At its core, pathology is the study of disease. Diseases occur for many reasons. But some, such as cystic fibrosis and Parkinson’s Disease, occur because of alterations that prevent cells from functioning normally.
Understanding of signals and symptoms of alterations in cellular processes is a critical step in diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. For the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), this understanding can also help educate patients and guide them through their treatment plans.
For this Discussion, you examine a case study and explain the disease that is suggested. You examine the symptoms reported and explain the cells that are involved and potential alterations and impacts.
To prepare: READ THIS CASE STUDY
Scenario: Patient is an 18-year-old female with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis who presents with complaints of increased productive cough and fatigue in the last few days. The patient denies a fever but reports that her appetite hasn’t been good because she is so tired. Patient vital signs: BP 110/70, P 110, Res 28 labored, temp 98.4. Physical exam: Lung sounds Diminished breath sounds bilateral lower lobes with crackles in upper lobes.
Post an explanation of the disease highlighted in the scenario you were provided. Include the following in your explanation:

The role genetics plays in the disease.
Why the patient is presenting with the specific symptoms described.
The physiologic response to the stimulus presented in the scenario and why you think this response occurred.
The cells that are involved in this process.
How another characteristic (e.g., gender, genetics) would change your response.