Peripheral neuropathy refers to disorders involving the peripheral nerve cells. These cells work like communication networks between the central nervous system and the rest of the body by sending signals that help control movement and sensation. Diabetes mellitus, chronic alcoholism, autoimmune diseases, nutritional deficiencies, infections, chemotherapy drugs, malignancy, hypothyroidism, and trauma, are possible causes of … Read more
A diabetic foot ulcer is one of the most common complications diagnosed in patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Anyone with diabetes mellitus can develop a foot ulcer resulting from poor glycemic control, peripheral vascular disease, underlying neuropathy, and poor foot care. Pathophysiology The development of a diabetic foot ulcer begins with a callus from neuropathy. … Read more
Hearing loss is a common medical condition affecting people of all ages with numerous causes. There are three types of hearing loss: Clinical manifestations of hearing loss include the following: Hearing loss is diagnosed through a physical examination, general hearing screening test, tuning fork tests, and audiometer tests. Nursing Process Nursing care for patients with … Read more
Paraplegia is a pattern of paralysis that affects the legs due to an injury or damage to the brain and spinal cord. The level and severity of the injury can be further classified into the following types of paraplegia: Complete paraplegia: This type of injury causes total loss of function of the legs with symptoms … Read more
Bradycardia is an abnormally slow heart rhythm. A normal heart rate is between 60 to 100 beats per minute. With bradycardia, the rate is less than 60 beats per minute. Bradycardia results from an abnormality in the sinus node, the heart’s natural pacemaker. A disruption in the sinus node can cause slow or missed beats. … Read more
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a short episode of symptoms resembling a stroke. Since a TIA or “mini-stroke” only lasts a few minutes and doesn’t harm the brain permanently, it is frequently disregarded. However, this is a mistake, as a TIA may be a warning sign of a future stroke. With a TIA, blood … Read more
Crohn’s disease (CD) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any portion of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract but most commonly affects the small bowel. It causes thickening and scarring, leading to obstruction, fistulas, ulcerations, and abscesses. Remissions and exacerbations characterize Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease originates from an inappropriate autoimmune response in the … Read more
Benign prostatic hyperplasia or hypertrophy (BPH) is a gradual enlargement of the prostate gland (hyperplasia) due to an increase in the size of the cells (hypertrophy). The breakdown of the balance between cellular proliferation and cell death results in excess prostate cells, causing BPH. BPH is very common, affecting half of men by age 60. … Read more
A tracheostomy or tracheotomy is a surgical incision of the front of the neck into the trachea to open the airway. A tracheostomy tube is placed into the opening and connected to a mechanical ventilator or another oxygen delivery device. The term “trach” is used as an abbreviation. If the normal breathing pathway is compromised … Read more
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease affecting the rectum and extending proximally toward the colon. The specific cause is unknown, but there is a genetic predisposition. There may also be a higher incidence among Jewish populations. Peak incidence often occurs between 15-30 years of age. Although food and stress do not cause UC, … Read more