Discussion: Factors That Influence Disease

In clinical settings, some of the most common questions that patients ask are: "Why do I have this?", "What caused this disorder?", and "Will it ever go away?" These emotional questions can be difficult to ask and to answer. However, for patients to come to terms with their diagnoses and adhere to treatment plans, they must have an understanding of factors that might have caused or continue to impact their disorders. As an advanced practice nurse, it is important that you are able to explain disorders, associated alterations and symptoms, and changes that might occur within your patients' bodies.

To prepare:

• Review the media presentation with Dr. Terry Buttaro. Reflect on the importance of developing an in-depth understanding of pathophysiology.

• Select a disorder from the following list:

o Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison's disease)
o Atherosclerosis
o Cholelithiasis (gallstones)
o Colon cancer
o Cystic Fibrosis
o Hemophilia
o Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)
o Osteoporosis
o Parkinson's disease
o Tuberculosis

• Select one of the following patient factors: genetics, gender, ethnicity, age, or behavior. Reflect on how that factor might impact your selected disorder, as well as potential associated alterations and symptoms.

• Think about the pathophysiology of the associated alterations, including the normal and altered cellular function. Consider both intra- and extra-cellular changes that occur.