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Pathophysiology GSON
Test One
233
Other
Undergraduate 3
01/18/2012

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Term
Explain the reasoning behind the subjectivity of disease in regards to the function of time.
Definition
Disease is so subjective because of the definition many years ago versus today's definition. Ex: 200 years ago disease was viewed as a religious punishment.
Term
What does it mean to say that disease is on a continuum?
Definition
Disease is on a continuum from normal to abnormal and where things are placed on this continuum defines whether or not it is a disease.
Term
Explain how our body acts as a double edged sword in regards to our immune system and cell repair.
Definition
If our immune system is overoperated or exacerbated, we get allergies and if our system responsible for cell repair is accelerated, we get cancer (this is our body's natural repair system).
Term
What is the DSM? Explain why it has become controversial.
Definition
The DSM is where all psychiatric diseases are listed. It is controversial because in the 1930s there were only 85 diseases listed, but today, there are around 585 diseases. We are forced to question this and have come to realize that the only benefit of defining things as a disease is money (third party reimbursment/insurance companies).
Term
What does "Etiology" mean? What do we know about it?
Definition
Etiology means the "cause of". We know very little Etiology, but really know CORRELATIONS. The media often portrays cause and effect relationships and percentages incorrectly.
Term
What are the four categories of cell injury/insult? Explain each.
Definition

1. Lack of oxygen/nutrients - on a continuum since some cells are more dependent on oxygen/nutrients (brain cells vs. skin cells)

2. Physical/Mechanical injury - disrupted cell to cell relationships and disrupted organelles within cells (ex: thermal injuries/burns cause a disruption of organelles because the heat evaporates the water within the organelles).

3. Living Agents - disrupt cell chemistry ex: bacteria, fungus, parasites, "viruses" (viruses not alive until invade living cells).

