67 Fractures Overview/pathophysiology A fracture is a break in continuity of a bone. It occurs when stress is placed on the bone that exceeds its biologic loading capacity. Most commonly…

64 Polycythemia Overview/pathophysiology Polycythemia is a chronic disorder characterized by excessive production of red blood cells (RBCs), platelets, and myelocytes. As these increase, blood volume, blood viscosity, and hemoglobin (Hb)…

65 Thrombocytopenia Overview/pathophysiology Thrombocytopenia is a relatively common coagulation disorder that results from a decreased number of platelets. It can be congenital or acquired, and it is classified according to…

63 Disseminated intravascular coagulation Overview/pathophysiology Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is an acute coagulation disorder characterized by paradoxical clotting and hemorrhage. The sequence usually progresses from massive clot formation, depletion of…

62 Anemias of chronic disease Overview/pathophysiology Erythropoietin (EPO) is a naturally occurring protein hormone produced and released by the kidneys (90%) and liver (10%). The kidneys are stimulated to release…

59 Peptic ulcer disease Overview/pathophysiology Peptic ulcers are erosions of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract mucosa, potentially extending through the muscularis mucosa and into the muscularis propria. They may occur…

60 Peritonitis Overview/pathophysiology Peritonitis is the inflammatory response of the peritoneum to offending chemical and bacterial agents invading the peritoneal cavity. The inflammatory process can be local or generalized and…

61 Ulcerative colitis Overview/pathophysiology Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a nonspecific, chronic inflammatory disease of the mucosa and submucosa of the colon. Generally the disease begins in the rectum and sigmoid…

57 Hepatitis Overview/pathophysiology Viral hepatitis may be caused by one of five viruses that are capable of infecting the liver: hepatitis A (HAV), B (HBV), C (HCV), D or delta…