Scenario: A 65-year-old obese African American male patient presents to his HCP with crampy left lower
quadrant pain, constipation, and fevers to 101˚ F. He has had multiple episodes like this one over the past 15
years and they always responded to bowel rest and oral antibiotics. He has refused to have the recommended
colonoscopy even with his history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (diverticulitis), sedentary lifestyle, and
diet lacking in fiber. His paternal grandfather died of colon cancer back in the 1950s as well. He finally
underwent colonoscopy after his acute diverticulitis resolved. Colonoscopy revealed multiple polyps that were
retrieved, and the pathology was positive for adenocarcinoma of the colon.
Develop a 1- to 2-page case study analysis in which you:
Explain why you think the patient presented the symptoms described.
Identify the genes that may be associated with the development of the disease.
Explain the process of immunosuppression and the effect it has on body systems.
An understanding of cells and cell behavior is a critically important component of disease diagnosis and
treatment. But some diseases can be complex in nature, with a variety of factors and circumstances impacting
their emergence and severity.
Effective disease analysis often requires an understanding that goes beyond isolated cell behavior. Genes, the
environments in which cell processes operate, the impact of patient characteristics, and racial and ethnic
variables all can have an important impact.
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An understanding of the signals and symptoms of alterations in cellular processes is a critical step in the
diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. For APRNs, this understanding can also help educate patients and
guide them through their treatment plans.
In this Assignment, you examine a case study and analyze the symptoms presented. You identify cell, gene,
and/or process elements that may be factors in the diagnosis, and you explain the implications to patient
health.
To prepare:
By Day 1 of this week, you will be assigned to a specific case study for this Case Study Assignment. Please
see the “Course Announcements” section of the classroom for your assignment from your Instructor.
The Assignment (1- to 2-page case study analysis)
Develop a 1- to 2-page case study analysis in which you:
Explain why you think the patient presented the symptoms described.
Identify the genes that may be associated with the development of the disease.
Explain the process of immunosuppression and the effect it has on body systems.
Sample Solution