Pathophysiology of three scenarios | Nursing homework help
Scenario 1: Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an infection that affects the tonsils, which are two oval-shaped tissues located at the back of the throat. The infection can be caused by viruses or bacteria, with the most common bacterial cause being Streptococcus pyogenes. The pathophysiology of tonsillitis involves inflammation of the tonsils, which can lead to swelling, redness, and pain. The inflammation can also cause the tonsils to produce pus, which can lead to difficulty swallowing, sore throat, and fever (Huether & McCance, 2017).
The associated alterations in tonsillitis include inflammation, swelling, and the production of pus in the tonsils. The lymphoid tissue in the tonsils becomes congested and edematous, leading to a narrowing of the airway and difficulty breathing. The body responds to the infection by initiating an immune response, which involves the release of cytokines, chemokines, and other inflammatory mediators (Huether & McCance, 2017). These mediators cause vasodilation and increased vascular permeability, leading to the leakage of plasma and the accumulation of fluid in the tonsils.
The patient’s adaptive responses to the alterations caused by tonsillitis include fever, pain, and difficulty swallowing. The fever is a response to the infection, as the increased body temperature can help to kill the invading bacteria or virus. Pain is caused by the inflammation and swelling of the tonsils, which can lead to discomfort when swallowing or even when breathing. The patient may adapt by taking pain medication, drinking fluids, and eating soft foods to avoid further irritation of the tonsils (Huether & McCance, 2017).
Scenario 2: Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that is caused by exposure to an irritant or allergen. The pathophysiology of contact dermatitis involves a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction, which is mediated by T lymphocytes. The initial exposure to the irritant or allergen leads to the activation of antigen-presenting cells, which present the antigen to T lymphocytes. The T lymphocytes then proliferate and migrate to the skin, where they release inflammatory cytokines (Huether & McCance, 2017).
The associated alterations in contact dermatitis include erythema, pruritus, and edema. The skin becomes red and itchy, and may also develop blisters or scales. The inflammation and edema can cause the skin to become thickened and cracked, which can lead to further discomfort and itching. The body responds to the inflammation by increasing blood flow to the affected area, which can lead to warmth and redness (Huether & McCance, 2017).
The patient’s adaptive responses to the alterations caused by contact dermatitis include scratching and avoidance of the irritant or allergen. Scratching may provide temporary relief from the itching, but can also lead to further damage to the skin and a risk of infection. The patient may adapt by avoiding the irritant or allergen, and by using topical or oral medications to reduce inflammation and itching (Huether & McCance, 2017).
Scenario 3: Stress
Stress is a physiological and psychological response to a perceived threat or challenge. The pathophysiology of stress involves activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which leads to the release of cortisol and other stress hormones. The HPA axis is activated by the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from the hypothalamus, which stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland. ACTH then stimulates the release of cortisol from the adrenal gland (Huether & McC
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