4. Chemical Agents - disrupt metabolic process (ex: cyanide poisoning)

Term
Why is it that cells won't necessarily die when they are injured?
Definition
Cells are extremely adaptive, especially over a slow period. It is in acute situations that the body cannot adapt.
Term
What are sublethal injuries and what is another name for them?
Definition
Sublethal injuries are changes in injured cells and usually represent the cell on the continuum from normal to death. They are also known as degenerative changes.
Term
Where do you initially see change in the cells involving sublethal injuries?
Definition
These changes are often seen first in the cytoplasm where the cell gets larger because of the accumulation of water. Some cells, including the liver, heart, and kidney, accumulate fat in the cytoplasm. Ex: alcoholic = fatty liver
Term
In what three organs does fat accumulate in response to cell injury?
Definition
Liver, Heart and Kidneys
Term
What happens when the pathway leads to malignancy insteady of death? Give an example.
Definition
Early in the degenerative proccess the body breaks down the cells and gets rid of them. Ex. Autophagocytosis is when the skin cells are eaten to prevent skin cancer and pigmentation is left behind.
Term
What does Necrotic mean?
Definition
Dead
Term
What are the three types of necrosis?
Definition
Coagulative, Liquifactive, and Caseous. Gangrene is usually correlated with Coagulative necrosis and is when tissue is infected as well.
Term
Explain Coagulative Necrosis.
Definition
This is when blood is occluded and cells are dead, but the tissue maintains its' architectural features.
Term
Explain Liquifactive Necrosis.
Definition
When cells die in a place (like the brain) where dead cells cannot stay. They are liquified and become a part of the spinal fluid. Highly unlikely to become infected.
Term
Explain Caseous Necrosis.
Definition
This is when there is a cavity formation due to dying cells. This is a classic sign of TB. If the patient is coughing up blood that means they have had TB for a couple years.
Term
What is Dystropic Calcification?
Definition
This is when the body begins to calcify in places there should not be calcium in response to injury. It is normal for calcium in teeth and bones, but not normal in kidney stones, gall stones, and arterioschlerosis (hardening of the arteries that causes problems with contractility and dilating)
Term
Explain the idea of Somatic Death.
Definition
If cells die, then tissue dies, then organ dies, then organ systems die, then we die.
Term
What is the Harvard Criteria for determining somatic death?
Definition
Two EEG flatlines 48 hours apart with two separate interpretations.
Term
What is Rigor Mortis?
Definition
It means stiff death. This is when the muscles tighten up because there is no longer any sliding filaments. Sometimes in extremely muscular people it can set in with movement.
Term
What is Algor Mortis?
Definition
This is the cooling of the body after death because the temperature regulation is lost. Can determine time of death by taking temp of Liver and comparing to environment.
Term
What is Livor Mortis?
Definition
This is when the blood stops circulating and pools in favor of gravity. Can determine if a body has been moved.
Term
why are people embalmed?
Definition
Public health hazard
Term
How much bacteria do we carry in/on our bodies?
Definition
3 lbs. mostly in the GI tract that produce gas. Could be dangerous if it erupts and spills gas on people.
Term
What are two criteria for embalming?
Definition
Must embalm within 24 hours and if shipping body across state lines.
Term
What is the name of embalming fluid and in what products can you find this? Any diseases related to its' use?
Definition
Formulin is a wonderful disinfectant found in mascara, lipstick, shampoo. It is NOT a gas like Formaldehyde is. It is correlated with kidney cancer.
Term
What are the two reasons for disease?
Definition
Extrinsic (negative outside effects: trauma, infectious agents) and Intrinsic factors (inside: age, sex, genetics)
Term
What two things can be wrong with chromosomes?
Definition
Abnormal number and abnormal structure on the chromosome (gene).
Term
How many chromosomes do we have?
Definition
46. 23 pairs. 23 from egg/23 from sperm.
Term
Who determines the sex of a child?
Definition
Male
Term
What determines a disease being sex-linked? Give an example.
Definition
If the abnormality is on a sex chromosome (23rd pair). Hemophilia is usually seen in males because it is carried on the X chromosome and they do not have a backup X.
Term
What is Minky's Disease?
Definition
A sex-linked, neurological disease usually seen in males. They are normally dead by six months. If female carries the gene and has a male child they have 50% chance of getting it.
Term
T/F Are the majority of gene disorders single gene disorders?
Definition
True
Term
Explain Turner Syndrome and its presentations.
Definition
Has one X chromosome but is missing the other sex chromosome. Usually looks like a female with female sexual anatomy, are short, sexually immature, and infertile.
Term
Explain Super Female and its presentations.
Definition
They have three X chromosomes (XXX). Most women don't even realize they have it.
Term
Describe Klinefelter's and its presentations.
Definition
This is when they have an extra sex chromosome but don't know whether it is the X or the Y (XXY). They look like males, have underdeveloped malem anatomy, are infertile, and tend to be tall and lanky. They usually feel as though there is a woman trapped inside and have a high rate of gender reassignment surgeries.
Term
What does it mean to say a disease is genetic?
Definition
it means the gene on the chromosome that is responsible for it has been found.
Term
What does congenital mean?
Definition
it means you are born with it. May or may not be genetic.
Term
Is mutation always a bad thing?
Definition
No, it could result in a benefit, negative effect, or no change.
Term
What are the three ways in which you can change chromosomes?
Definition
Raditation, Drugs, Viruses
Term
How does a virus invade a cell.
Definition
A virus invades a cell by incorporating itself into the host's DNA.
Term
What is the Human Genome Project? What is the next step?
Definition
Blueprint of a human being. Next step is to determine where the abnormal genes are that are associated with particular diseases.
Term
Describe Phenylketonuria (PKU) along with the restrictions for this patient.
Definition
PKU is when there is a lack of or deficiency of a hepatic enzyme than breaks down phenylalinine into tyronsine. This is controlled by watching the intake of protein (like aspartame) in the diet. Excess phenylalinine is excreted through urine. Uncontrolled cases can result in a lot of neurological problems due to the lack of mylination.
Term
Explain Albinism and diseases associated with it.
Definition
Albinism is the inability to break down tyrosine. These people usually lack pigment in the hair, eyes, and skin. They are associated with skin cancer, glaucoma, and cataracts.
Term
Explain Glycogen Storage Disorder and what population it is normally seen in.
Definition
This is when they cannot store glycogen for use after glucose is used. The body usually burns glucose, then glycogen, then fat, the protein (starvation). This is usually seen in children and they seem as though that are failing to thrive and look hypoglycemic. Cannot gain weight because they burn through so much fat. This disorder is NOT common.
Term
Explain Gaucher's Disease and Tay-Sachs. What population do these normally affect.
Definition
These are neurological diseases shown in the Jewish population. Gaucher's is lack of hepatic enzyme that causes neurological problems and skin lesions. Tay-sach's is just neurological.
Term
Explain G-6-PD (glucose 6 phosphatate dehydrogenase).
Definition
This is normally seen in African Americans. They can go without ever knowing they lack this unless they are subjected to acidosis, sulfa drugs, apririn, or certain infections. Without this the red blood cells are excessively hemolyzed.
Term
Explain Down's Syndrome (Trisomy 21) and its presentations.
Definition
Down's is seen more in the white population and is recessive on the 21st gene pair. They usually have webbing of fingers, eye problems, small brain, high incidence of heart problems, compromised immune systems, and high incidence of specific leukemias. Must higher chance of Alzheimer's which is why they are studying chromosome 21.
Term
Explain first, second, and third degree burns.
Definition
First (epidermis), Second (epidermis & dermis), Third (epidermis, dermis, and subq to bone and muscle).
Term
What are the percentages for the Rule of Nines?
Definition

