MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
• A condition of the central nervous system
WHAT IS IT? which the immune system attacks the
protective covering of nerves

• Loss of motor control - muscle spasms, lack

of coordination, function and balance of
extremities
• Fatigue

IDENTIFYING
SIGNS &
SYMPTOMS • Pins and needles
• Vertigo, neuralgia (ner ve pain)
• Visual disturbance
• Incontinence

DISEASES • Depression, memory loss

• Causes are unknown

• Any age - usually 20-40s
• Women are more likely
• Low vitamin D
CAUSES
• Smoking
• Certain autoimmune diseases (e.g. thyroid
disease, psoriasis, etc)
• Family history @AbbeytheStudentNurse

• Immunotherapies - slows the severity and

frequency of the attacks
TREATMENTS
• Steroids (methylprednisolone)
@AbbeytheStudentNurse • Immune suppressants (methotrexate)

ARTHRITIS @AbbeytheStudentNurse
• Refers to 120 different diseases affecting
muscles, joints and soft tissue.
• Osteoarthritis: destruction of cartilage
WHAT IS IT? (degenerative joint disease)
• Fibromyalgia: Stiffness/pain in the tissue
that allow movement in joints & bones.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Affects lining of joints
(body’s immune system attacks tissue)
BREAST CANCER
• Breast cells become abnormal as they create
new cells that causes the body to function
WHAT IS IT? abnormally (tumours)
• Benign: not cancer & don’t spread
• Malignant: cancer & can spread around the body
• Lump around breast/under arm
• Irritation/swelling/tenderness
SIGNS &
SYMPTOMS • Redness/flakey skin around nipple area
• Nipple discharge or pain
• Changes in shape and size of breast

• Swelling • Age (increased with age)

SIGNS & • Stiffness - difficulty with movements • Female
SYMPTOMS • Pain of joints • Hereditary (family history) or personal history
Rheumatoid Arthritis: warm, red, swollen CAUSES • Obesity/over weight
• Long time hormone replacement therapy & birth
• 45 years or older at risk control pills
• Females >15 years old • Radiation exposure (especially on that area)
• Obesity
CAUSES
• Family history • Surgery (can be used as prevention)
• Past injuries • Hormonal therapy (block cancer cells)
• Infections • Chemotherapy (shrink or kill)
• Biological therapy (different from chemo as it
TREATMENTS
• Exercise: preser ve joint mobility, reduce pain, works with the bodies immune system - fights/
improve sleep and attitude controls cancer treatments side effects)
TREATMENTS
• Assistive devices: Reduce joint stress (e.g canes) • Radiation (high-energy rays to eliminate cancer
• Rest: Enables the body time to heal cells)
@AbbeytheStudentNurse


CERVICAL CANCER EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME
• When cancer cells found in the tissue of the • Affects the connective tissue of the body,
cer vix. including joints, skin and blood vessel walls.
WHAT IS IT? WHAT IS IT?
• Grows slowly • There are 13 major types of EDS
• Cervical tissues change before cancer develops • Each type affects different areas of the body
but they all have hypermobility in common

• Usually no symptoms Classic EDS

SIGNS &
SYMPTOMS • Pap smears - for diagnosis and to prevent • Highly elastic
further spreading of cancer cells
• Loose joints
SIGNS & • Muscle fatigue/pain
• Intercourse at an early age SYMPTOMS • Bruises easily
• Sexually transmitted diseases • Fragile skin
• Multiple sexual partners • Heart valve problems
CAUSES
• Other genital tract cancers • Chronic pain
• Women over 60 years old (less willing to get
regular checks) CAUSES & • An inherited condition however the smaller
RISK FACTORS percentage of cases aren’t inherited

• Depends on the stage/age/size/physical • Physical therapy

@AbbeytheStudentNurse

condition of the person

• Surgery (repairs worn out joints)
• Surgery (removal of cancer) • Medication (anti-inflammatories for pain relief)
TREATMENTS TREATMENTS
• Chemotherapy (drugs to kill cancer cells) Preventions
• Radiation (kills cancer cells with high-energy • Avoid weight lifting & contact sport
rays) @AbbeytheStudentNurse • Use assistive devices to reduce pressure on joints

ENDOMETRIOSIS KIDNEY CANCER

• When endometrium grows outside the uterus
(similar to tissue that lines the uterus)
WHAT IS IT?
• Involves: tissue lining of pelvis, fallopian tubes
and ovaries.
• Most common type: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
• More than one tumour can be in a kidney
WHAT IS IT?
• Tumours can be found in both kidneys
• Difficult to treat once it spreads (RCC)

