38 Multiple sclerosis Overview/pathophysiology Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disorder causing scattered and sporadic demyelinization of the central nervous system (CNS). Myelin permits nerve impulses to travel quickly through…
36 Guillain-barré syndrome Overview/pathophysiology Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rapidly progressing polyneuritis of unknown cause. An inflammatory process enables lymphocytes to enter perivascular spaces and destroy the myelin sheath covering…
37 Intervertebral disk disease Overview/pathophysiology The intervertebral disk is a semifluid-filled fibrous capsule that facilitates movement of the spine and acts as a shock absorber. The disk’s ability to withstand…
35 Bacterial meningitis Overview/pathophysiology Bacterial meningitis is an infection that results in inflammation of the meningeal membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Bacteria in the subarachnoid space multiply and…
34 General care of patients with neurologic disorders Nursing diagnosis: Decreased intracranial adaptive capacity related to increased intracranial pressure (IICP) and herniation occurring with positional factors or increased intrathoracic or…
33 Urinary tract obstruction Overview/pathophysiology Urinary tract obstruction usually is the result of blockage from pelvic tumors, calculi, and urethral strictures. Additional causes include neoplasms, benign prostatic hypertrophy, ureteral or…
32 Urinary diversions Overview/pathophysiology When the bladder must be bypassed or is removed, a urinary diversion is created. Urinary diversions most commonly are created for individuals with bladder cancer. However,…
31 Ureteral calculi Overview/pathophysiology Ureteral calculi (stones) constitute the third most common urologic condition after urinary tract infections (UTIs) and pathologic conditions of the prostate. Although the cause of stones…
30 Care of the renal transplant recipient Overview/pathophysiology Individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have several treatment modalities from which to choose—hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, no treatment, and renal transplantation. Diabetes…
29 Care of the patient undergoing peritoneal dialysis Overview/pathophysiology Peritoneal dialysis uses the peritoneum as the dialysis membrane. Dialysate is instilled into the peritoneal cavity via a catheter surgically placed…
