Family Practice Nursing Commons^™

Myasthenia Gravis, Rebecca Wheeler

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Myasthenia gravis (MG), a neuromuscular and autoimmune disorder, is not completely understood by clinicians and scientists. The primary cause is thought to be anti-Acetylcholine receptor antibodies that attack the neuromuscular junction, causing destruction of post-synaptic junctional folds and blockade of the receptor. This causes frequent weakness and fatigability of voluntary muscles, making activities of daily living difficult for those living with MG. Although it is not an incredibly prevalent disease, the incidence is increasing in the United States due to better testing and diagnosis. Treatments are available, including cholinesterase inhibitors that raise the concentration of Acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction …

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Aaron Mcneilan

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

The following poster presentation provides a brief overview of the disease process of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide, and its incidence does not appear to be declining. The most common factor causing COPD is cigarette smoking, which is modifiable. Other contributors are environmental air pollutants which some people may encounter depending on where they live or their occupation. This presentation is a culmination of information from different scholarly sources which discuss the symptoms, pathophysiology, causes, management, and prevention of COPD.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Pathophysiology And Chronic Health Implications, Makilah Witt

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. If untreated, women suffer a myriad of secondary sequala and chronic diseases. The prevalence of PCOS is rising and greatly impacts patients' physical, mental, and emotional health, diminishes community health, and increases healthcare costs. However, many providers fail to properly diagnose patients, understand how this disease impacts women, or provide appropriate interventions to prevent chronic health problems. This paper outlines the pathophysiology of PCOS, identifies signs and symptoms, and provides recommendations for treatment and holistic patient care for the role of the Advance Practice Nurse.

Hypercoagulable State Of Covid-19, Amanda Martin

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

From the data that has been collected and compiled on SARS-CoV-2, or Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it has shown that there are unique qualities of the novel virus that leads to a hypercoagulable state in those diagnosed. To effectively treat those afflicted with this specific symptom of COVID-19, an understanding of the pathophysiology of the virus must be established to effectively treat and potentially prevent coagulopathy and the thrombotic events that can ensue. Gaining more insight into this will allow for standardized plan of care that includes appropriate predicative labs and effective prophylactic medications to be utilized in outpatient or …

Aging: The Impact Of Diet And Inflammation, Morgan Wiland-Gress

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

The immune system is a complex cohesive network. It requires every cell to work efficiently at maintaining homeostasis. It also prevents and repairs damage from internal and external pathogens. Recent research has focused on the concept of inflammaging, which is defined as age-related changes that occur in the immune system leading to dysfunction. The current understanding is that inflammaging contributes to the development of chronic diseases including; Type II Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease, Cancer, autoimmune disorders, neurological disorders, Alzheimer and Parkinson’s disease. The underlying pathophysiology of inflammaging is chronic inflammation and the imbalance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators. This imbalance leads …

Coronavirus, Carla Bonczak

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a novel virus that began its virulent spread in China December 2019. Since that time, it has spread worldwide and has affected individuals, business, and educational systems, as well as day to day life. COVID-19 has become a national pandemic. COVID-19 is spread through airborne droplets produced by affected individual that may or may not be symptomatic. Individuals may experience fevers, dry cough, and difficulty breathing. While most individuals with COVID-19 may be able to recover at home, several are requiring hospitalization. If patients are hospitalized, they are placed into an isolation negative air flow room for …

Healthcare Inequities Of The Hiv Population, Michael Silvka

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

AbstractThe social attitude in the United States toward people living with HIV (PLWH,) has changed verylittle since the diagnosis became prevalent in the 1980’s. Healthcare inequities experienced by(PLWH) affect their well-being in many ways every day. The ability of society to decrease theseinequities is within our grasp. (PLWH) are depending on social determinants being addressedto allow equitable access to preventative measures, testing, and treatment of their illness. Theneed for appropriate and sustainable change to social perception of the HIV epidemic must beaddressed to ensure fair and equitable treatment is available to all persons affected by thisdisease

Wound Healing, Emily Schmitter

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

The topic being presented is wound healing. Wound healing is a pathological process that occurs in three phases: inflammation, proliferation and new tissue formation, and remodeling and maturation. Several factors can affect wound healing such as nutrition status, increased age and health status. Wound healing is relevant to advanced practiced nursing because APNs participate in prevention, assessment, and treatment of wounds. The APN is responsible for teaching diabetic patients about the importance of proper nutrition. The APN must also be able to identify a hard-to-heal wound. And the APN must know how to prevent infection and induce healing in hard-to-heal …

Helicobacter Pylori Pathophysiology, Alisha Smith

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Abstract

This poster provides current research evidence on Helicobacter Pylori pathophysiology, treatment guidelines, and the potential etiology of associated disorders. The purpose is to provide a detailed overview of the functional changes within the intestinal cells caused by the microorganism. Furthermore, explaining of the mechanism and clinical manifestations of symptoms. The research focuses on risk factors, transmission, diagnostic evaluation, and the implications for nursing care. The best-available evidence offers concrete data examining the detrimental effects of the immune and inflammatory response stimulated by H. pylori. A description of the functional structures of H. pylori and its’ ability to survive. …

