ANSWER
Disorders of the Immune System Title of Assignment: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Immune System Disorders: A Case Study
Overview
When immune system control is disrupted, as in autoimmune illnesses, the body unintentionally targets its own cells and tissues. One such illness is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is characterized by persistent inflammation that mostly affects the joints. Through an interview with a person who manages the condition, this project examines the pathophysiology of RA and offers insight into how it affects daily living, emotions, and physical health.
The pathophysiology of arthritis
An autoimmune condition known as rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by the immune system attacking synovial joints. T-cells, B-cells, and macrophages are activated by this onslaught, which results in inflammation and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). According to McCance and Huether (2019), these cytokines are involved in systemic inflammation, cartilage deterioration, and joint degeneration. Severe joint abnormalities, loss of function, and systemic problems can result from untreated RA over time.
Summary of the Interview
The interviewee, a 52-year-old woman, was given a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis twelve years ago. She has been using a mix of medicine, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes to manage her condition.
Important Takeaways from the Interview:
“An unpredictable and painful disorder that limits my ability to move freely” is how the interviewee defined her illness. She reported that the symptoms, which mostly affect her hands, knees, and wrists, include joint discomfort, stiffness, and sporadic swelling.
She has had RA for more than ten years, and over the first five years, her symptoms progressively got worse. She was treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic medications (DMARDs) and routine rheumatology check-ups after being diagnosed.
Impact on Daily Life: According to the interviewee, RA has a major influence on her capacity to carry out job and home duties. Increased pain and exhaustion are hallmarks of flare-ups, which frequently call for rest or altered activity. Although she tries to be as independent as possible, she needs help during acute bouts.
Physical Changes: She has had modest loss of knee range of motion and noticeable joint abnormalities in her hands throughout the years. Maintaining some strength and flexibility has been made easier with regular physical therapy.
Impact on Emotions: The interviewee admitted that having RA has been emotionally draining. Particularly during flare-ups, feelings of annoyance, worry, and occasionally depression surface. Therapy and support groups have been essential in helping her manage her mental well-being.
Coping Mechanisms: She stressed the value of following her treatment plan, eating anti-inflammatory foods, and maintaining a regular daily schedule. She also emphasized how important her family and friends are to her overall wellbeing.
Academic Assistance
About 1% of people worldwide suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, with women being more likely to have it than males. According to studies, systemic complications and disease progression are considerably decreased by early diagnosis and DMARD administration (Smolen et al., 2018). A multidisciplinary strategy, involving pharmacological management, lifestyle changes, and psychosocial support, is frequently necessary to address the physical and emotional difficulties of RA (McCance & Huether, 2019).
In conclusion
A thorough grasp of the everyday difficulties and coping strategies related to rheumatoid arthritis was obtained from the interview. The interviewee’s proactive approach to controlling her health shows perseverance and adaptability in spite of the limits imposed by the disease. This instance emphasizes how crucial early intervention, individualized treatment programs, and emotional support are to helping people with autoimmune illnesses achieve better results.
Citations
Huether, S. E., and McCance, K. L. (2019). Pathophysiology: The biological underpinnings of adult and pediatric illness, eighth edition. Elsevier.
Aletaha, D., Smolen, J. S., and McInnes, I. B. (2018). An inflammatory condition. 391(10123), 250–265, The Lancet, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30173-8
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QUESTION
Title of Assignment: Immune System Disorders
Purpose of Assignment:
Apply knowledge and understanding of the pathophysiology of immune system disorders. Autoimmune disorders are generally considered the host attacking itself, which manifests in different types of disorders.
Course Competency(s):
• Determine the cellular functions required to regulate homeostasis.
Instructions:
Content:
Identify a person you know who has an immune system disorder or cancer. Review content in your text for potential types of disorders.
Interview the affected person and write a 3–5-page summary of the interview, including:
• Identify the pathophysiology of the immune system disorder
• Summarize the findings of the interview
• Use at least one scholarly source to support your findings. Examples of scholarly sources include academic journals, textbooks, reference texts, and CINAHL nursing guides. You can find useful reference materials for this assignment in the School of Nursing guide:
• Cite your sources in-text and on a References, page using APA format. Have questions about APA?
Questions you may want to use to guide your interview:
1. How would you describe your immune system disorder?
2. How long have you had this disorder?
3. How has this disorder changed your life (home and work)?
4. Are you able to carry out daily activities independently?
5. How has this disorder changed your body?
6. How has this disorder impacted you emotionally?