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Case Study: Nursing

Student’s Name

Institutional Affiliation
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Case Study 1: Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis and Osteoarthrosis: Osteoarthritis is the inflammation of joints that causes pain

and swelling. On the other hand, Osteoarthrosis is a non-inflammatory condition always

associated with aging.

Key factors presented in the case study contributing to the diagnosis of Osteoarthritis: The

risk factors for osteoarthritis presented include age (71 years old), obesity (overweight), knee

discomfort, low back pain, and family history of osteoporosis. The patient's knee discomfort

worsens when it rains, a common symptom of osteoarthritis. Her pain is alleviated with

oxycodone, a common pain reliever used to manage osteoarthritis. Her knees are most stiff when

sitting or lying for some time, which is also a common symptom of osteoarthritis. Her recent

weight gain may have contributed to the worsening of her osteoarthritis symptoms.

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative infection that occurs when the

end cartilage joints wear out. On the Contrary, rheumatoid arthritis is autoimmune that affects

the body's joints.

Treatment Alternatives: The most common treatment of osteoarthritis is using Nonsteroidal-

Inflammatory drugs. Treatment of osteoarthritis involves a combination of non-pharmacological

and pharmacological interventions. Pharmacological interventions include analgesics, topical

agents, and intra-articular injections. The appropriate pharmacological intervention depends on

the extent of the patient's symptoms. Weight loss and exercise would be appropriate non-

pharmacological interventions to help improve her osteoarthritis symptoms. It is important to

apply therapies early in the symptoms (Gordling, 2016).

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My Concern on Osteoporosis:

They are considering osteoporosis as a silent disease. The healthcare system must focus on

creating public awareness of the disease through education models. The educational intervention

is a crucial program to educate and notify the public on the factor for the spread of the disease.

Long-term educational programs increase the knowledge and treatment planning for the disease.

Case Study 2: Neurological Function

Risk factors: Common risk factors for Alzheimer's include advanced age, genetics and family

history, head injury, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and lifestyle factors such as lack of

exercise, smoking, and poor diet.

Similarities and Differences:

Alzheimer's disease is a common dementia disease; it is caused by a buildup of proteins in and

around brain cells leading to mild memory loss forward to loss of the ability to respond to the

surrounding environment.

Vascular dementia is a disease caused by the interruption of blood flow and supply of oxygen to

the brain system. It causes damage to brain vessels and afterward stipulates abnormalities, which

are only visible through MRI scanning.

Dementia with Lewy: Caused by abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies altering behavior

and thinking of the brain. The stages range from cognitive decline to severe cognitive decline if

they are not administered proper medication on time.

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Frontotemporal dementia: They are also called frontotemporal disorder (FTD). They occur

because of damage to the frontal and temporal lobes in the brain. FTD symptoms are always

progressive; they become worse with time.

Explicit and Implicit Memory: Explicit memory is declarative memory since one can

consciously recall and explain information; Semantic and Episodic memory are the two types of

explicit memory, which do not need conscious retrieval, such as riding a bike. Implicit memory

exists in four forms, including priming, associative, non-associative, and procedural. Explicit and

implicit memories are vital since they shape the ability to recall and connect with the

environment (achieve & Baker, 2013).

Diagnosis Criteria by NIA and Alzheimer’s Association: The diagnosis criteria include;

Presence of Alzheimer's pathology, either through biomarker evidence or clinical evidence, and

execution of other causes of cognitive decline such as depression.

Therapeutic approach: For C.J., therapy depends on the underlying cause of cognitive decline.

Pharmacological interventions such as exercise and social engagement are also recommended.

Management of underlying cardiovascular risk factors may be a primary focus for treatment,

along with medications to reduce inflammation. It may also be helpful to involve C.J.'s family in

her care to ensure adequate support and supervision.

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References

Goldring, S. R., & Goldring, M. B. (2016). Changes in the osteochondral unit during

osteoarthritis: structure, function, and cartilage bone crosstalk. Nature Reviews

Rheumatology, 12(11), 632-644.

Schieber, M. H., & Baker, J. F. (2013). Fundamental neuroscience.