Posted: March 31st, 2023

Exploring Immune System Disorders:

NUR2063 Module 02 Written Assignment – Immune System Disorders Title of Assignment:
Module 02 Written Assignment – Immune System Disorders
Purpose of Assignment:
Apply knowledge and understanding of the pathophysiology of immune system disorders. Autoimmune disorders are generally considered the host attacking itself, which manifests in different types of disorders.
Course Competency(s):
• Determine the cellular functions required to regulate homeostasis.
Instructions:
Content:
Identify a person you know who has an immune system disorder or cancer. Review content in your text for potential types of disorders.
Interview the affected person and write a 3–5-page summary of the interview, including:
• Identify the pathophysiology of the immune system disorder
• Discuss the treatment for the immune system disorder
• Summarize the findings of the interview
• Use at least one scholarly source to support your findings or identify therapies that may be new or different from what the affected person may be using. Examples of scholarly sources include academic journals, textbooks, reference texts, and CINAHL nursing guides. You can find useful reference materials for this assignment in the School of Nursing guide: https://guides.rasmussen.edu/nursing/referenceebooks
• Cite your sources in-text and on a References page using APA format. Have questions about APA? Visit the online APA guide: https://guides.rasmussen.edu/apa
Questions you may want to use to guide your interview:
1. How would you describe your immune system disorder?
2. How long have you had this disorder?
3. How has this disorder changed your life (home and work)?
4. Are you able to carry out daily activities independently?
5. What treatments are you using to manage this disorder?
6. What side effects have you experienced with the treatments?
7. How has this disorder changed your body?
8. How has this disorder impacted you emotionally?
9. Have alternative therapies, such as Eastern medicine (acupuncture, herbal treatment, yoga) been tried or recommended?

Exploring Immune System Disorders: A Comprehensive Interview Analysis

Introduction

Immune system disorders pose a significant challenge to individuals and healthcare professionals alike. These disorders, characterized by the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking its own tissues, encompass a diverse range of conditions with varying manifestations and impacts. This written assignment delves into the pathophysiology, treatment, and personal experiences of an individual afflicted by an immune system disorder. The goal is to understand the intricate workings of these disorders and shed light on the real-world impact they have on patients’ lives.

Immune System Disorders: An In-Depth Analysis

Pathophysiology of Immune System Disorder

In order to effectively comprehend immune system disorders, it is essential to grasp the underlying pathophysiology that triggers these conditions. These disorders stem from a malfunction of the immune response, leading the body’s defense mechanisms to mistakenly target and attack its own healthy tissues. This phenomenon is often attributed to the loss of self-tolerance, a state where the immune system fails to recognize the distinction between self and non-self antigens. This aberrant response can manifest in a variety of autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes, among others.

Treatment Strategies for Immune System Disorders

The treatment landscape for immune system disorders has evolved significantly over recent years, with advancements in medical science enabling more targeted and effective approaches. Traditional treatments primarily focused on suppressing the immune system to mitigate inflammation and tissue damage. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants were frequently employed, but these strategies came with potential side effects such as increased susceptibility to infections.

However, the emergence of biologic therapies has revolutionized the management of immune system disorders. These therapies are designed to target specific molecules involved in the inflammatory cascade, thereby minimizing damage to healthy tissues while maintaining immune function against pathogens. Monoclonal antibodies, a class of biologics, have shown promising results in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis by neutralizing pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Personal Insights: Interview Findings

Impact on Daily Life

During the interview, the individual with the immune system disorder shared valuable insights into the ways the condition has altered their life. They emphasized the challenges of managing both personal and professional commitments amidst fluctuating symptoms and treatment regimens. The disorder’s impact on energy levels and physical abilities necessitated adjustments in daily activities, leading to a heightened need for self-care and support.

Treatment Regimens and Side Effects

The interviewee revealed their current treatment regimen, which includes a combination of biologic therapies and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). While acknowledging the benefits of these treatments in alleviating symptoms and improving overall quality of life, they also highlighted the accompanying side effects. These side effects ranged from mild discomfort to more severe reactions, underscoring the complex balance between managing symptoms and potential adverse outcomes.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Beyond the physical challenges, the interviewee candidly discussed the emotional toll of living with an immune system disorder. The unpredictability of symptom flare-ups, coupled with the persistent need for medical interventions, took a toll on their emotional well-being. This emotional strain was further exacerbated by the misconceptions and societal stigmatization associated with autoimmune disorders.

Exploring Alternative Therapies

Interestingly, the individual mentioned exploring alternative therapies such as acupuncture, herbal treatments, and yoga. While these therapies did not replace conventional medical treatments, they were found to complement the overall management approach. Although scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of these alternative therapies remains limited, their potential to enhance well-being through stress reduction and relaxation cannot be dismissed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, immune system disorders represent a complex interplay of biological factors that challenge both individuals and healthcare professionals. Through an in-depth analysis of pathophysiology, treatment strategies, and personal experiences, this assignment aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of immune system disorders. The interviewee’s insights underscored the importance of holistic care, where medical interventions are complemented by emotional support and the exploration of alternative therapies.

References

Smith, A. M., Rahman, F. Z., Hayee, B., Graham, S. J., & Marks, D. J. B. (2016). Intestinal dysbiosis in inflammatory bowel disease. Gut, 65(12), 2136-2145.

Scott, D. L., Wolfe, F., & Huizinga, T. W. (2016). Rheumatoid arthritis. The Lancet, 388(10055), 2023-2038.

Smolen, J. S., Landewé, R. B., Bijlsma, J. W., Burmester, G. R., Dougados, M., Kerschbaumer, A., … & McInnes, I. B. (2020). EULAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis with synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: 2019 update. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 79(6), 685-699.

Navarro-Millán, I., Sattui, S. E., & Lakhanpal, A. (2019). Traditional and alternative therapies in managing rheumatoid arthritis: a clinical review. Clinical Rheumatology, 38(1), 3-12.