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Pericarditis
Nursing Notes – Inflammatory Diseases of the Heart PERICARDITIS Introduction Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, a double-layered sac that encloses the heart and the roots of the great vessels (aorta, pulmonary artery, vena cavae). This sac provides protection, lubrication, and helps to anchor the heart within the chest cavity. When inflamed, the layers…
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Rheumatic Heart Disease
Rheumatic Heart Disease Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which the heart valves have been permanently damaged by rheumatic fever. Rheumatic Heart Disease can also be defined as a chronic stage of Rheumatic Fever involving all the layers of the heart causing major cardiac sequelae So what is Rheumatic Fever? Rheumatic Fever is an…
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Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle Cell Disease/Sickle Cell Anaemia Sickle cell disease is an inherited red-blood cell disorder which causes the body to produce abnormally shaped red blood cells. Sickle cell disease is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. Normal Hb A gets replaced with Abnormal Hb S. Children with this disorder have atypical haemoglobin molecules called haemoglobin S…
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Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents
EATING DISORDERS Eating disorders are conditions characterized by an extreme disturbance in eating related behaviour. OR Eating disorders are moderate to severe illnesses that are characterized by disturbances in thinking and behaviour around food, eating and body weight or shape. The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, American Psychiatric Association,2013) outlines six types…
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Disaster Preparedness and Management
DISASTER Disaster is an occurrence disrupting the normal conditions of existence and causing a level of suffering that exceeds the capacity of adjustment of the affected community, WHO Disaster is also defined as a sudden/unexpected catastrophic event causing serious disruption of the functioning of a community or society that exceed the ability of the affected…
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Introduction To Palliative Care
Palliative Care Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and families facing the problem associated with life threating illness through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and assessment and treatment of pain and other problems which are physical , psychological and spiritual. WHO definition…
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Nephrotic and Nephritic syndromes
NEPHROTIC SYNDROME. Nephrotic syndrome, or nephrosis, is a constellation of symptoms characterized by nephrotic range, massive proteinuria, edema, and hypoalbuminemia with or without hyperlipidemia. MASSIVE Proteinuria >3.5g/24 hours Or spot urine protein: creatinine ratio >300 – 350 mg/mmol Hypoalbuminemia <25g/L, Edema,(Generalized edema is called Anasarca) And often: Hyperlipidemia/dyslipidemia (total cholesterol >10 mmol/L) Additionally, the…
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Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis (GN) Glomerulonephritis (GN) refers to a group of kidney diseases characterized primarily by inflammation and damage to the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units within the kidneys. Glomerulonephritis is an inflammatory condition of the kidneys characterized by increased permeability of the glomerular filtration barrier causing filtration of RBCs and proteins. While the primary site of…
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Renal Failure
RENAL FAILURE (Acute and Chronic) Renal failure refers to reduction in renal/kidney function. Renal failure, also known as kidney failure, describes a situation where the kidneys lose their ability to function adequately. This means they cannot effectively filter waste products from the blood, regulate electrolytes and fluids, or perform their essential endocrine functions. The term…
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Kidney Stones / Renal Calculi
Kidney Stones/Renal Calculi Kidney Stones are small, hard deposits of mineral and acid salts on the inner surfaces of the kidneys. They can also be defined as crystallized minerals around pus, blood or damaged tissues. Stones are classified by their location in the urinary system and their composition of crystals, they can also be called;…
