Health Assignment: Vital Signs, Heart Failure, Diabetes Mellitus, COPD, Burns, Methamphetamine Overdose, Concussion

Running Head: HEALTH ASSIGNMENT 1
Health Assignment
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation

HEALTH ASSIGNMENT 2
Question:
On admission, Mr. Thornton's vital signs have been recorded. Note: (i) the normal range for the
following; (ii) note Mr. Thornton's reading and; (iii) briefly explain the main reason why Mr.
Thornton's reading may be considered normal or abnormal for each.
Answer:
a) SaO2:
(i) Normal range: 94 -99%
(ii) Patient’s reading:87%
(iii) Normal/abnormal & rationale: abnormal
The oxygen levels vary with patients and their specific conditions. Conversely, some extent this
oxygen saturation can be considered normal.
b) BP:
(i) Normal range: 120/80
(ii) Patient’s reading: 90/40
(iii) Normal/abnormal & rationale: Abnormal
This is considered abnormal because the normal blood pressure is usually should be at 120/80.
90/40 shows low blood pressure. However, this may also be considered normal if it does not
raise any concern
c) Pulse:
(i) Normal range: 60-100
(ii) Patient’s reading: 124
(iii) Normal/abnormal & rationale: abnormal

HEALTH ASSIGNMENT 3
The faster pulse rate usually shows health problems as infections, dehydration, stress, anxiety, or
shock.
d) Respirations:
(i) Normal range: 12-18
(ii) Patient’s reading: 32
(iii) Normal/abnormal & rationale: abnormal
The respiration rate under 12 or over 25 while resting is always considered abnormal
Question:
Name one (1) effect hypotension has on the renal system?
Answer:
It is stated that hypertension usually causes renal failure
Question:
Mr. Thornton's admission states that he has HF (heart failure). Explain the pathophysiology and
symptoms of this condition.
Answer:
The pathophysiology of heart failure is that loss of muscles, decreased myocardial contractility,
volume overload, along with pressure, usually plays a significant role in patients with heart
failure.
Symptoms of Heart failure
Fatigue and weaknesses, chest pain, acute pulmonary edema and distension of the neck veins
Question:

HEALTH ASSIGNMENT 4
Explain what changes are likely to be occurring over time in Mr. Thornton's blood vessels as a
result of the aging process and other influences.
Answer:
The changes that will occur over time while aging is that, the capillary walls will thicken
slightly, which may lower the rate of exchange of nutrients and wastes. The main artery will
become thicker, stiffer, and less flexible. Last but not least, the baroreceptors will become less
sensitive (Bhakta, O'Brien, Karim & Esquinas, 2019).
Question:
List three (3) signs and symptoms (s/s) that are noted in Mr. Thornton's admission notes that
result from his HF.
Using your knowledge of the workings of the cardiovascular system, outline why each of these
s/s result.
Answer:
 There was a rapid or irregular heartbeat
 Shortness of breath
 Fatigue and weaknesses
Question:
What is Diabetes Mellitus (DM)? Differentiate between Type 1 and Type 2 DM by briefly
describing the etiology of each.
Answer:
Diabetes mellitus is termed as the impaired insulin secretion in conjunction with the
variable degrees of the peripheral insulin resistance, which leads to hyperglycemia (Fuchsberger

HEALTH ASSIGNMENT 5
et al.,. 2016). Because of the autoimmune pancreatic beta-cell destruction, which is possibly
triggered by environmental exposure (Dovmark et al., 2017).
In type 1 diabetes, insulin production is usually absent due to the autoimmune pancreatic
beta-cell destruction possibly triggered by environmental exposure within the genetically
susceptible people. On the other hand, in type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin secretion is usually
inadequate because patients have developed resistance to insulin. Accordingly, the hepatic
insulin resistance often leads to an inability to suppress hepatic glucose production (Lamego,
Kiani, Chen, Paul & Wong, 2016).
Question:
How is DM diagnosed? Name the relevant test.
Answer:
The plasma Glucose Test usually measures blood glucose after at least 8 hours without taking
food. This is the test used to detect diabetes.
Question:
What are two (2) signs and symptoms on Mr. Thornton's notes that indicate he has had poor
BGL control over many years?
Answer:
 The pounding heart or fast heartbeat
 Sweating
Question:
Identify two (2) health care services that are important in Mr. Thornton's DM management, and
provide a rationale for each.
Answers:

HEALTH ASSIGNMENT 6
 Planning what to eat and following the correct balanced diet.
 Monitoring blood glucose and blood pressure levels at home.
Question:
List one (1) limitation that may present for the health care team when attempting to provide Mr.
Thornton's services?
Answers:
1. Gastrointestinal problems and weight gain.
Question:
His most recent hospitalization was due to a gangrenous toe. He explained to you that he had a
blister on his toe due to ill-fitting shoes which did not heal.
Explain how the amputation of Mr. Thornton's right toe is related to his diabetes.
Answers:
Diabetes can lead to peripheral artery diseases and nerve damage, together with poor
blood circulation. In that case, these problems usually make the feet vulnerable to skin sores
which worsen quickly (Hamm, Nakhoul & Hering-Smith, 2015). The nonhealing ulcer, which
causes severe damage to the tissues and bone, may need a surgical amputation.
Question:
How would Mr. Thornton's physiological stress levels from surgery effect his BGL's?
Answers:
As an illustration, when the body is under stress, the adrenal glands trigger the releases of
glucose that is stored in various body organs which leads to increased levels of glucose in the
bloodstream. This is always so problematic to people living with diabetes to regain the average
blood glucose level after stress (Nagami & Hamm, 2017).