Introduction to

Pathophysiology
Week 1 NURS 2003 Winter 2015
Professor Andrea Mowry
Dr. Jane Mackie

Learning Outcomes
Explain the concepts of pathophysiology

What is Pathophysiology?
Most human disease is understood
as
o Disordered physiology

Or
o The bodies response to disease

Assists nurses to
o Anticipate situations
o Correct issues
o Provide appropriate care

Pathophysiology
Disease may be triggered by
o Gene mutation
o Bacteria or virus
o Environmental factors

Body responds at various levels

o Molecular
o Cellular
o System

Producing signs & symptoms of disease

o Manifestations

Previous Knowledge
Must have knowledge of human normal anatomy
(structure) and physiology (function)
o To understand disease
o To implement appropriate and effective treatment

Please review BIOL 1050H and 1051H notes and

readings !!

Concepts of Health
& Disease
Health
o Wellness of mind, body & spirit

Disease
o Abnormal bodily function

Concepts of Homeostasis
Homeostasis
o Self-regulated compensation to maintain balance

Negative feedback
o Maintain deficit

Positive feedback
o Amplified response

Concepts of Disease
Development
Etiology
o Cause of disease
o Idiopathic
Unknown cause
o Iatrogenic
Unintended caused by treatment

Predisposing factors
o Put a person at risk for developing disease

Concepts of Disease
Development
Pathogenesis
o Development of disease
o Acute
o Insidious
Gradual
o Chronic
Disease may not resolve

Concepts of Disease
Development
Manifestations
o Clinical effects
o Signs & symptoms

Syndrome
o Group of signs & symptoms occurring together

Remission
o Manifestations subside

Exacerbation
o Manifestations increase

Concepts of Disease
Development
Convalescence
o Recovery stage

Prognosis
o Likelihood of recovery

Complications
o New problems arising from disease

Epidemiology
o Tracking patterns of disease

Epidemic
o Increasing disease numbers in a group

Pandemic
o Epidemic expands to a larger population

Select Diseases
This course will cover select diseases based on
o Frequency of disease
Coronary Artery Disease
o Importance of understanding how physiologic systems may become
disordered