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

Bowel Elimination Physiology in the Elderly

In the elderly, stools are less frequent and may be harder. Constipation is a common complaint among healthy elderly patients, often without a clear single etiology. Aging produces:

• Slowing of gastrointestinal motility.
• Mucosal and intestinal muscle atrophy.
• Reduced nerve function in the intestine, rectum, and anus.

Subjective Constipation

In the elderly, this is usually related to incorrect assessments or ideas acquired due to cognitive decline.

Manifestations

Unrealistic expectations regarding the quantity and timing of bowel movements, leading to the abuse of laxatives.

Criteria Scores

The elderly person must:

• Recognize their bowel pattern as normal.
• Recognize the negative effects of laxatives.
• Specify activities

Lung Cancer Classification and Characteristics

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

• Usually originates in a central location.
• High risk of lymph node metastases.
• Most patients present with metastases at diagnosis.

Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC)

• Adenocarcinoma

  • Usually peripheral.
  • More frequent in nonsmokers and women.
  • High risk of lymph node invasion and distant metastases.

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma

  • The most common of all lung cancers.
  • Normally affects the bronchi.
  • High risk of nodal involvement.

• Large Cell Carcinoma

Other Lung Tumors

• Carcinoid Tumors

Oncological Treatment for Lung Cancer

Treatment for Stages I and II Lung Cancer

Surgical Treatment (Surgery)

• Lobectomy: Excision of the lobe containing the tumor.
• Pneumonectomy: Full excision of the lung. Performed if

Foundations of Health and Well-being

Defining Health

Health encompasses social, cultural, economic, and biological factors, leading to continuous change.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that health is a complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease, plus the ability to function.

Levels of Health and Well-being

Achieving a perfect state of health involves optimal physical and mental well-being, leading to a perfect state of welfare.

Primary Health Care (PHC)

Primary Health Care (PHC) is defined as essential assistance that should be generally available to all individuals and families in the community, through appropriate means accessible to them.

PHC Actions and Cost Reduction

1. Promotion
2. Protection

A

• In a good deal: Many, above all, especially abroad.
• Accountant: The stranger.
• Address book: Contact.
• Afford: Allow.
• All in all: In general.
• Alow/Allow: Permit.
• Annoyed: Angry.
• Apply for: Seek.
• Approach: Method.
• Ardent: Fervent.
• As long as: Provided that.
• Assortment: Collection.
• Avoid: Evade.

B

• Be about to: Ready to.
• Beat about the bush: Avoid saying something directly.
• Beg: Plead.
• Boarding school: Residential school.
• Boot: Car trunk.
• Bottom line: The main point.
• Break a habit: Stop a habit.
• Break someone's heart: Cause emotional pain.
• Break the news: Inform.
• Bursts into tears: Starts crying.
• Business executive: Executive.

C

• Cab: Taxi.
• Can: Tin.
• Candy: Sweets.
• Chance: Occasion.
• Charm: Attractive quality.
• Check: Examine.
• Cheer: Applaud.
• Chemist's: Pharmacy.
• Choice: Option.
• Clap:

Fetal Development: The Journey to Birth

First Trimester Milestones (Weeks 8–11)

By 8 weeks, the embryo transitions into a fetus.

Week 9: Nervous System and Movement

• The nervous system generates neurons.
• The fetus begins to tremble, strengthening muscles through involuntary spasms.
• The brain does not yet control the heartbeat.

Week 11: Reflexes and Growth Spurt

• The kicking reflex begins (the fetus starts experimenting with its feet).
• The period from Week 6 to 11 shows the most notable growth.

Second Trimester Development (Up to Week 18)

The fetus develops strong muscles and bones, connecting all organs of the nervous system. It gains total control of the brain and becomes sensitive to touch. The fetus is aware of its space and performs countless movements.... Continue reading "Fetal Development Timeline: From Embryo to Newborn Senses" »

Key Facts on Nutrition and Dietary Guidelines

42. In the case of basic amino acids, such as alanine, the body *lacks* synthesis mechanisms to address the needs. False

43. In myocardial infarction, a soft diet is recommended because it is easily digestible, *not* involving a remarkable effort. True

44. Involuntary feeding is conscious and includes all activities aimed at obtaining food. False

45. Type II diabetes usually occurs in individuals older than 35-40 years and is associated with resistance to the action of insulin. True

46. The raw fiber that is ingested in uncooked vegetables, would be the same as the total ingested fiber if those same vegetables were cooked. False

47. Fructose is a *monosaccharide*, and its main nutritional interest is... Continue reading "Nutrition and Dietary Guidelines: Key Facts" »

Intervention in Language Problems

This relates to patients with difficulties in language acquisition, verbal expression, pronunciation, reading, and writing. The speech therapist's role is to teach effective communication strategies and provide systems that enable individuals to express themselves through spoken, written, or gestural means.

Speech Therapy

Speech therapy is a discipline encompassing the study, prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of language pathologies.

Speech Articulation Disorders

• Dyslalia: Difficulty articulating phonemes (vowels and consonants) correctly.
  • Evolutionary: Language immaturity.
  • Audiogenic: Hearing impairment.
  • Functional: Difficulty controlling speech organs.
  • Organic: Organ impairment.
• Diglossia: Changes in

Measles Protection: Vaccination and Natural Immunity

A concerned aunt has two children: one 8 years old and another 1 year and 8 months old. The younger child has contracted measles. The aunt is particularly worried about her 8-year-old, fearing that contracting measles at that age could lead to sterility. She asks why the doctor assured her that her 8-year-old son was already protected.

Explanation of Protection:

• Vaccine-Acquired Immunity: The 8-year-old child is likely protected because, at 12 months of age, children typically receive the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. This is a preventive vaccine that provides acquired immunity through the introduction of an external agent (the vaccine).
• Natural Immunity from Prior Illness: Another

Welcome to Redheads United

Redheads United is an organization for redheads who believe that anti-redhead behavior, or Reddism, must come to an end. We refuse to accept that redhead jokes are something we should simply endure. We firmly believe that Reddism is no better than racism, and we advocate for redheads to be recognized as a minority group in the UK, in the same way as ethnic and religious minorities.

You've also shared your feelings about having red hair, and we're here to amplify those voices.

Voices from Our Community

Here are some powerful examples from our archive, showcasing diverse experiences:

Alice Lockyer: Growing Up Redhead

Growing up as a redhead, I started getting the impression that I looked different. I was often called 'Carrot... Continue reading "Red Hair Identity: Challenging Discrimination" »

Breast Cancer Screening Programs

Screening typically involves mammography, often starting around age 50, with the goal of detecting emerging cancer (Ca).

• Sensitivity: > 85%
• Specificity: > 90%

Early Detection Recommendations

Monthly breast self-examination (BSE) is generally not recommended due to potential issues:

• Causes anxiety.
• High rate of false positives (FP+).
• May lead to unnecessary biopsies and expense.

Recommendations by Age Group

• Women 35–40 years: Annual clinical breast examination and bilateral mammography (only if clinically indicated).
• Women over 40 years: Annual clinical breast examination and mammography every 1–2 years.

Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis

Clinical diagnosis typically follows two pathways:

1. Asymptomatic Women: Suspicious