Head = 9%

Arms = 9%

Legs = 18%

Trunk = 36%

Perineum = 1%

Term
What are the four complications of burn patients?
Definition
Shock, Pulmonary Edema, Stress Ulcers, and Infection
Term
Explain what is happening when a burn patient is experiencing shock?
Definition
The heat has evaporated a lot of the water, which has lowered the blood pressure due to the loss of blood volume. The kidneys are most suseptible to low BP.
Term
Explain Pulmonary Edema in burn patients.
Definition
This always interferes with gas exchange. They are not getting enough oxygen and are unable to get rid of the CO2 in their lungs and acidosis occurs. This is acute and does not take much smoke.
Term
Eplain Stress Ulcers in burn patients.
Definition
Fight or flight kicks in and after 2-3 days erosion of a vulnerable area in the stomach may cause a bleeding ulcer from the physiological stress.
Term
Explain how Infections can affect a burn patient? What are two most common infections with burn patients?
Definition
This is normally how burn patients die. They need to be in reverse isolation because without their skin they are extremely vulnerable. Most common infection is Staph and then E. coli.
Term
What are the four temperature related conditions from least severe to most severe?
Definition
Heat Cramp, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Injury, Heat Stroke.
Term
Describe a Heat Cramp.
Definition
This is from physical activity and causes pain in the large muscle that is refelctive of dehydration. Water is down, sodium is up, electrolytes are off, and there is muscle pain. Can happen at night if dehydrated.
Term
Describe Heat Exhaustion.
Definition
This is more severe dehydration that causes dizziness, nausea, light-headedness, and a drop in blood pressure, but they usually do NOT pass out. It requires more intense hydration than with a Heat Cramp to fix.
Term
Describe a Heat Injury.
Definition
Usually passed out, 102-104 temperature, shivering, nauseated, low blood pressure with a high heart rate. This requires a trip to the hospital.
Term
Describe a Heat Stroke.
Definition
Worse Case Scenario: internal temp of 112-115, virtually no blood pressure, the skin is hot and dry, blood is concentrated. You almost hope they die at this point because their brain is fried. This is an EXTREME emergency that requires packing them in ice because there are no veins available for IV.
Term
What is Malignant Hyperthermia? How do you stop this?
Definition
This is a genetic condition that most people don't know they have until they are exposed to a general anesthetic. Enormous muscle activity gives off so much heat that their temp can QUICKLY spike to 120. Their temp will immediately go down when taken off the gas and put on oxygen.
Term
What body temperature constitutes Hypothermia?
Definition
Below 35 degrees.
Term
Do we do better with hypothermia or hyperthermia?
Definition
We do better with hypothermia as long as it is done slowly.
Term
What constitutes a vitamin being a vitamin?
Definition
It is a Vitamin if our body cannot make it. There are a couple exceptions though.
Term
What are the Fat soluble vitamins? What do they require?
Definition
A, D, E, K. Can penetrate a lipid membrane, are stored in adipose tissue, and need fat in the diet to be absorbed. Have a much greater chance for toxicity since they are stored in adipose tissue (especially in children).
Term
Why is it less likely to see toxicity with water soluble vitamins?
Definition
Because we take them in and pee them out.
Term
Essential Amino Acid versus Non-essential Amino Acid.
Definition
Essential must come from our diet and non-essential in made in the body.
Term
What are Vitamin A deficiencies associated with?
Definition
Eye problems, specifically night blindness. This is due to the inability to renew Rodopsin (protein in rentina) to see different images because of the lack of Vitamin A.
Term
What was Vitamin A once used for and what is it correlated with?
Definition
It was used to induce spontaneous abortions and has been correlated with neurological birth defects and cancer.
Term
Explain the importance of Vitamin D.
Definition
When our skin is exposed to UV light, our body makes an inactive form of vitamin D, then a process in the kidneys changes it to active Vitamin D, which allows up to absorb calcium. Without this Calcium absorption, you see Rickett's in children.
Term
Why is it important to get at least 15 minutes of sun per day without sunscreen?
Definition
Sunscreen prevents skin from making Vitamin D. This is why most people are Calcium deficient.
Term
How much Calcium do we need a day?
Definition
1200 mg (1500 mg if pregnant)
Term
What is Vitamin D inactive derived from? Does this pose any problems for certain population?
Definition
Inactive Vitamin D is derived from cholesterol. Being, like african americans, who are dark pigmented absorb less sun so their bodies make up for this by having more endogenous cholesterol for producing Vitamin D. This is why they have a higher incidence of heart disease.
Term
What is the result of too much Calcium?
Definition
It predisposes you to kidney stones and bone cysts.
Term
What is Vitamin K used for, where is in made in our bodies, and what foods do we see it in?
Definition
Vitamin K activates four coagulation factors. It comes from the E. coli in our GI tract. It is found in green leafy vegetables.
Term
What would a Vitamin K deficiency result in? At what age range is this a HUGE concern?
Definition
A deficiency would result in the inability to form blood clots and a person could possibly bleed to death. Newborns are all given a shot of Vitamin K because they lack a lot of E. coli in the GI tract to produce it.
Term
What is the deficiency we see in relation to Thiamine (B1)? What are the side effects?
Definition
Beri Beri is seen a lot in alcoholics and people with eating disorders. They have a lack of muscle strength and are very weak.
Term
Explain physiologically what is happening when there is a deficiency in Thiamine (B1). What is the danger in this?
Definition
Without Thiamine (B1), pyruvic acid cannot move into the citric acid cycle which then goes to the Kreb Cycle. This causes an accumulation of pyruvic acid that leads to a decrease in blood pH. If a person is acidotic like this, potassium begins to increase and the heart rate goes down. This is why Potassium injection can stop your heart and kill you.
Term
Is Riboflavin deficiency seen frequently? What symptoms would you see?
Definition
No, because we need very little and it is in most foods. Symptoms include problems with the oral cavity: swollen gums, dry and cracked lips.
Term
What bodily process is Pyridoxine (B6) involved in and what three things has it been used to treat?
Definition
Pyridoxine (B6) is involved in neurofunctioning and neurotransmitter production. It has been used in PMS pills, in TB treatments, and for peripheral neuropathy.
Term
What is the deficiency related to Nicotinamid (Niacin) called and what are the symptoms? How was this HUGE problem taken care of?
Definition
Pellagra means rough skin. With this you will have the four D's: dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and death. The epidemic was counteracted by putting Niacin in grains and bakery products.
Term
What is the common side effect of Niacin?
Definition
Flushing of the skin
Term
What can Niacin be very effective in treating?
Definition
Lowering LDL cholesterol and raising HDL cholesterol.
Term
What do we need in order to absorb B12?
Definition
Intrinsic factor in the stomach.
Term
What disease do people get when B12 is not absorbed?
Definition
Pernicious Anemia
Term
Name two types of patients that would probably get an injection or nasal spray of B12.
Definition
Someone with AIDS or a tapeword.
Term
What vitamin is only needed in small amounts and with which a deficiency is usually only a concern when lots of raw eggs are consumed?
Definition
Biotin
Term
What is Avidin? How can it pose a problem?
Definition
Avidin is a protein found in raw eggs that has an exact fit for Bioting and the joining of the two creates a molecule that is too large to be absorbed by the intestines so it is excreted through the urine. This causes a deficiency in Biotin.
Term
What are the side effects of a Biotin deficiency?
Definition
Muscle weakness and ringing of the ears. Also has been linked to neurological symptoms if not taken in prenatal vitamins.
Term
What is the deficiency called related to Vitamin C and what are its side effects?
Definition
Scurvy includes poor wound healing, bone deformities, and bleeding gums.
Term
What two vitamins are antioxidants?
Definition
Vitamin E and C
Term
Why is Vitamin E useless in shampoos, makeup, and hand lotions?
Definition
Vitamin E is not absorbed in the skin unless the skin is chapped or broken.
Term
Why was Vitamin E used in a drug for premature babies? Why is it not used anymore?
Definition
It was used because premature babies do not have enough surfactant to inflate and deflate their lungs. The free oxygen in their blood stream could get too high, attach to optic nerves and cause blindness. The vitamin E would soak up the free oxygen. It is not used much anymore because we have synthetic surfactant.
Term
What is the definition of inflammation?
Definition
It is an adjunct tissue response designed to deliver fluid and cellular components to injured or necrotic cells. It is in response to insult and injury.
Term
What are the four basic characteristics of inflammation as described by Hippocrates?
Definition
Rubor (red), Calor (heat), Dolor (pain), Tumor (swelling)
Term
What are two things that can be the cause of swelling?
Definition

