Pathophysiology Module 6 & 7 Discussions

Module Part 1 Discussion: Infections, Vaccinations, Antimicrobials, and Emerging Infections

Discuss:

What are the potential consequences of being a healthcare worker who is unresponsive to the hepatitis B vaccine?

For an HIV vaccine to be effective, it almost certainly will have to be a live attenuated virus. What is a major concern related to the use of this type of vaccine for HIV?

If an individual is immunocompromised, what might be the risk of giving a live attenuated virus vaccine (e.g., rubella)?

New and more effective antimicrobials are developed every year. Many of these are effective in treating common ailments such as bronchitis and sinusitis, as well as more serious systemic infections. What are some potential consequences of the development of new antimicrobials?

Why do you think that the United States and other nations have not yet distributed a vaccine to prevent the spread of avian flu? Are there any other factors you can think of that have contributed to this rise?

Module Part 2 Discussion: Cancer Manifestations and Treatment

Discuss:

Many early cancers often are not associated with any pain and often few, if any, clinical symptoms. Discuss why this might be so.

Pain is often the most intense and difficult symptom associated with cancer; however, aggressive treatment of pain in the last days of a patient with cancer may depress breathing and hasten death. How do you think pain should be managed in terminal patients with painful cancer-related conditions?

A patient being treated for cancer usually develops leukopenia and an increased risk for cancer. What are the pros and cons of keeping cancer patients in the hospital during aggressive chemotherapy treatment?

Hair loss as a result of cancer chemotherapy is often a traumatic event for patients. Explain when and why hair falls out.