Discussion: Alterations in Cellular Processes

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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:

By Day 1 of this week, you will be assigned to a specific scenario for this Discussion. Please see the “Course Announcements” section of the classroom for your assignment from your Instructor.

By Day 3 of Week 1

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.

• Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.

By Day 6 of Week 1

Respond to at least two of your colleagues on 2 different days and respectfully agree or disagree with your colleague’s assessment and explain your reasoning. In your explanation, include why their explanations make physiological sense or why they do not

Learning Resources

• Required Readings (click to expand/reduce) 
• McCance, K. L. & Huether, S. E. (2019). Pathophysiology: The biologic basis for disease in adults and children (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby/Elsevier. Chapter 1: Cellular Biology; Summary Review
  Chapter 2: Altered Cellular and Tissue Biology: Environmental Agents (pp. 46-61; begin again with Manifestations of Cellular Injury pp. 83-97); Summary Review
  Chapter 3: The Cellular Environment: Fluids and Electrolytes, Acids, and Bases
  Chapter 4: Genes and Genetic Diseases (stop at Elements of formal genetics); Summary Review
  Chapter 5: Genes, Environment-Lifestyle, and Common Diseases (stop at Genetics of common diseases); Summary Review
  Chapter 7: Innate Immunity: Inflammation and Wound Healing
  Chapter 8: Adaptive Immunity (stop at Generation of clonal diversity); Summary Review
  Chapter 9: Alterations in Immunity and Inflammation (stop at Deficiencies in immunity); Summary Review
  Chapter 10: Infection (pp. 289–303; stop at Infectious parasites and protozoans); (start at HIV); Summary Review
  Chapter 11: Stress and Disease (stop at Stress, illness & coping); Summary Review
  Chapter 12: Cancer Biology (stop at Resistance to destruction); Summary Review
  Chapter 13: Cancer Epidemiology (stop at Environmental-Lifestyle factors); Summary Review