1. If white blood cells are sent to the area because of infection and they die, they could begin accumulating and turn to pus which causes swelling.

 

2. If there is no infection and interstitial fluid is sent to the area this will cause swelling as well.

Term
What causes the pain involved in swelling?
Definition
It is the white cells or fluid pressing against the small nerves in the area.
Term
What change has to occur in the blood vessels in order for fluid to enter the injured area?
Definition
The permeability must immediately change in order for fluid to leak out of the vessels.
Term
What sort of fluid is leaking out right after an injury compared to a couple weeks after?
Definition
The fluid right after the injury is made up of protein and the fluid that leaks out when the tissue is repaired is no longer protein but water.
Term
What four things will you be dealing with within an hour of a severe burn?
Definition

1. Skin Damage

2. Electrolyte Disturbances

3. Water and Protein Levels Dropping

4. No blood vessels to put an IV in

Term
What is Chemotaxis?
Definition
The process of moving white cells into an area.
Term
What is almost always causing vessel dilation during injury?
Definition
Histamines
Term
What is one of the last things activated in the inflammation process and what is its purpose?
Definition
Hageman Factor (factor 12 coagulation) are strands of fiber (almost like a hairnet) that surround the area and hold fluids and cells in place so that repair can occur.
Term
True or False? The healing process happens from the outside in?
Definition
True
Term
What does Exudates mean?
Definition
Fluids
Term
What are the five types of Exudates?
Definition
Serous, transudate, fibrous, neutrophilic, and mixed.
Term
What is Serous Exudate?
Definition
It looks like serum and contains water and a lot of protein.
Term
What is Transudate? Give an example.
Definition
It has less protein than serous and is mostly just water. It is generally not associated with inflammation. Ex. Interstitial fluid is mostly water.
Term
What is a Fibrous Exudate? Where are two places this is commonly seen?
Definition
It has an abundant amount of fibrinogen (like a hairnet). Commonly seen in the pericardial sac and the pleural space in the lungs. This causes what is know as a friction rub.
Term
What is Neutrophilic Exudate? What is it also know as?
Definition
Made up of white blood cells. Also known as pus or purulent.
Term
True or False? If there is pus, it is infected?
Definition
True
Term
What is the type of inflammation that does not work? How does this potentially pose a problem? Give an example.
Definition
Granulomatous Inflammation does not work. This poses a problem because in this instance of inflammation the body brings in fluids and histamines and when the process does not work it leaves these components behind and keeps trying to start over because the body cannot handle what it is trying to repair. Ex: is patients with TB developing nodules.
Term
Each time your body goes through a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd intention of healing, scar tissue is left behind. How can this be problematic? What are we now doing to prevent this?
Definition
If the scar tissue left behind is internal it can cause adhesions. This is when the scar tissue fuses internal components together than wouldn't otherwise be attached. Laparoscopic surgery has greatly lowered the risk for large adhesions.
Term
What is an antigen?
Definition
Something the body interprets as a foreign protein.
Term
What is an antibody?
Definition
A protein the immune system produces to inactivate the antigen.
Term
If we draw blood, put it in a test tube, and let it clot, what are the three areas or layers we would see?
Definition
Serum would be on top, the buffy coat in the middle and the red blood cells on the bottom.
Term
What does the buffy coat contain?
Definition
White blood cells and platelets.
Term
What protein component of the serum are antibodies found in?
Definition
In the Immunoglobulin.
Term
What is serum composed of?
Definition
Water and Proteins.
Term
How are serum and plasma different?
Definition
Serum is clotted blood and Plasma is from anticoagulated blood. Also, Serum is just water and protein while Plasma is water, protein, and coagulation factors.
Term
Proteins are made up of what?
Definition
Amino Acids
Term
What constitutes different proteins?
Definition
The number of amino acids and the electrical charge.
Term
Explain the process of protein electrophoresis.
Definition
If you expose a drop of serum to an electrical current it will separate the proteins out and cause them all to move towards the negatively charged end.
Term
What are the five components of protein in serum?
Definition
Albumin, Alpha 1 and Alpha 2, Beta, and Gamma.
Term
95% of antibodies are found in what portion of protein?
Definition
In the Gammaglobulin protein portion.
Term
Why would you give someone a shot of gammaglobulin? What is this process called?
Definition
If you don't know if someone has antibodies to something they have been exposed to. This is giving someone Passive Immunity.
Term
