Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Medicine & Health

Understanding Drug Use and Addiction

We are all drug users. From the caffeine in your morning coffee that keeps you awake, to the ridiculous amounts of sugar in almost everything we consume that keeps you coming back for more. Some people need multiple doses of prescribed Xanax to get through the day, and some need to inject heroin. The drugs may be different, but the *hole they are trying to fill is often the same*.

We all have the potential to fall victim to drug addiction – legal or illegal. That is why it is vital for us to have a good understanding of what addiction means and how to help those afflicted, instead of incriminating them. Drug addiction will undoubtedly touch your life at some point. You will probably know someone who is,... Continue reading "Addiction and Society: Fostering Empathy and Effective Solutions" »

Understanding Food Contamination

Food contaminants are substances which may be present in foods as a result of how they have been handled through the different stages of production or as a result of environmental contamination.

What are Foodborne Illnesses?

Foodborne illnesses result from eating spoiled food or food that has been contaminated. When a foodborne illness involves an infection, it is called a foodborne infection.

Common Foodborne Infections

• Salmonellosis

  Salmonellosis is a foodborne illness caused by eating food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. These bacteria are often found in contaminated water, in poorly preserved foods made with egg, and in meat. Symptoms include headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is particularly serious

Vocabulary (Text 1)

Common Antidepressants and Medications

• Serotonin: A neurotransmitter that carries signals between nerve cells.
• Mood Stabilizer: A medication that helps regulate mood swings.
• MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors): A class of antidepressants.
• SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors): A class of antidepressants that increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels.
• Remeron (Mirtazapine): An antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder.
• Wellbutrin (Bupropion): An antidepressant and smoking cessation aid.
• Amitriptyline: A tricyclic antidepressant.
• Skelaxin (Metaxalone): A muscle relaxant.
• Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine): A muscle relaxant.
• Cephalexin: An antibiotic.
• Percocet: A pain medication containing acetaminophen and oxycodone.

Proper Hand-Washing

1. Remove all jewelry, makeup, nail polish, and false nails.
2. Prior to opening a scrub/brush pocket, squeeze it several times to activate soap. Remove scrub, sponge brush, nail pick, and throw them away.
3. Press the foot pedals to begin the flow of water. Wet your hands and forearms when the water is warm.
4. Don't set down the sponge. Use nail picks to clean under nails and throw them away when finished.
5. Scrub under nails of each finger and thumbnail on the opposite hand until clean. Clean each of the four surfaces of the thumb with a sponge.
6. In circular motion, wash the palms and back of hands, fingers and between fingers, wrists and lower arms. Rinse well from arms to hands with a clean dry paper towel or towels. Pat dry starting at

Chronic Pain:

• Common types of CP: acute pain, arthritis, low back pain, neck pain, musculoskeletal disorder (4th greatest impact on world population)
• Common causes of pain: Nociceptive (normally functions Nervous system), neuropathic (abnormally function nervous system)

Risk factors with CP:

• aging, genetic predisposition (migraine), chronic disease (cancer), injury (low back pain), surgery (nerve damage), socioeconomic factors (education, poverty, health insurance coverage)
• migraines most common in females, back pain in males

Functional limitations:

• squeezing, migraine headaches, disability headache, impact activity tolerance

Workplace implications:

• 26% indicate pain as issue in employment, 19% had lost jobs, 16% change job tasks, 13% changed jobs,

Formal

I am writing with reference to the above order, which I placed on your website on 3 February.

The order was for a size XL black running top. Unfortunately, it was not delivered until four weeks after it was ordered, and when it finally arrived, it was not the correct size or color. I therefore returned the package to you immediately with a note. However, I have not had any reply from you, despite the fact that it is now two weeks since I returned the goods to your warehouse.

I would be grateful if you could either send me an update regarding this order or arrange for a refund to be made. It has now been six weeks since the original order was made and I would appreciate it if the situation could be resolved as soon as possible. I look forward... Continue reading "The Challenges of Creating a Perfect Society: Balancing Progress and Human Nature" »

UK COVID-19 Infections Plateau as Lockdown Eases

Experts Warn of Potential Surge in Cases and Deaths

Experts advising government ministers have warned that COVID-19 infections in the UK have plateaued or potentially increased slightly in recent weeks. New confirmed cases remain at around 1,000 per day.

Independent SAGE Group Raises Concerns

Scientists from the Independent SAGE group, an independent advisory body, have expressed concerns that the current infection levels could lead to an additional 30,000 deaths. They urge the public to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Concerns Following Recent Heatwave and Crowds

These warnings come after large crowds gathered at beaches and parks during a recent heatwave, raising concerns about potential... Continue reading "UK COVID-19 Infections Plateau as Lockdown Eases: Experts Warn of Potential Surge" »

Principles in Women's Nursing

Key principles in nursing women include:

• Health-centered care
• Family-centered care
• Emphasis on counseling and guidance
• Multiprofessional support
• Supporting women's decision-making
• Autonomy
• Support for self-care
• Protection of privacy and sexuality

Nursing Process in Women's Health

Special characteristics of patients include:

• Patients of different ages
• Surgical, research, infectious, radiotherapy, cytotoxic considerations
• TOP (Termination of Pregnancy), miscarriage
• Prenatal care

Process Steps

The nursing process involves:

1. Need for care
2. Needs assessment
3. Planning for nursing care
4. Implementation of nursing care plan
5. Assessment of nursing care

Nursing Assessment

Nursing assessment is conducted individually through interview, observation, and... Continue reading "Women's Health Nursing: Principles, Process, and Assessment" »

Fate

From the beginning, we know that the story of Romeo and Juliet will end in tragedy. We also know that their tragic ends will not result from their own personal defects but from fate, which has marked them for sorrow. Emphasizing fate's control over their destinies, the Prologue tells us these 'star-cross'd lovers' relationship is deathmark'd.

In Act I, Scene ii, as Lord Capulet's servant is searching for someone who can read the guest list to him, Benvolio and Romeo enter. Completely by chance, Capulet's servant meets Romeo and Benvolio, wondering if they know how to read. This accidental meeting emphasizes the importance of fate in the play. Romeo claims it is his 'fortune' to read — indeed, 'fortune' or chance has led Capulet's servant... Continue reading "Fate and Love in Romeo and Juliet: A Tragic Tale of Ambiguity" »