Alterations in Cellular Processes

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. You must use current evidence-based resources (Primary and secondary) to support your initial posting and all responses to your colleagues.

resources

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

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:

Which genetic mutations are commonly associated with the disease?
Why is the patient presenting with the specific symptoms described?
Discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease in detail.
What do the blood test results tell us about the disease and disease progression?

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.

Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your peers’ posting. Remember, once you click on Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Submit!

RESOURCES

Learning Resources

Lecturio Resources

Review the rest of this week’s videos and content pages in the Lecturio Platform by clicking the button at the end of the page labeled Load Week 1: Learning Resources in a new window.

Lecturio Subscription Process

If you do not already have a subscription to the platform, you will first be taken to a payment screen where you will select the length of access you would like to purchase. Your program will provide the option to use Lecturio in three courses: NURS 6501 – Advanced Pathophysiology, NURS 6521 – Advanced Pharmacology, and NURS 6512 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning. If you elect to utilize Lecturio, we recommend purchasing access for the length of time you will need complete these courses. The following resource will guide you through the subscription process: Subscription Process for Lecturio AccessLinks to an external site..

Required Readings

Rogers, J. (2023). McCance & Huether’s pathophysiology (9th ed.). Elsevier – Evolve.
- Chapter 1: Cellular Biology: Summary Review
- Chapter 2: Altered Cellular and Tissue Biology: Environmental Agents: Summary Review
- Chapter 3: The Cellular Environment: Fluids and Electrolytes, Acids and Bases: Summary Review
- Chapter 4: Genes and Genetic Diseases: Summary Review
- Chapter 5: Genes, Environment-Lifestyle, and Common Diseases: Summary Review
- Chapter 6: Epigenetics and Disease: pp. 187–195; pp. 198–199.

Required Media

Walden University, LLC. (2024). From RN to NP [Video]. Walden University Canvas. https://waldenu.instructure.com/

Supplementary Resources

Note: These readings are intended to serve as supplementary to the required content provided in this course. Please refer/review these supplementary resources should you need help in reinforcing concepts and in preparation for completing this week’s Assessments.

Justiz-Vaillant, A. A., & Zito, P. M. (2019). Immediate hypersensitivity reactions. In StatPearls . Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513315
Credit Line: Immediate Hypersensitivity Reactions – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. (2019, June 18). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513315/. Used with permission of Stat Pearls
National Human Genome Research Institute. (n.d.). Genomics FAQ for advanced-practice nurses: Nurse practitionersLinks to an external site.. NIH. https://www.genome.gov/For-Health-Professionals/Provider-Genomics-Education-Resources/np-genomics-faq#npfaq1

Note: Although this resource page displays as an Assignment, it will not be counted towards your final grade. Your progress through the Lecturio resources will be reported as a percentage in the gradebook that will only be used as reference.

Top of Form

This tool needs to be loaded in a new browser window

Load Week 1: Learning Resources in a new window

Bottom of Form

The following content is

What’s coming up in Week 2?

Next week, you will examine alterations in the immune system and the resultant disease processes. You will also review the structure, function and pathophysiologic alterations of the integumentary system During your readings, consider patient characteristics, including racial, ethnic, and age-related variables, that may impact altered physiology.

Practicum – Upcoming deadline

In the Nurse Practitioner programs of study (FNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP, PNP, and PMHNP) you are required to take several practicum courses. If you plan on taking a practicum course within the next two terms, you will need to submit your application via Meditrek (Links to an external site.).

For information on the practicum application process and deadlines, please visit the Field Experience: College of Nursing: Application Process – Graduate (Links to an external site.) web page.

Please take the time to review the Appropriate Preceptors and Field Sites (Links to an external site.) for your courses.

Please take the time to review the practicum manuals, FAQs, Webinars and any required forms on the Field Experience: College of Nursing: Student Resources and Manuals (Links to an external site.) web page.