If someone, like the Bubble Boy, had a gammaglobulin anemia, what would you see in diagnostical electrophoresis? How would his antibody production/storage be affected?
Definition
You would only see Albumin, Alpha 1 and Alpha 2, and Beta. The Bubble Boy made antibodies but had nowhere to store them so they dissipate.
Term
What is another name for an antibody?
Definition
Immunoglobulin
Term
What are the five categories of immunoglobulins from most abundant to least abundant?
Definition

IgG

IgA

IgM

IgD

IgE

Term
What category of  immunoglobulins acount for 80% of all antibodies?
Definition
IgG
Term
Where is IgG found and what are they the primary antibodies against?
Definition
IgG antibodies are found in plasma and leaks into tissue fluids. They are the primary antibodies against viruses, bacteria, and toxins.
Term
Where are IgA antibodies found and what are they the first to be in contact with?
Definition
IgA antibodies are found in plasma and in exocrine gland secretions - nasal fluid, mucous membranes, and breast milk. These antibodies are the first to come into contact with viruses you breathe in.
Term
What is the quickest way to change neurotransmitters?
Definition
Through tears.
Term
Where are IgM antibodies found, what can they be used to test for, and what are they effective against?
Definition
IgM antibodies are largely found in blood and lymph fluid. They can be used to test whether or not someone is having an initial response to an antigen, because they are commonly the first on site. They are effective against viruses and bacteria.
Term
Do we have a lot of IgD? Is this level different for any specific age range?
Definition
No, we have very little IgD. Levels are higher in children and infants.
Term
What do IgD antibodies typically attach themselves to?
Definition
Lymphocytes
Term
What antibody do we have the least of? What condition may elevate these levels?
Definition
We have the least of IgE (<1%), unless you have allergies. IgE is what causes the symptoms of allergies.
Term
What are the two broad categories of allergic responses?
Definition
Immediate response (anaphylaxis) and delayed repsonse (usually seen in food allergies).
Term
What is the key action on antibody producing cells, like lymphocytes, plasma cells, and mast cells, the first time an antigen is introduced?
Definition
The key is that these cells are overstimulated so that they will make antibodies for response to future exposure.
Term
What constitutes a cell being sensitized?
Definition
Certain cells like mast cells, platelets, and eosinophils have receptor sites for IgE. When the IgE antibody attaches to the receptor site, the cell is said to be sensitized.
Term
When the antibody inactivates the antigen, what does the cell release?
Definition
Histamines
Term
What three things do histamines do to the body?
Definition
Vasodilation, Decrease in blood pressure, and Bronchoconstriction
Term
What can Epinephrine do to counteract Histamines?
Definition
Vasoconstriction and Bronchodilation
Term
What are the two most common food allergies?
Definition
Peanuts and Shellfish
Term
What other two products are released from a cell during an allergic reaction, but don't play as big a role as Histamines?
Definition
Heparin and Acetylcholine
Term
What causes seasonal allergies?
Definition
An overproduction of antibodies and too many sensitized cells, but not to the degree of anaphylactic response.
Term
What exactly are you allergic to in a delayed food reaction?
Definition
The breakdown product (haptin) mixed with a certain protein is the antigen. The breakdown poduct alone is NOT an antigen.
Term
What is Haptin?
Definition
The breakdown product of your food (incomplete antigen).
Term
What is almost always the presentation or manifestation of food allergies?
Definition
Hives
Term
What group of people are food allergies strongly correlated with?
Definition
Children with ADD/ADHD
Term
Name three types of ways to test for allergies.
Definition
Skin tests, Rast testing, and allergy shots.
Term
What is the process of skin testing?
Definition
Diluted amounts of antigens are introduced underneath the skin and then observed for 20 minutes and then the response is graded - redness, hives, etc.
Term
True or False? An anaphylactic response cannot occur with skin testing.
Definition
False. You CAN have an anaphylactic response with skin testing.
Term
What is the process of Rast testing? Can an anaphylactic response occur?
Definition
Blood is drawn and the serum is used to calculate levels of IgE antibodies against various panels of antigens. Anaphylactic responses then cannot happen this way.
Term
How do allergy shots work?
Definition
Through desensitization (removing the antibody from the cells). This is done by giving extremely diluted amounts of the antigen so it uses up some of the antibodies, but is not strong enough for more antibodies to be made. This is done on a weekly basis. This is not yet an exact science.
Term
What are three things we usually say a disease could be if we don't really know the cause?
Definition
Viral, genetic, or autoimmune.
Term
What is an autoimmune disease really?
Definition
An allergy to yourself.
Term
What does the terms Idiopathic thrombocytopenia pupura (ITP) mean when broken down?
Definition

