pain are evoked when the pressure and temperature are at a level considered extreme that can cause injuries to tissues and secondly by toxic molecule and inflammatory mediators. In most instances, these injuries concentrate on one section of the skin, blocking the flow of blood. Heat or cold assists in subsecond somatopic withdrawal response the two act as stimuli to depolarize outer terminals resulting in the production of the receptor with a suitable amplitude and duration. The effects of heat are seen a reduction of ischaemia tissues and increase the flow of blood to the area.
Chemicals contained in endogenous opioids and its benefit to the body?
Endogenous opioids or endorphins compose of corticosteroid biochemical produced in the pituitary gland and central nervous system (Porth, 2011). They help in inhibiting the transmission of pain signals and produce a euphoric feeling, which is quite similar to other opioids. Endorphins play a huge role in pain reduction mostly during surgery through exertion of its effects by binding to mu-opioid receptors with different capacity
Explain how NSAIDs function in the management of pain
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDS are common pain relief medicines recommended to most patients (Dubin, 2010). In its chemical form, NSAIDs block Cox-1 and Cox 2 enzymes from making prostaglandins, resulting in less pain and swelling. Some drugs that contain NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen. The primary reason for its use is that it relieves pains faster than other drugs. According to Dubin (2010), NSAID reduces pain by blocking enzymes and proteins made by the body, for example, ibuprofen and naproxen are responsible for blocking prostaglandin protein responsible for worsening heavy menstrual bleeding.
Why would Anna’s temperature be of particular concern to the nurse? How is the physiologic mechanism for the production of a fever in the elderly different from that of adults?
The nurse suspected Anna had a light fever because of the rise in temperature and heart rate. Moreover, Anna was feeling feeble and tired. The physiologic mechanism for fever in senior citizens is slower and at times unnoticeable. However, it remains dormant but grows within the body and only appears when the situation becomes worse (Norman, 2000). Other common causes of fever among the elderly include coexisting chronic condition, biological changes and finally the use of medication.
What acid-base imbalance will Anna be at risk for developing?
Anna might have an acidosis imbalance due to the changes experienced in Potassium levels within the body. The fever response conducted by the nurse shows a 1.6 degree Celsius increase in temperature, which is quite high for senior citizens. Moreover, Anna’s slow response and tired feeling indicate the symptoms of acid-base imbalance, which might be fatal to her if the nurse did not respond in due time. Ann’s condition was due to lack of extra energy needed in her body resulting from lack of insulin.
Why is it harmful to cool a patient with pyrexia too quickly?
Cooling a patient with pyrexia using physical cooling methods like fanning and tepid sponging is harmful (Norman, 2000). However, there are instances where it works, but it may bring about change in body temperature, causing more harm to the patient. In the process, the patient has to use different techniques such as shivering to gain heat. The technique applies to patients experiencing very high temperatures.
Explain the difference between chlamydial elementary bodies and reticulate bodies?
The main difference between elementary and reticulate bodies is their formation. Elementary bodies act as chlamydia’s infectious form, possessing a rigid outer membrane, which attaches itself to the host’s cells as a way of initiating infection (Ward, 2015). Reticulate bodies exist as non-infectious intracellular forms though they are metabolically active. When elementary bodies set upon a host’s cell and infect it, the bacteria becomes a reticulate body.
If Rick were to present with mucocutaneouslesions on his feet, what complication might you suspect?
If Rick’s medical diagnosis showed an inability to drink or eat, it would hint the presence of mucocutaneous lesions and his feet would be the second sign (Porth, 2011). Other symptoms that a patient might show are malaise, thick purulent sputum from a productive cough, arthralgia, and malaise. Ocular symptoms that a physician might notice is a red or dry eye, tearing, itching, burn sensation, heavy eyelid, grittiness, foreign body sensation, and pain. Also known as genodermatoses, the syndrome affects one's function to eat normally.
How does C. trachomatis contribute to infertility in both men and women?
Chlamydia trachomatis is a form of the bacterial pathogen with an obligate intracellular form, closely related to the gram-negative bacteria. It composes of ribonucleic acid and DNA, making it undetectable to some antibiotics. It causes various genitourinary infections such as PID in women and nongonococcal urethritis in men (Norman, 2000). Other common symptoms in men include urethral discharge, meatal erythema, tenderness and urethral itching. Women do not have many symptoms just like as men. The condition affects fertility among female as they develop pelvic inflammatory disease resulting to factor infertility.
What protein do you suspect the nurse was referring to?
The nurse was refereeing to enzymatic proteins. They help accelerate the metabolic processes of cells such as stomach digestion, liver functions and conversion of glycogen to glucose. In the case of Amanda, her enzymatic protein level was low due to lack of proper diet. Lack of peptide amidation enzymatic contributes towards edema (Porth, 2011). Peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase (PAM) is present in the enzymatic proteins.
Compare and contrast the physiology of pitting and non-pitting edema.
The comparison between pitting and non-pitting edema involves the depressing of skin using a finger (Porth, 2011). In the case of pitting edema, the indentation takes some time to regain its previous form. In the case of non-pitting edema, the indentation does not deform. Myxedema, lipedema, and lymphedema cause non-pitting edema. Tight clothing and elastic in socks causes pitting edema.
Moving around with a wheelchair will weaken Amanda’s ability to metabolize and manage her weight. Apart from dieting, daily exercise will help improve body weight and manage the changes (Porth, 2011). The lack of movement would most likely cause edema to occur as the disproportionate volume of fluid collects in the tissue within cells or within collagen-mucopolysaccharide matrix.
Discuss the physiologic factors that would typically increase Joseph’s risk for falling while walking outdoors
Several causes of falling among the elderly exist and for the activities Joseph is exposed to there is increased the likelihood for him to fall frequently. Environmental factors for example in the case of Joseph might lead to his falling went riding on the bicycle or abode the train which might not favor his age.
Identify how cardiovascular integrity declines with age
The cardiovascular function works best at rest in healthy elderly individuals. The heart size in older and younger adults is similar, but its thickness increases moderately with an increase in myocyte size (Strait & Lakatta, 2012). Integrity declines with advanced age and continued exercises. In the case of Joseph, the extra activities will continue to harm his heart and affect overall performance.
Considering the renal system in the older adult, why would dehydration be a particular concern?
Drinking fruit juices does not substitute intake of fluids. In most situations, people would prefer drinking fizzy drinks and fruit juice instead of water (Strait & Lakatta, 2012). It affects the homeostasis balance in the body due to lack of water in the urinary system. Urine contains vitamins and minerals, which the renal system assimilates in the body. Dehydration in older adults will occur when one decreases their intake of water. In most cases, dehydration is common due to a medical prescription for the elderly. As people age, there is increased the likelihood of not feeling thirsty thus in most cases water intake is at minimal leading to dehydration. The effects are felt on kidney since as people age, the function of the organ to converse fluid decreases.
References
Dubin, A. E. (2010). Nociceptors: the sensors of the pain pathway. The Journal of Clinical Investigation 120(11), 3760-3772.
Norman, D. C. (2000). Fever In The Elderly. Clinical Infectious Diseases 31(1), 148-151.
Porth, C. (2011). Essentials of Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States. Philadephia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Strait, J. B., & Lakatta, E. G. (2012). Aging-associated cardiovascular changes and their relationship to heart failure. Heart Fail Clinic 8(1), 143-164.
Ward, V. (2015). Chlamydia. Retrieved from Austin CC: http://www.austincc.edu/microbio/2704u/ct.htm
