Week 7 Blog #2

Blog #2:

Week 7 February 15-21

Friday, February 19, 2016

4p-8p 4 Hours Interned
Saturday, February 20, 2016

4p-8p 4 Hours Interned

Objective #2:
2.     Will verbally demonstrate knowledge of tests included in a CMP and CBC/diff including abnormalities, what disease process they might indicate and possible signs and symptoms that a patient might demonstrate given these values.

Signs and symptoms a patient may demonstrate to have these tests ordered in relation to abnormal values:

Proteins:

Albumin- Test is ordered as part of the CMP which is for a general/annual medical exam or physical. But will be ordered in particular if an individual has symptoms resulting from liver disorders such as jaundice, fatigue, or weight loss. Symptoms from nephrotic syndrome such as swelling around the eyes, belly, or legs can initiate the ordering of the test. Disorders and diseases in which the body can not properly absorb and digest proteins such as Crohns or celiac disease. If the individual is malnurished, the test will be ordered because the decreased albumin levels need to be elevated. And/or if the individual is dehydrated.

Total Protein- Test is ordered as part of the CMP which is for a general/annual medical exam or physical and get a general idea of the individuals nutritional status. Will be ordered in particular if an individual has some unexplained weight loss and if the individual is exhibiting signs and symptoms of edema or signs and symptoms that would imply liver, kidney, and bone marrow disorders. Low protein levels can suggest liver or kidney disorders by the two not being able to properly digest and absorb protein. This is common for individuals who are malnurished or have conditions that cause malabsorption such as celiac disease or IBD. High protein levels can be caused by chronic inflammation or infections such as HIV and viral hepatitis. High levels are also seen in bone marrow disorders like multiple myeloma.

Kidney Tests:

BUN- Test is ordered as part of the CMP which is for a general/annual medical exam or physical and to check if the kidneys are functioning properly. This is important when an ill person comes to the ER, is to be admitted to the hospital, and during hospital stay. Possible signs and symptoms increased BUN levels due to kidney function are, fatigue, lack of concentration and appetite, trouble sleeping, edema around the eyes, face, abdomen, wrists, thighs, and ankles, foamy urine that appears bloody or coffee-colored, decreased amount of urine, problems urinating, abnormal discharge, change in frequency of urination, mid-back pain (where the kidneys are located), and high blood pressure. A BUN test will be regularly ordered to individuals who have chronic diseases such as diabetes, CHF, heart attack, been diagnosed with kidney disease, during particular drug treatments that affect kidney function, and during dialysis.

Creatinine-  Test is ordered as part of the CMP which is for a general/annual medical exam or physical. Typically ordered when an individual is acutely ill and showing signs and symptoms of kidney dysfunction. Signs and symptoms of kidney dysfunction include the same signs and symptoms as seen in the BUN signs and symptoms listed above. The two test including urine albumin are taken together to determine how effectively the kidneys are functioning.