Idiopathic: unknown cause

Thrombocytopenia: platelets go down

Pupura: purple

Term
What does the purple come from in ITP? What is this called?
Definition
When platelets nose dive and you can see the blood leakage under the skin. When this blood accumulates, it is called a petechiae (looks like a bruise).
Term
Petechiae are almost always correlated with what?
Definition
Low platelet counts
Term
Why are platelets destroyed with ITP?
Definition
The body views a protein on the platelets as an antigen and destroys them.
Term
If someone is given a transfusion from someone with ITP, will they then develop ITP?
Definition
Yes, because you are giving them the antibody against a protein that all people have.
Term
What does Lupus mean?
Definition
Lupus means "wolf" because a characteristic of SLE is a rash that develops underneath the eyes, across the bridge of the nose and above the eyebrows.
Term
Are autoimmune diseases more common in males or females?
Definition
Females
Term
Explain the process of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
Definition
A protein in the large nucleus of the white blood cells is interpreted as an antigen, so the body creates antibodies to inactivate these antigens. The nucleus is then pulled out of the white blood cell and the antibody attaches itself to it (this forms an LE cell).
Term
Why would the kidneys be compromised in a patient with SLE?
Definition
Blood goes through kidneys one cells at a time and LE cells are too large to pass through the nephrons, so they plug them up. With less available nephrons available, less blood can pass through the kidneys. Renal transplants are needed at this point.
Term
What is the process of Rheumatoid Arthritis? What precipitating effect often occurs prior to this?
Definition
A protein in the synovial fluid is interpreted as an antigen. When the antibodies created inactivate the antigen in the synovial fluid, the cushioning effect of the fluid in the joints is lost. Viral infections are frequently a precipitating effect to Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Term
What is Sjogren's Syndrome commonly characterized by?
Definition
Dry mucous membranes - lips, eyes, trouble crying, must use eyedrops.
Term
Is it common to see multiple autoimmune diseases?
Definition
Yes
Term
What is another autoimmune disease that is highly correlated with Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Definition
Sjogren's Syndrome
Term
What are we looking for when we do a type and cross-matching for patients involved in transfusions?
Definition

Type matching is comparing A to A, B to B, O to O.

 

Cross-matching is determining whether this patient has an antigen on the RBCs to which the donor has the corresponding antibody in their serum and vice versa.

Term
What is an example of an antigen that is genetically determined?
Definition
Your blood type
Term
How many antigens are we aware of that can be on a RBC?
Definition
130
Term
What is the probability of finding a donor with the exact same antigens as a patient?
Definition
Zero
Term
What is the probability of a transfusion reaction?
Definition
About 100%
Term
What are the two drugs given before giving a blood transfusion and Why?
Definition

Benadryl is given as an anti-histamine in case of an allergic reaction (it also causes drowsiness).

 

Tylenol is given to potentiate the Benadryl and reduce fever.

