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.
Scenario 1: A 49-year-old patient with rheumatoid arthritis comes into the clinic with a chief complaint of a
fever. Patient’s current medications include atorvastatin 40 mg at night, methotrexate 10 mg po every Friday
morning and prednisone 5 mg po qam. He states that he has had a fever up to 101 degrees F for about a week
and admits to chills and sweats. He says he has had more fatigue than usual and reports some chest pain
associated with coughing. He admits to having occasional episodes of hemoptysis. He works as a grain
inspector at a large farm cooperative. After extensive work-up, the patient was diagnosed with Invasive
aspergillosis.
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
Reminder: The College of Nursing requires that all papers submitted include a title page, introduction,
summary, and references. The sample paper provided at the Walden Writing Center provides an example of
those required elements (available at https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/templates). All papers
submitted must use this formatting
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