Unit VII Assignment
Instructions
There are several gastrointestinal diseases that could potentially affect the human body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients. Research a gastrointestinal disease that falls in this category, and address the following questions.
- What is the gastrointestinal disease?
- How does the disease affect the intestinal tract at the cellular level?
- What research has been conducted concerning the disease?
- What treatment is available for the disease?
- How would you treat this patient according to your company protocols (or a company of your choosing) in the field?
- What is the patient’s outcome following proper treatment?
Your final submission must be a minimum of two pages, and you must use a minimum of two outside sources (one of the sources can be your textbook).Adhere to APA Style when constructing this assignment, including in-text citations and references for all sources that are used. Please note that no abstract is needed.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Gastrointestinal diseases can have a significant impact on the human body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients. The disease that will be discussed in this assignment is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is a chronic condition that affects the intestinal tract and causes various symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. In this assignment, we will discuss how IBD affects the intestinal tract at the cellular level, the research that has been conducted concerning the disease, available treatments, how the patient would be treated according to the company protocols, and the patient’s outcome following proper treatment.
1. What is the gastrointestinal disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that affects the intestinal tract. The two most common types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis affects only the colon and the rectum. The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells in the digestive tract.
2. How does the disease affect the intestinal tract at the cellular level?
The chronic inflammation that occurs in IBD affects the intestinal tract at the cellular level. The inflammatory cells produce cytokines, which lead to the recruitment of other inflammatory cells to the site. The inflammation can cause damage and ulceration to the intestinal lining, which can result in bleeding and the loss of absorption ability of the intestines. It can also lead to the development of scar tissue, narrowing the intestinal lining, and creating strictures.
3. What research has been conducted concerning the disease?
Several studies have been conducted concerning the disease, including research on the causes, risk factors, and treatments. Research has identified a genetic component to IBD, and many studies are focused on identifying specific genes linked to the development of IBD. There is also research focused on the role of the gut microbiome in the development of the disease. Additionally, various treatments have been studied, including medications that target the immune system, lifestyle changes, and surgical interventions.
4. What treatment is available for the disease?
The treatment for IBD depends on the type and severity of the disease. The primary goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and improve quality of life. Medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressants, are commonly used to treat the disease. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged or scarred tissue.
5. How would you treat this patient according to your company protocols (or a company of your choosing) in the field?
Treatment would depend on the type and severity of the disease, as well as the individual patient’s response to treatment. According to company protocols, anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressants are the first-line of treatment for IBD. In cases where the disease is severe or does not respond to medication, surgery may be recommended to remove the damaged tissue. It is essential to monitor patients closely and adjust treatment as necessary to maintain remission.
6. What is the patient’s outcome following proper treatment?
The outcome for patients with IBD depends on various factors, including the type and severity of the disease, as well as the patient’s response to treatment. With proper treatment, many patients with IBD can achieve remission and experience a significant improvement in their quality of life. However, it is important to note that IBD is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management and monitoring to maintain remission and prevent complications. Long-term complications can still occur despite proper treatment, including an increased risk of colorectal cancer, malnutrition, and bone loss.
