This chapter covers three types of gastrointestinal obstructive problems: biliary obstruction, gastric obstruction, and bowel obstruction. Obstructive disorders of the biliary and gastrointestinal tract are common complications in patients with…
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS Hypokalemia is a low serum potassium level, which may result from a number of conditions. The normal serum potassium level ranges from 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L; hypokalemia exists…
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS A hypersensitivity reaction (HSR) is defined as “an exaggerated immune response that results in local tissue injury or changes throughout the body in response to an antigen or…
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS DIC is a secondary disorder that occurs as a result of tissue injury, inflammation, or abnormal regulatory mechanisms (Fig. 11.1) (Mercer et al., 2006; Toh & Downey, 2005;…
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS Hyperleukocytosis is a life-threatening phenomenon that occurs when a peripheral leukocyte count exceeds 100,000/mL. An increase in the absolute number of one or more of the white blood…
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome marked by disturbances in consciousness, personality, intellect, and neuromuscular coordination and control; a diminishing level of consciousness; and electroencephalographic changes….
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is an irritation of the endothelial lining of the bladder characterized by mucosal inflammation and ulceration with bleeding, clotting, or hemorrhage. The severity of bleeding…
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the world, with about 500,000 cases diagnosed each year. Factors associated with the development of cervical cancer…
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is a frequent complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation and a much rarer complication of blood transfusions. The conditions for GVHD are met…