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (Heds), Jocelyn Akers

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a genetic connective tissue disease with varying expressions and phenotypes. Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is the most prevalent subgroup within this disease category. It is estimated to make up about 80% of the total population of those with EDS (Tinkle et al., 2017). New and updated diagnostic criteria was established in 2017 for hEDS as a way to categorize the syndrome apart from other connective tissue diseases on the hypermobility spectrum of diseases. The disease expressive itself through a complex pathological process and in varying degrees and levels of severity for those who inherit it (Castori et …

Aortic Stenosis Poster, Katonya Lawson

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Aortic stenosis is the narrowing of the aortic valve secondary to calcification and fibrosis. It is the most common valve disorder and the second most frequent reason for cardiac surgery. As the elderly population increases, the number of patients presenting with aortic stenosis will increase. RNs and APRNs need to be aware of the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of aortic stenosis because the disease can progress quickly and be fatal if mismanaged. Patients with aortic stenosis have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality during the peri-operative period during non-cardiac surgery. Therefore, CRNAs must remain vigilant when caring for this …

Ischemic Stroke, Rachele Gualtieri

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and a very large percentage of those who suffer a stroke experience an ischemic stroke. It is detrimental that the healthcare providers caring for these patients are proficient in understanding the pathophysiology and treatment of a stroke to preserve maximal function of the brain and promote a full recovery. It is also crucial that providers are aware of risk factors for stroke, events leading up to an ischemic injury, and the events that follow an ischemic injury. This poster discusses the underlying pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, risk …

Melanoma, Dianna Lauer

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

There are many types of skin cancer prevalent in the world today. The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma (Watson et al, 2015). In the words of Hawryluk & Tsao (2014), “Melanoma is an aggressive malignancy borne of melanocytes, the pigment-generating cells of the skin”. Melanoma is known to cause the most deaths of the three main skin cancers and has many risk factors. The personal risk factors include, “family history, multiple moles, fair skin, blue eyes, red hair, and freckles” (Watson et al, p.e92, 2015). There are risk factors …

Tuberculosis, Jessica Puri

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Tuberculosis (TB) is a curable disease that claims the lives of millions each year. TB is an airborne disease spread by inhaling droplets of the tubercle bacillus. There are two different types of TB related conditions; latent TB infection and active TB disease. During latent TB, an individual inhales droplets of tubercle bacillus but the immune system can fight off this infection. However, once droplets of tubercle bacillus penetrate the alveoli, and colonization of droplets multiply, latent TB transitions into active TB disease (Katanekwa & Dahlback, 2016, p. 9). TB is typically found in the lungs but can also develop …

Multiple Sclerosis Pathophysiology, Carolyn Ricketts

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Abstract

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation in the central nervous system and demyelination of the white matter in the brain and spinal cord, leading to lesions and axonal damage, possibly followed by relapse. It is a progressively debilitating disease with a variety of symptoms that mimic other diseases, such as blurred vision, nerve pain, fatigue, weakness, paresthesia, and unsteady gait. It occurs more frequently further from the equator. The pathophysiology of MS is unknown. Several new research theories are emerging which include innate and adaptive immunity playing a role (TH1 and TH17 specifically), infection …

Nephrolithiasis, Erin Layton

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Nephrolithiasis, also known as kidney stones and calculi, pose a significant health and financial burden in the United States and worldwide. With the increasing incidence and prevalence of pediatric and adult nephrolithiasis, health care costs and morbidity are expected to rise (Batavia & Tasian, 2016). Once thought to be an isolated condition, nephrolithiasis is now considered to be a systemic disease and a marker for other systemic diseases like cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Furthermore, there is a correlation between nephrolithiasis and obesity, fractures, and chronic kidney disease (Ziemba & Matlaga, 2017). In the case of obstruction of an infected kidney, …

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Erin Branfield

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Abstract

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in females of reproductive age, affecting up to twenty percent of females (McEwen & Hartmann, 2018). Though the pathophysiology of PCOS is not fully understood, several factors such as insulin resistance and increased testosterone levels are prevalent and play a major role in PCOS. PCOS is a complex disease and encompasses many different metabolic, endocrine and reproductive conditions. Common signs and symptoms of PCOS include but are not limited to menstrual cycle disturbances, acne, alopecia and fertility problems (Balen, 2017).

Keywords: PCOS, Polycystic ovarian syndrome, insulin resistance

Male Breast Cancer, Angie Blose

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Male breast cancer (MBC) is a disease that claims the lives of many unsuspecting men. MBC affects less than 1% of men only one out of a thousand will be diagnosed with the disease. According to the American Cancer Society (2019) this year, 2,670 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer (MBC) and at least 500 of them will loose their lives to this disease. Most breast cancers in males are diagnosed as ductal carcinomas (Chalasani, 2019). This poster provides insight about risk factors, diagnosis, testing, staging, and signs and symptoms of this disease.