Term
What is the first thing you should do when a patient shows signs of a transfusion reaction?
Definition
Discontinue or stop the transfusion immediately.
Term
What is the only way you could find two people with a perfect match for transfusion?
Definition
Identical twins have the same blood types and same 130 antigens on the RBCs.
Term
Why is blood warmed before it is given?
Definition
There are some antibodies that only react to their antigens when the temperature is cold.
Term
Give an example of when a cold antigen reacts to an antigen.
Definition
Raynaud's Disease is when the reaction between antibody and antigen plugs up the capillaries (usually in the extremities). If the blood cannot get through, the tissue is not nourished and it gets cold. The colder it gets, the more antigen/antibody reactions occur and the more vessels are plugged up.
Term
Why would someone carrying the Mono antibody test negative for it?
Definition
Since the Mono antibody is a cold antibody, it will test negative if not tested in a cold environment.
Term
What is occuring in the case of a transplant rejection?
Definition
The body is interpreting a protein on the transplanted tissue, a liver for example, as an antigen and has produced antibodies for it.
Term
What category of anti-rejection drugs are people normally put on prior to a transplant and why? How does this pose a potential problem?
Definition
Steroids are used to suppress the entire immune system so antibodies do not build up against the transplant. This can be a problem because then the body cannot build up antibodies for things like viruses either.
Term
Give an example of a system in the body that can accept any tissue without recognizing it as foreign. Why?
Definition
The Central Nervous System is immunologically privileged, because the Blood Brain Barrier cannot be crossed by antibodies. Ex: we do not cross match patients and donors for cornea transplants. 
Term
Why do we need a new flu shot every year?
Definition
The influenza virus changes minutely and since the anitbodies are extremely specific to certain antigens we need a new shot every year.
Term
What can Strep throat sometimes lead to and why?
Definition
It can lead to Rheumatic fever and Glomerular Nephritis because there is a protein on the heart valve and in the kidneys that is very similar to the hemolysins (break down RBCs) that caused antibody production when the person had Strep throat. This is the only scenario that can cause Rheumatic Heart Disease, but other things can cause Glomerular Nephritis.
Term
Why is it so important to properly diagnose children with recurrent strep infection? In what age range is this seen most often?
Definition
Each new strep infection gives a new introduction of hemolysins, which is more antigen, so more antibodies are produced. This ups the chances of the child having complications like Rheumatic Fever and Glomerular Nephritis. Usually around ages 8 or 9.
Term
What are the four categories of transplant-grafts? What is the risk for rejection with each?
Definition

Autografts: taking tissue from one part of the body to another. There are never rejection concerns.

 

Isografts: these come from identical twins and there are never rejection concerns.

 

Homografts: grafts in the same species (most commonly thought of). There is definitely concern for rejection.

 

Heterografts: grafts between different species (ex: pig valves). There can be less problems with heterographs than with homographs.

Term
Humans are genetically most like what animal?
Definition
Baboons. There is only a 2% difference in the DNA.
Term
What percentage of bacteria are pathogenic in humans?
Definition
Only 1% cause disease in humans
Term
Give two examples of a time in which the normal flora on humans and the environment can infect humans.
Definition

When someone wakes up the morning after lots of drinking and have a soar throat. This is because the alcohol killed some of the bacteria in the throat which allowed other bacteria to overgrow.

 

Another example is when a female is put on an antibiotic and gets a yeast infection. This is because the antibiotic killed the bacteria in the vagina which allowed the yeast to overgrow.

