Pathophysiology

Front 1

Define Pathophysiology

Back 1

The study of the changes to normal mechanical, physical and biochemical functions within the body as a result of disease or an abnormality.

Front 2

Define Etiology

Back 2

The study of why things occur. When we are looking at the etiology of a disease or abnormality, we are trying to determine what causes that disease or abnormality.

Front 3

Define Manifestations

Back 3

The things we can observe or learn in our examination of the patient. These may be visible signs and symptoms that we can obtain during our physical examination or they may be signs and symptoms that the patient must tell us about during our medical history.

Front 4

Define Complications

Back 4

The potential problems that may result when we implement our management plan for a patient. When we administer medications, we look for problems or signs that the medication may not be doing what we expected. These are called complications.

Front 5

Define Chronic conditions or disorders

Back 5

Diseases or abnormalities that have existed in a patient for some time. These are typically not conditions that EMS will be called to manage or treat, but the existence of chronic conditions or disorders can make management of another condition more complicated. Chronic conditions may be mild or severe. Chronic conditions may be life threatening or can create life threatening situations.

Front 6

Define Acute conditions or disorders

Back 6

Diseases or abnormalities that have arisen suddenly and typically are the issues EMS is called in to manage and treat. Acute conditions may be mild or severe. Acute conditions can be life threatening.

Front 7

The immune system

Back 7

Defence from infection and organisms that attack the human body

Front 8

Skin

Back 8

The primary barrier between germs and the body

Front 9

Nose, Mouth, Eyes

Back 9

mucus, saliva and mast cells in these passageways help trap and kill many germs.

Front 10

Lymph System

Back 10

Drains and filters fluids through lymph nodes, which contain filtering tissue and lymph cells to help fight bacteria. Doctors feel swollen lymph nodes to help diagnose a possible infection.

Front 11

White Blood Cells

Back 11

A collection of cells that work together to destroy bacteria and viruses.

Front 12

Antibodies

Back 12

A protein produced by white blood cells that responds to a specific antigen (bacteria, virus or toxin). The antibody binds to an antigen preventing damage cause by the antigen.

Front 13

Physical Damage

Back 13

This occurs by breaking a bone, tearing a ligament or assault by a weapon.

Front 14

Vitamin or Mineral Deficiency

Back 14

Lack of calcium and vitamin D can cause bone loss leading to a disease called osteoporosis, which is characterized by low bone mass and loss of bone tissue.

Front 15

Organ Degradation

Back 15

The most common cause of death is sudden cardiac arrest, mostly caused by heart disease. The organ of the cardiovascular system is damaged and weakened over time, caused by aging, diet, smoking, lack of activity and other life events.

Front 16

Genetic Disease

Back 16

A genetic disease is caused by a coding error in the DNA, causing too much or too little of certain proteins to be made. Down Syndrome is an example of a genetic disease, causing some cognitive and physical growth impairment.

Front 17

Cancer

Back 17

A disease that starts in the cell that causes cells to reproduce uncontrollably. This causes cells to form lumps or tumours, or spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood, forming tissue like bone marrow.

Front 18

Carcinogenesis

Back 18

The process by which normal cells become cancer cells. There are many reasons why this may occur, including exposure to stress, chemicals or toxins, cellular damage and genetics.

Front 19

Metabolic and Respiratory Acidosis

Back 19

Results from metabolic reactions without oxygen and water, causing an accumulation of acids in the cells and blood. An increase is acid can cause cell and tissue death resulting in shock.

Front 20

Fluid Edema

Back 20

Can be found at a localized location, such as when you sprain your ankle, or at a generalized location, meaning more widespread in various body parts. Generalized edema is mostly found in the ankles and legs and can be cause by heart and kidney disease.

Front 21

Dehydration

Back 21

Excessive loss of sodium and water from the body. Water is the main component of the body, counting for 50% to 60% of the total body weight. All metabolic reactions in the body require water; without it health is negatively affected

Front 22

Inflammation

Back 22

One of the body’s natural defences against invasion. It helps to provide a physical barrier to the flow of a pathogen from one tissue or area to another. Inflammation is characterized by redness, heat, pain and swelling.

Front 23

Fever

Back 23

A higher than normal body temperature, usually caused by an infection. It is triggered by the body’s immune response to help raise the body temperature to destroy the infections and disrupt the ability of the virus or bacteria to multiply. Infection fighting cells of the immune system are also signalled by a fever to help fight the infection.

Front 24

Stress

Back 24

Leads to decreased immunity and so when we are stressed we may be more susceptible to infections.

Front 25

Depression or Denial

Back 25

People who are facing disease can have a psychological response associated with the disease. Many people will suffer from depression along with other symptoms of the disease.