13. END-OF-LIFE CARE
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS The dying process is a complex physiologic response to end-stage illness. It is characterized by symptoms that require intensive interventions to ensure comfort for the patient and a…
10. DIABETES MELLITUS
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disease in which altered carbohydrate metabolism leads to high blood glucose levels (Huether & Tomky, 1998). DM has several causes and can be…
8. DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS The diagnosis and treatment of cancer almost invariably, and understandably, evoke in patients fear of the unknown and sadness over physical and psychosocial losses. Most often, both the…
7. COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS Impairment of cognitive function can have a profound effect on the quality of life of cancer survivors. Cognitive function is a multidimensional concept that describes the brain’s transcription…
4. BRONCHIOLITIS OBLITERANS
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) is a phenomenon that has been studied and documented in the literature since 1901 (Holland et al., 1988). As Ezri and colleagues (1994)…
6. CAROTID ARTERY RUPTURE
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS A general understanding of the anatomy is helpful for understanding what occurs with a carotid artery rupture (CAR). The carotid arteries run parallel to the jugular vein on…
5. CARDIAC TAMPONADE AND PERICARDIAL EFFUSIONS
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS Pericardial disease is classified into three categories: pericarditis, pericardial effusion, and pericardial tamponade. The pathophysiologic importance of this constellation of disorders is related to the degree of compromise…
1. ACUTE PANCREATITIS
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory process of the pancreas that is caused by the premature activation of pancreatic enzymes. These enzymes are normally secreted in an inactive form…
3. MALIGNANT ASCITES
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS Malignant ascites, a collection of fluid in the peritoneum, is a serious prognostic event in the progression of several tumors. These tumors include breast, colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, hepatocellular…
