#1 Response Discussion: Alterations in Cellular Processes
Understanding the effect prescribed drugs have on a patient is vital to patient treatment (“Introduction to Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics”, n.d.). Patient history is pertinent to the course of action a medical professional such as a nurse takes. The information gives a more precise indication of what is affecting a patient’s health. Other factors, such as symptoms and age, are equally essential. The patient in question is an older adult of 83 years exhibiting cystic fibrosis symptoms. However, the average age of the disease is not more than 50 years, according to Sharma (Sharma, 2019). Based on this knowledge, there is a likelihood that the patient is suffering from a different ailment but showing symptoms of a cystic fibrosis disease. Malabsorption can appear at the beginning of the cystic fibrosis (Littlewood et al., 2005, p.35). It, therefore, means that there could be a possibility that the malabsorption diagnosis is correct. Though cystic fibrosis presents at a younger age than that of the patient, malabsorption manifests at a more advanced age (Montgomery et al., 1986, p.235). Information from the patient indicates poor eating due to lack of dentures, which means that the patient could be suffering from the latter disease. There is mention of protein malnutrition which, as indicated, could be the result of poor feeding. In this case, a change in diet would be the preferred treatment to deal with the portrayed symptoms. The argument between malabsorption and cystic fibrosis diagnosis is, however, well-articulated, which is commendable. A bulky stool is one symptom of cystic fibrosis (Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, n.d.), and as inferred, patient history information does not indicate these bowel movements. Respiratory and pulmonary symptoms are also common in cystic fibrosis cases, which the patient does not exhibit further questioning the diagnosis. History information does not show any traits consistent with the illness. These gaps could be why the likelihood of a cystic diagnosis is nonconclusive, necessitating the further check-up. The nurse is instrumental in the patient care process as the diagnosis and treatment starts with this professional (Naylor & Kurtzman, 2010, p.893)
References
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. About cystic fibrosis. Cff.org. Retrieved 3 June 2020, from
https://www.cff.org/What-is-CF/About-Cystic-Fibrosis/.
Introduction to pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Ashp.org. Retrieved 3 June 2020,
from https://www.ashp.org/-/media/store%20files/p2418-sample-chapter-1.pdf.
Littlewood, J., Wolfe, S., & Conway, S. (2005). Diagnosis and treatment of intestinal
malabsorption in cystic fibrosis. Pediatric Pulmonology, 41(1), 35-49. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppul.20286
Montgomery, R., Haboubi, N., Mike, N., Chesner, I., & Asqutth, P. (1986).
Causes of malabsorption in the elderly. Age and Ageing, 15(4), 235-240. https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/15.4.235
Naylor, M., & Kurtzman, E. (2010). The role of nurse practitioners in reinventing primary
care. Health Affairs, 29(5), 893-899. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2010.0440
Sharma, G. (2019, October 22). Cystic fibrosis.
Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1001602-overview