DQ 5-1

Atherosclerosis is a common disorder of the arteries. A modifiable risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis is hypertension. Discuss the pathophysiology of both disorders and the mechanisms by which hypertension contributes to atherosclerosis.

Discuss the current medications used to treat both disorders and the pharmacologic actions the medications have in altering the pathophysiology. How can you use this information in your current or future practice setting?

DQ5-2

Share a case from your personal practice or from the literature in which alternative therapies were used to facilitate the management of acute or chronic cardiovascular conditions.

DQ 6-1

Find an article on an inflammatory condition of the lower genitourinary tract. Summarize the article in one or two paragraphs. Discuss the pathophysiology of the condition, the pharmacologic agent(s) used to treat the condition, and how the agent(s) alter the pathophysiology. Discuss the role of the nurse educator related to patient education of the reported condition and treatment. Respond to another student's posting on an inflammatory condition that is different from the condition you posted, comparing and contrasting the differences between the conditions.

DQ6-2

Infertility is considered a disease process of the reproductive tract. Find an article on an alteration of the genital tract that can lead to infertility. Summarize the article in two or three paragraphs. Discuss any potential treatments. What is the potential psychosocial impact for the patient with the condition?

DQ7 -1

Review the following case study:

Chief Complaint: A 23-year-old woman presents with complaints of muscle weakness in the face. History: The patient is a 23-year-old administrative assistant who complains of intermittent muscle weakness in her face that has been getting worse over the past 3 months. She also states that as she chews, her jaws feel tired. Swallowing has also become difficult.

She reports episodes of double vision (diplopia), which seems to occur after reading for a few minutes in the late evening. With certain strenuous activities or after typing for long periods of time at work, she reports problems with bilateral arm weakness.

Physical Examination: Notable ptosis (drooping) of the eyelids after repeated blinking exercises. When asked to smile, she appears to be snarling. Reflexes and sensation are normal in both upper and lower extremities. There is considerable weakness of the arms noted bilaterally after exercise.

Case Questions:

1. Is the patient's condition neurological, musculoskeletal, or both? Explain why and support your thoughts with evidence-based literature. What would be a possible neurologic or musculoskeletal condition causing the symptoms?

2. Explain the pathophysiology behind the condition.

3. What pharmacological agent(s) are commonly used to treat the disorder and how do the agent(s) alter the pathophysiology of the condition?

4.What would be your educational plan for the patient?

DQ7-2

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The current treatment options for the disorder have focused on symptom control. Research is now focusing on developing ways to modify the disease progression and possibly provide a cure.

Investigate the current research on Parkinson's disease treatments, including stem-cell research and the use of fetal tissue implants. Share your thoughts on the evolving therapies. What are the current controversies?

DQ8-1

Share a case study from your clinical practice or from the literature on an endocrine disorder. Discuss the pathophysiology of the disorder, including the effects on the endocrine feedback system, and the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.

Identify the pharmacologic agent(s) used to treat the disorder and how the pharmacologic agent(s) alters the pathophysiology.

DQ8-2

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is currently being used as an aid to weight loss in conjunction with an extremely restricted caloric intake of 500 calories per day. Many people are buying the HCG through the Internet with no medical surveillance.

Research the HCG diet and share your thoughts on the efficacy, safety, and validity of the diet. What strategies would you use to educate patients on the diet?