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

Organic and Physiological Changes

Organic and physiological changes: Functional modifications occur in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. These include a decline in salivary secretion, reduced esophageal peristalsis, and decreased gastric acid secretion. Sensory alterations affect sight, taste, and smell, leading to inappetence and disinterest in food, often resulting in malnutrition.

Metabolic Changes

Metabolic changes: Cholesterol levels change, generally increasing lipemia, and protein synthesis degrades. Glycemic alterations in glucose utilization are frequent, leading to a decline in basal metabolism and, consequently, reduced energy needs.

Physical Activity

Physical activity: Physical work effectiveness and aerobic capacity (maximal... Continue reading "Nutrition for Seniors: Maintaining Health and Well-being" »

Domestic Plumbing Systems: Wastewater Management

Plumbing in domestic construction is designed to collect wastewater (including soapy water, greywater, and sewage) generated in bathrooms, powder rooms, laundry areas, and kitchens. This wastewater is then efficiently conducted through a network of pipes, drainpipes, and sewer lines, eventually connecting to municipal sewage networks.

In some rural areas where municipal sewage networks are unavailable, septic tanks are utilized for wastewater treatment. For specific situations or certain water features, latrines may also be employed.

Key Components of a Domestic Plumbing Installation

• Rainwater Downspouts
• Wastewater Drainage Pipes
• Strainers
• Drain Traps (e.g., P-traps, S-traps)
• Hydraulic Seals
• Secondary

Skin Preparation Prior to Surgery: Surgical Field Objectives

To facilitate involvement and prevent infection.

Steps:

1. Prepare and inform the patient about the materials.
2. Accommodate and expose the area, protecting it with a towel.
3. Prepare bed linens.
4. Inspect the area to be shaved.
5. Cut long hair with an electric razor and discard it.

Wet Preparation:

• Lather the area with wet gauze soaked with antiseptic soap.
• Shave the skin, stretching it without causing abrasions.
• Wash the area with antibacterial soap and dry thoroughly.

Dry Preparation:

• Shave the skin, stretching it without causing abrasions.
• Wash the area with antiseptic soap and dry thoroughly.

6. Collect the swab, ensuring no hairs remain on the bed.
7. Dispose of the razor in the appropriate container.
8. Notify

Toxicological Properties and Exposure

The dose of a poison refers to the quantity absorbed by the body, typically measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). The resulting damage depends on various factors, including human physiology, the contaminant's inherent toxicity, and the rate at which the body absorbs the contaminant. Given the variability of these factors, we define the concept of exposure, represented by the formula E = f(c, t), where 'c' is concentration and 't' is time.

Types of Poisoning

• Acute Intoxication: This leads to a severe deterioration in the body, becoming apparent within a short period. It requires acute exposure to the toxic substance and rapid absorption by the organism.
• Subacute Intoxication: Less severe than acute intoxication,

Abrasives: Reduce to Ashes

INS: Burn, burn up, roast, char.

ANT: Cool, freeze, turn off.

Embrace: Surrounding with Arms

INS: Gird, wrap, shake, host.

ANT: Loose, disengage, release.

Stalk: Watching, Waiting with Caution

INS: Monitor, spy, sight, look.

ANT: Disregard, neglect, forget, ignore.

Creep: Placing Snares, Traps

INS: Ambush, conspiracy, betrayal.

ANT: Reality, existence, authenticity, certitude.

Asar: Cook by Fire or Heat

INS: Scorch, sear, roast, steak.

ANT: Freeze, cool, refrigerate.

Azar: Unforeseen Events

INS: Luck, contingency, serendipity, accident.

ANT: Evidence, certainty, event, fact.

Kill: Deliberately Take Someone's Life

INS: Liquidate, remove, clear, stone.

ANT: Rebirth, cure, revive, relieve.

Acecinos: Salted and Smoked Meats

INS: Seasoning,... Continue reading "Words and Definitions: A Vocabulary Deep Dive" »

Essential Vocabulary

Assortment (collection): A group of similar things (with different sizes, colors, etc.).
Bottom line (in brief): The most important factor to consider.
Commit a crime: To do something illegal or bad.
Crave: To beg or plead for.
Disruptive (problematic): Confusing, disturbing.
Drop (down): To go down.
Enrollment (registration): To record or note in a roll or list.
Imbalance (disequilibrium): The lack of balance.
Inmate (internal): A person confined to an institution such as a prison or hospital.
Lack (lack of): To be deficient in; to have need of.
Level: A horizontal datum line or plane.
Liable (prone): Susceptible or exposed.
Measure: To determine the size, amount, etc., of something.
Nourishing (nutritional): To provide... Continue reading "Essential English Vocabulary and Idioms" »

Understanding Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a disease characterized by a strong need for consuming ethyl alcohol, leading to physical dependence. This dependence is expressed through specific withdrawal symptoms when intake is not possible. Individuals with alcoholism often lose control over consumption limits and typically develop an increased tolerance to alcohol over time.

The Dangers of Tobacco Smoking

Cigarette smoking is an addiction to tobacco, caused primarily by nicotine, its active component, which conditions continued consumption. Smoking is a chronic systemic disease classified within the group of addictions and is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) by the American Psychiatric Association. It is... Continue reading "Addiction and Dependence: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Substances" »

Inpatient Detoxification Units

Description

The Commissioner for Drugs and Health Services offers the ability to perform detoxification in hospitals, so-called inpatient detoxification units. The UDH is the third level of devices, complementing the set of specialized outpatient and residential care devices. Patients are derived here when their personal situation makes outpatient detoxification risky.

Criteria

• Not meeting the criteria for outpatient detoxification.
• Therapeutic process aimed at abstinence.
• Admission is by way of urgency.
• Initial assessment at an outpatient facility.

Referral of Patients to Therapeutic Communities

Objective

To identify, motivate, and refer patients who have a psychosocial profile and a certain background, requiring a specific... Continue reading "Drug Addiction Treatment Programs: Detox, Rehab, Methadone" »

Syphilis

Caused by: The spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum.

Signs and Symptoms

• Primary Stage

  Classically presents with a single chancre (firm, painless, non-itchy skin ulceration) that forms approximately 21 days after exposure. These ulcers are usually on the penis, in the vagina, around the anus, and in the mouth. The chancre disappears within 4 to 8 weeks without medication.

• Secondary Stage

  Diffuse rash which frequently involves the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. May include latent syphilis with few to no symptoms.

• Tertiary Stage

  Begins after primary and secondary symptoms resolve. Involves neurological or cardiac symptoms. Can lead to difficulties coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, gradual blindness, and death.

Congenital

Main Obligations of Employers and Employees

The company must register with Social Security (SS) before starting activity (Model TA6). It must formalize the coverage of occupational risks with the SS or a mutual accident insurance company. It must enlist workers, assigning each a unique SS number. Any administrative act, such as communicating the cessation of work or a change of activity, should be reported to the SS within six calendar days.

Protective Action

Protective action consists of granting benefits, a set of economic measures that may be contributory or non-contributory.

• Contributory: Directed to workers and close relatives who meet the minimum contribution period.
• Non-Contributory: For beneficiaries who lack adequate resources and have