Human Papillomavirus (Hpv) And Cervical Cancer, Stephanie Gregorc

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases with more than 100 types. The American Cancer Society (2019) reports, “Most men and women who have ever had sexual contact will get HPV at some time in their lives.” Certain strands are more detrimental than others, however it is important to understand how it spreads and ways to minimize its occurrence. Preventative actions are available to women, such as pap smear screenings, which can allow for early identification and treatment of abnormalities. As an advanced practicing nurse, it is essential to provide education to women surrounding HPV, …

Iron Deficiency Anemia, Heather Weaver

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

“Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common type of nutritional disorder worldwide, occurring in both developing and developed countries and affecting as many as one-fifth of the world population” (Huether & McCance, 2018, p. 934). There are many causes including bleeding (usually intestinal or menstrual), pregnancy, malnutrition, and malabsorption. Some of the signs and symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, headaches, exertional shortness of breath, cold intolerance, and paler than normal skin tones. The American Society of Hematology (2019) reports iron is important in the production of hemoglobin and maintenance of healthy cells. The topic of IDA was chosen as a …

Pathophysiology Of Osteoarthritis, Lara Stover

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common joint diseases worldwide, and especially in the United States. This disease can cause chronic pain and disability, and can impair a patient’s quality of life and ability to perform activities of daily living. There are many different factors that can contribute to the development, progression, and severity of OA. Chronic inflammation and the inflammatory response is the primary pathological process that contributes to the development of OA. With the number of cases of OA expected to increase in the United States, it is important that primary care providers have an understanding of …

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ana Vigil

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

No abstract provided.

Congential Heart Disease (Chd) Adult Survivors And Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Olivia Sutter

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Congenital heart disease (CHD) includes a wide array of disorders and varying degrees of severity and is the most common birth defect, comprising of 1% of all birth defects (CDC, 2018). Heart defects can be acyanotic (non-critical) or cyanotic (critical) (Deen & Krieger, 2016). Birth defects are determined to be cyanotic or acyanotic based on pulse oximetry and anatomy through echocardiogram technology (Mayo clinic, 2018). Due to the advances of interventions in this field, children with heart defects are living to adulthood and therefore are acquiring diseases of aging, such as atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes, in addition to the …

Lyme Disease, Sondra Mcfadden

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi and is a bacterial infectious disease that is spread by zoonotic transmission in which animals act as reservoir hosts and ticks are the primary vector or carrier and are considered arthropods. This poster presents Lyme disease, its pathophysiology, and nursing considerations for treating it.

Group A Strep (Gas), Kimberly Hyatt

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Abstract

Group A Streptococcal (GAS) bacteria is a common but potent pathogen. GAS is the most common cause of pharyngitis in the world and can be easily treated with the right antibiotic. Left untreated or undertreated, however, GAS is the ninth leading cause of infectious disease mortality, worldwide. Lethality from a GAS infection is 10-30%. The virulence factors of GAS are responsible for the short and long term havoc it wreaks on an individual, and the incredible disease burden of 18.1 million severe cases of GAS, annually, around the globe. In the U.S., each year, GAS pharyngitis, alone, costs $500 …

Asthma Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Overlap Syndrome, Kimberly A. Babich-Speck

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Asthma and COPD often have symptoms that overlap. The area of overlap is known as asthma COPD overlap syndrome.

Angioedema: Ace-Inhibitors Adverse Reaction, Jesse Vandyne

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

This is a poster presentation about angioedema caused by Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACEI or ACE Inhibitors). Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) medications are one of the leading causes of angioedema in the United States, also known as ACEI-RA (Chan & Soliman, 2015, p. 207). ACE inhibitors are among the most commonly prescribed medications worldwide because they are indicated for the management of hypertension, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, diabetic nephropathy, and chronic kidney disease (Chan & Soliman, 2015, p. 207).

Primary Hypertension, Leslie Mcchesney

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

The intent of this poster is to provide an understanding of the pathophysiology of primary hypertension and its impact on nursing. This is a disease affecting millions of Americans daily and with proper understanding of the disease process, diagnosis and management can be initiated early before life altering consequences impact the patient.

Human Papilloma Virus-Related Cervical Dysplasia, Shaylyn D. Webster

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Among sexually active men and women, the human papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. With more than 200 different genotypes of HPV known, there are more than 500,000 cases each year in the United States alone (Lowy, 2016). The virus is associated with nearly all cervical cancers, anal cancers, vaginal cancers, penile cancers, and head and neck cancers (Jorge & Wright, 2016). In women, the virus is capable of causing slow cellular changes on the cervix, and this dysplasia is graded based on severity (Jorge & Wright, 2016).

The statistics related to the prevalence …

Gram-Negative Bacteria And Sepsis, Christine D. Ridge

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Today’s medical world encompasses an environment in which gram-negative bacteria that once were defeated with common antibiotics, have now become resistant. Gram-negative bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter, and Acinetobacter are pathogens that are an emerging threat causing sepsis due to multidrug-resistance (Pop-Vicas & Opal, 2014, p.189). The multidrug-resistance mechanisms of gram-negative bacteria coupled with a patient population commonly seen in hospital settings, that consist of immunocompromised adults due to advancing age, comorbidities (e.g. AIDS, history of transplants, diabetes, and chemotherapy), and immunotherapies, create an environment for advanced infection or sepsis to take place.

Complications of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria …