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. 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. 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. Develop a 1- to 2-page case study analysis in which you: your Case Study Analysis Assignment . 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 ). All papers submitted must use this formatting. CASE STUDY 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. In addition to this week’s media, it is highly recommended that you access and view the resources included with the course text, . Focus on the videos and animations in Chapters 3, 7, and 8 that relate to alterations in immunity, hyponatremia, and acid/base balance.

Title: Analysis of Symptoms and Implications for Patient Health in a Case Study of a 65-year-old obese African American male with a history of diverticulitis and colon cancer

Introduction:
Understanding the cellular processes and their relation to disease diagnosis and treatment is crucial in healthcare. However, certain diseases possess intricate characteristics influenced by various factors. This necessitates a comprehensive understanding that extends beyond isolated cell behavior. Genetic factors, environmental conditions, patient characteristics, and racial and ethnic variables can significantly impact disease emergence and severity. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of cellular process alterations is fundamental in diagnosing and treating many diseases, allowing advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to educate patients and navigate them through treatment plans. This assignment involves analyzing a case study to identify the potential involvement of cell, gene, and/or process elements in the patient’s diagnosis, while highlighting the implications for the patient’s health.

Case Study Analysis:

The case study revolves around a 65-year-old obese African American male patient who seeks medical attention due to crampy left lower quadrant pain, constipation, and fevers of up to 101˚F. The patient had experienced similar episodes over the past 15 years, responding well to bowel rest and oral antibiotics. Despite having a history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (diverticulitis), a sedentary lifestyle, and a low-fiber diet, the patient had consistently refused colonoscopy. However, after recovering from a recent bout of acute diverticulitis, he finally consented to the procedure. The colonoscopy revealed multiple polyps, which were retrieved and identified as adenocarcinoma of the colon. Additionally, the patient’s paternal grandfather had died from colon cancer in the 1950s.

Implications for Patient Health:

This case study illustrates the potential implications of various factors on the patient’s health. Examination of the patient’s symptoms and history suggests several significant elements:

1. Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease (diverticulitis):
The patient’s repeated episodes of abdominal pain, constipation, and fever may be attributed to chronic inflammatory bowel disease, specifically diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and infection of small pouches (diverticula) that form in the wall of the colon. The patient’s refusal to undergo colonoscopy despite a history of diverticulitis reflects a lack of awareness regarding the complications and potential progression of the disease.

2. Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle:
The patient’s obesity and sedentary lifestyle may contribute to the development and exacerbation of diverticulitis. Obesity increases the risk of developing diverticula in the colon, while a sedentary lifestyle decreases bowel motility, potentially leading to constipation and further complications.

3. Genetic Predisposition:
The patient’s family history of colon cancer, with his paternal grandfather succumbing to the disease, suggests a genetic predisposition to colorectal malignancies. Adenocarcinoma of the colon detected through the colonoscopy supports this possibility. Genetic counseling and further genetic testing may be recommended to assess the patient’s susceptibility to colorectal cancer and evaluate the need for regular screenings.

4. Low-Fiber Diet:
The diet lacking in fiber as mentioned in the case study is a modifiable risk factor for the development of diverticulitis. A low-fiber diet can contribute to poor bowel function, leading to increased intestinal pressure and subsequent formation of diverticula. Therefore, dietary modifications should be emphasized to prevent disease exacerbation and other complications.

Conclusion:

This case study analysis highlights the complex interplay between various factors in influencing disease manifestation and severity. The patient’s symptoms and medical history suggest the involvement of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (diverticulitis), obesity, sedentary lifestyle, genetic predisposition to colorectal cancer, and a low-fiber diet. Recognizing these factors is essential for appropriate diagnosis, management, and patient education. Future interventions may include genetic counseling, dietary modifications, and regular screenings to promote early detection and improve patient outcomes.

References: (follow Walden Writing Center guidance for formatting)

(Note: The word count includes the titles, introduction, summary, and references)