Term
What did Florence Nightingale die from?
Definition
T. pallidum or Syphilis
Term
B. pertussis causes what?
Definition
Whooping cough
Term
True or False? The Clostridium bacteria (including tetanus and botulism) are anaerobic.
Definition
True
Term
What percentage of viruses cause disease in humans?
Definition
100%
Term
What is meant by saying viruses work on a continuum?
Definition
Some viruses infect and you never even know you have them, but others infect and it is a guarantee you will die.
Term
Why don't antibiotics and white blood cells have any effect on viruses?
Definition
They do not perceive them as being foreign invaders since they become part of the host DNA.
Term
If antibiotics and white blood cells cannot detect viruses, then how do we fight them?
Definition
The immune system is designed to get rid of viruses by creating antibodies to get rid of it.
Term
Herpes Simplex I virus versus Herpes Simplex II virus
Definition
Herpes Simplex I is fever blisters or cold soars and Herpes Simplex II is an STD.
Term
What is the Mono virus caused by?
Definition
Epstein-Barr
Term
Rubella is also known as?
Definition
The German Measles
Term
What animals are most common to have viral Rabies?
Definition
Skunks
Term
What does AIDS stand for?
Definition
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Term
True or False? Viruses are made up of both DNA and RNA.
Definition
False. All viruses are made up of either DNA or RNA, never both.
Term
Are RNA or DNA viruses more common?
Definition
DNA viruses, like the flu, measles, and mumps, are more common.
Term
How does an RNA virus invade a cell?
Definition
When an RNA virus invades a cell, it brings reverse transcriptinase. This enzyme changes the viral RNA into DNA so it can incorporate itself into the host DNA.
Term
What is AZT (Zidovudin)? How does it work? What is the downside to its use?
Definition
This is a drug used to delay the development of AIDS in patients with HIV. It works by interfering with the activity of reverse transcriptinase so that the virus cannot change into DNA. The downside is that their is an enzyme reaction in bone marrow that is involved in RBC production that is similar and AZT cannot tell the difference. AIDS patients usually require a lot of transfusions because this stops RBC production.
Term
How does AIDS spread?
Definition
Through blood, semen, and vaginal secretions. These cells have an exact fitting receptor for the AIDS virus, which is how it gains entry into the cell.
Term
How do we know we are dealing with a virus we have had before? What about one we have never had?
Definition
With a virus we have had before, it only affects us for a short time because we have memory cells that will quickly mobilize the antibodies for it. If a virus affects us for ten days then we have never had it before, because that is how long it takes for new antibodies to be made after an antigen is introduced.
Term
Why is AIDS such a brilliant virus?
Definition
The AIDS virus invades the cell, replicates, and moves on to another cell. As it moves, it will mutate itself about every ten days, which is how long it takes for the body to create a new antibody. The body is constantly trying to catch up.
Term
Why are people worried about the Avian flu virus?
Definition
If it gets to our population, a lot of people will die because it will take us ten days to build an antibody for it.
Term
What are viruses two main goals?
Definition
To invade and to replicate.
Term
Where do we think AIDS was probably introduced?
Definition
From monkeys in Haiti in the 1960s. If a virus runs out of a population, it can jump species.
Term
What are two ways in which viruses have ingeniously adapted a way of entry to humans?
Definition
Most viruses are respiratory, because all humans breathe and also sexually transmitted, because humans are made to breed.
Term
What do AIDS patients normally die from?
Definition
Opportunistic diseases, because the lymphocytes are infected and compromised enough that they can't build up antibodies.
Term
What percentage of lymphocytes are infected in a patient with full blown AIDS?
Definition
Only 10%
Term
What do many AIDS patients eventually end up getting?
Definition
Pneumococcus pneumonia
Term
What is the number of people are infected with AIDS in our country in comparison to many sub-Saharan African countries?
Definition
1 in 250 people are infected in our country compared to 75% of the population of many sub-Saharan African countries.
Term
What age group has the greatest AIDS cases increase in our country?
Definition
Ages 15-19
Term
What are three problems contributing to the AIDS epidemic in Africa?
Definition
Lack of condom availability, lack of education, and lack of treatment.
Term
What two viruses were thought to be the cause of AIDS but are now known to simply be opportunistic infections?
Definition
Cytomeglia Virus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr (thought to cause mono).
Term
What is a Subclinical Infection and in what profession do you see a lot of them?
Definition
A subclinical infection is one that does not show any manifestations or signs. Nurses have a lot of subclinical infections, because they have a lot of short-term exposure to stuff. This is good because their immune systems are working at a higher level than most people in the general population.
Term
Does a subclinical infection give the same degree of immunity as a clinical infection?
Definition
Yes
Term
What is something we see commonly that is meant to give a subclinical infection?
Definition
Flu shots and MMR are meant to induce subclinical infections.
Term
What happens if a virus given in a vaccination that has been attenuated is too weak or too strong? Explain this "fine line".
Definition
If it is too weak, there is no immunity built up to it and if it is too strong, the person will get the virus.
Term
Who (professionally) is in the highest risk group for AIDS?
Definition
Nurses, because of needle-stick injuries. Most needle sticks are pricks and not injections, so the infection probability is low but still possible.
Term
Where do toxins come from?
Definition
Toxins are harmful metabolic products of bacteria.
Term
What are the categories of toxins? What is the difference between the two?
Definition

Exotoxins: are produced by the bacteria on the cell wall.


Endotoxins: stay inside the bacteria until the bacteria is killed.

 


Term
Give an example of a bacteria that is only pathogenic because of an Exotoxin.
Definition
Clostridium tetani produces an exotoxin that is the sole reason it is pathogenic. Tetanus is a chemical poisoning from the exotoxin produced by the bacteria.
Term
What are booster shots called? How are they made?
Definition
A booster shot is a toxoid (like toxins) that is made by removing the exotoxin produced by a culture of a bacteria like C. tetani. This inactivates the exotoxin so the bacteria can be injected to help build up antibodies in a person.
Term
Why can antibiotics be dangerous when giving them to a patient with sepsis (bloodstream overwhelmed by bacteria)?
Definition
If the bacteria in the blood has endotoxins in it, when the antibiotic kills the bacteria, it will release the endotoxins. This leads to vasodilation, paralyzing of smooth muscle and cardiac muscle, and the kidneys will shut down. This is called endotoxic shock or gram-negative shock. The mortality rate is 40-50%.
Term
How do Bacteriocidal antibiotics work?
Definition
They kill the bacteria.
Term
How do Bacteriostatic antibiotics work?
Definition
Bacteriostatic antibiotics keep the bacteria from reproducing. It causes the bacteria to die of old age so there is a gradual release of endotoxin and we can compensate. If all of the bacteria dies at once, the release it too acute and the body cannot handle it.
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