Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a type of retrovirus that causes immunosuppression. HIV progresses to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) when the virus has severely damaged the immune system, and the body can no longer fight off infections. There currently is no cure for HIV, but medication can help patients live a healthy life with a … Read more
Sodium (Latin: natrium) is an electrolyte that helps maintain the volume and concentration of extracellular fluid and affects water distribution between intracellular fluid and extracellular fluid. It is vital in the generation and transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contractility, and the regulation of acid-base balance. The ratio of sodium to water is reflected by the … Read more
Acute respiratory failure occurs when there is inadequate oxygenation, ventilation (carbon dioxide elimination), or both. It can be classified as hypoxemic or hypercapnic. Hypoxemic respiratory failure describes inadequate oxygen exchange between the pulmonary capillaries and the alveoli. The partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) will be less than 60 mmHg with a normal or low … Read more
Hip fractures refer to a fracture or break in the proximal or upper third of the femur, extending to 5 cm below the lesser trochanter. This is common in older adults and usually results from direct trauma or a fall. Hip fractures are classified into different types: Signs and symptoms of hip fractures include muscle … Read more
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a progressive form of acute respiratory failure characterized by dyspnea, decreased pulmonary compliance, and hypoxemia. ARDS often develops after another illness or injury, such as sepsis, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, pneumonia, aspiration, smoke inhalation, near drowning, and severe trauma or shock states. Pathophysiology When lung tissues are injured, the … Read more
Abdominal pain is the discomfort felt anywhere between the chest and groin. Abdominal pain may be acute or chronic pain with varying degrees of severity and characteristics. Nursing Process Nurses conduct thorough histories and physical assessments to assist with the diagnosis of abdominal pain. This can include diet, medical and surgical histories, and detailed pain … Read more
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) or chronic renal failure (CRF) is characterized by a progressive and irreversible loss of kidney function. Since the kidneys are highly adaptive organs, kidney disease is often not identified until there is a considerable loss of nephrons. Patients with early CKD are often asymptomatic, and symptoms may not be recognized until … Read more
Edema is swelling caused by fluid build-up in the tissues. It can occur in any part of the body but is most noticeable in the arms, hands, legs, and feet. Edema is a common finding and may go away on its own or may be a symptom of an underlying health condition, an allergic reaction, … Read more
Diverticular disease (diverticulosis and diverticulitis) is a group of conditions associated with diverticula (bulging pouches) in the colon. Diverticulosis is the presence of multiple pouches in the colon and is often asymptomatic. Diverticulitis is when these diverticula become inflamed or infected, causing symptoms. While diverticula may occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, it is most … Read more
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage of one or more pulmonary arteries by a blood clot. Large emboli obstruct pulmonary blood flow, causing reduced oxygenation, reduced gas exchange, decreased perfusion, pulmonary tissue hypoxia, and even death. Most PEs occur due to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremities when a thrombus breaks off and … Read more