topic : Discuss characteristic findings of an immune dysfunction. Explain what symptomology the patient would exhibit and how these symptoms may complicate daily living and relationships.
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN Discussion Question Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
Examples 1 (Sisi)
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the cells of the pancreas, it is a life-long disease where the pancreas does not produce insulin which is a hormone that regulates levels of sugar in the blood, it usually develops in children or young adults, most common between 4 to 6 years old or during early puberty, though at any age it can occur (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Causes and risk factors are genetics, exposure to viruses, family history, and geography meaning that that there are more people with type 1 diabetes as they travel away from the equator (Mayo Clinic, 2024).
The symptoms are progressive a little by little worsen because the pancreas makes less and less insulin and the body will start presenting excessive thirst, hunger or urination, blurred vision, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, vaginal yeast infections, and slow healing cuts and sores (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). However, if the person is not diagnosed in a timely manner, diabetes type 1 can be life threatening due to diabetes-related keto-acidosis (DKA) which can be presented with fruity-smelling breath, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, rapid breathing, and loss of consciousness (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).
Once there is a diagnosis of diabetes type 1 there are three main components for treatment which are insulin, blood glucose monitoring, and carbohydrate counting (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). It can be challenging when newly diagnosed with diabetes type 1 because there are different types of insulin and different types of administration like multiple daily injections, pen, pump, or rapid-acting inhaled insulin; the amount of insulin varies across lifespan, for instance there will be a need for more insulin during pregnancy, steroid medication, and puberty (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Also, they will need to know how to check blood sugar using a blood glucose monitor or continuous glucose monitoring and learn how to count carbohydrates (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). It does require a constant involvement and management and visits to the endocrinologist, even though it can be overwhelming at the beginning, it does not mean that the person cannot live a healthy life with the support of family and friends (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).
References
Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms, Complications & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)
Mayo Clinic. (2024, March 27). Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
Example 2 (Mirvilene)
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that makes your immune system damage organs and tissue throughout your body. It causes inflammation that can affect your skin, joints, blood, and organs like your kidneys, lungs, and heart (Cleveland Clinic, 2023). The signs and symptoms of the disease vary from patient to patient, depending on the severity and the organ affected. According to Mayo Clinic, the most common symptoms are fatigue, fever, joint pain, stiffness and swelling, a butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose or rashes elsewhere on the body, skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure, fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods, shortness of breath, chest pain, dry eyes, headaches, confusion, and memory loss.
The impacts of the disease on daily activities can range from mild to severe. Patients often experience physical limitations due to chronic pain. They can also be psychologically and emotionally challenged due to the unpredictability of symptoms and flares. Moreover, they can experience side effects from medications, such as weight gain from long-term use of steroids.
Lupus can take a toll on the family unit, as they often struggle to understand the disease and cope with its impact on their loved ones. Additionally, the patient may become more dependent on loved ones for support and activities of daily living (ADLs). Patients might also have difficulty keeping a job due to recurrence and flare-ups
Effective management of lupus involves a combination of medications, lifestyle changes (e.g., stress management, avoiding sunlight, regular exercise), and regular medical follow-ups to monitor and address organ involvement and other complications. These steps help patients manage their conditions and live a full life.
References:
Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Lupus: Causes, symptoms, and treatment. Retrieved July 1, 2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4875-lupus
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Lupus: Symptoms and causes. Retrieved July 1, 2024, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/symptoms-causes/syc-20365789
Example 3 ( jill)
AIDS is an immune deficiency that caused by human immunodeficiency virus or HIV. This virus causes suppression of the normal immune response which ultimately leads to the development of AIDS. Initially, a patient with HIV may present with flu-like symptoms but these initial symptoms are often not noted as significant and patients can have HIV for months to years before they develop symptoms of AIDS. Once HIV has caused enough damage to the immune system, patients lose the ability to fight infections (GCU, 2022). According to the CDC, there are 3 stages of HIV infection. Stage I – the patient has no AIDS -related conditions and the CD-4 + cell count is atleast 29% of all lymphocytes; stage 2- there are no AIDS-related infections and the CD4+ cell count is 14-28% of all lymphocytes; stage 3 – the CD4+ count is less than 200 and less than 14% of all lymphocytes, or an AIDS-related condition is present. Once a patient develops AIDS they are at risk for AIDS- related conditions such as pneumonia, skin cancers, TB and candidiasis (Kaiser Permanente, 2024).
HIV is a treatable virus and should be treated with antiretroviral therapy to prevent progression of the disease. HIV is spread through blood, urine, and saliva so having HIV can have significant impacts on relationships and daily life. Antiretroviral therapy can decrease the risk of spreading HIV to others, however, there is no cure for HIV and close contacts and sexual contacts should be informed of the diagnosis. In addition, sexual contacts should be informed and special precautions taken. Nurses should emphasize medication compliance with HIV patients and encourage health lifestyle choices such as healthy diet, regular physical activity, and smoking cessation (Kaiser Permanente, 2024).
Grand Canyon University (Ed.) (2022). Pathophysiology: Clinical Applications for Client Health (2nd. Ed.)
Kaiser Permanente (2024) HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Infection https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.hw151408#aco6171