• Dysmenorrhea (menstrual irregularities & pain) • Hematuria - blood in urine

SIGNS & • Pain - lower abdomen/back
SYMPTOMS • Constipation or nausea SIGNS &
• Infertility & Pain during intercourse SYMPTOMS
• Retrograde menstruation: endometrial cells in
menstrual blood flows back through fallopian
tubes (pelvic cavity) instead of existing the body
• Transformation of peritoneal cells: hormones
promote change of peritoneal cells (cells that
CAUSES/RISK
CAUSES line abdomen) into endometrial like cells.
FACTORS
• Surgical scar: C-section or hysterectomy
• Immune system disorder: unable to recognise
and eliminate endometrial tissue
• Others: starting period early, high oestrogen
levels, family history, abnormal menstrual cycle
• Supportive and self care: heat packs, monitoring
• Hormone therapy: hormonal contraceptives,
TREATMENTS
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone, Aromatase
TREATMENTS
inhibitors, Progestin therapy
• Conser vative surgery: helps with fertility and
to reduce pain @AbbeytheStudentNurse
@AbbeytheStudentNurse
• Lump or mass in abdomen
• One sided lower back pain
• Unintentional weight loss and fatigue
• Edema (ankles and legs)
• Fever not associated with another illness (flu)
• Smoking
• Twice as common in men
• Obesity/over weight
• Family history or high blood pressure
• Low physical activity
• Kidney dialysis
• Chemical exposure from workplace (asbestos)
• Active surveillance - monitor especially if they
have other severe medical conditions
• Surgery: to remove the tumour (could result in
removing the parts of the kidney & lymph nodes/
tissues
• Radio-frequency ablation: inserting needle into
tumour and eliminating with electrical current
• Cryoablation: Freezing cancer cells (metal probe)


LIVER CANCER OVARIAN CANCER
• Largest internal organ in the body
WHAT IS IT? • Most of the time liver cancer starts elsewhere • Cells in ovaries grow and divide rapidly
& spreads to the liver after • Can spread throughout the body - stays within
WHAT IS IT? the abdomen most of the time.
• Unexplained weight loss • Most common ovarian cancer - epithelial
SIGNS & • Lack of appetite (fullness after small meal)
ovarian cancers
• Swelling or mass felt around the liver
SYMPTOMS
• Jaundice - yellow/green skin/eyes
• Stomach pain and swelling • No obvious symptoms
SIGNS &
• Men t wice as likely @AbbeytheStudentNurse • Vague symptoms: swelling, abdominal
SYMPTOMS
• Family history discomfort, weight and appetite change
CAUSES & • Obesity/over weight
• Smoking and alcohol
RISK FACTORS
• Viral infection: Hepatitis B/C • Cause is not clear
• Aflatoxin: substance made by specific fungus. • Inherited gene mutation
Contaminate peanuts, soybeans, wheat, etc. CAUSES & • Early menstruation
RISK FACTORS • Old age
• Surgery: tumour removal or liver transplant
• Heating cancer cells: Radio-frequency ablation • Oestrogen hormone replacement therapy
(electrical currents) • Family history
• Freezing cancer cells: Cryoablation (destroys
cells)
TREATMENTS
• Injecting chemotherapy into liver or placing bead • Surgery: Removal of cancer tissues
filled with radiation • Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy (to shrink) TREATMENTS
• Hysterectomy
• Immunotherapy (uses immune system to fight
cancer cells) and chemotherapy • Radiation therapy @AbbeytheStudentNurse

PANCREATIC CANCER STOMACH CANCER

• Pancreas separated into 2 seperate glands • Starts in the stomach

• Exocrine: makes enzymes to break down • Stomach has 5 layers - the deeper the cancer, the
WHAT IS IT?
WHAT IS IT? proteins and fats (Tumours likely to be cancer) worse the prognosis
• Endocrine: make hormones that help balance • Usually starts in the mucosa (inner most layer)
sugar levels in the blood (tumours less common)
• Weight loss and loss of appetite
SIGNS & • Abdominal discomfort
• Jaundice - yellow/green skin/eyes
SYMPTOMS • Nausea and vomiting (with/without blood)
• Weight loss
SIGNS & • Abdominal pain • Heartburn and indigestion
SYMPTOMS • Appetite loss and fatigue • Smoking
• Blood sugar problems • Obesity
• Greasy, pale stool • Twice as common in men
• Family history
• Age: risk increases with age
CAUSES & • Age: Over 50 years old
• Males more likely RISK FACTORS • Type A Blood
CAUSES & • Smoking and obesity
RISK FACTORS • Diet: smoked food, pickled vegetables, meats and
• Family history
salted fish
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Bacterial infection: Long term infection can
• Stomach problems: too much acid or bacteria
damage lining of stomach
• Chemotherapy • Chemotherapy @AbbeytheStudentNurse
• Radiation therapy • Radiation therapy
TREATMENTS
• Surgery: Pancreatectomy TREATMENTS
• Surgery: Gastrectomy, Gastroenterostomy
@AbbeytheStudentNurse
• Immunotherapy • Many cases can’t be completely cured


THYROID CANCER CHICKENPOX
• Located in the neck near voice box • Contagious disease (varicella zoster)
• Papillary and follicular - if found early can be WHAT IS IT? • Second attacks are rare
treated successfully • Usually not life-threatening
WHAT IS IT? • Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) - Can be
controlled if found early & hasn't spread
• Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma - grows quickly • Symptoms start 2 weeks after exposure
and spreads fast (difficult to treat) • Fever and rash
SIGNS &
• Spots on chest, back, stomach and face
SYMPTOMS
• Neck and throat pain • Contagious one to t wo days prior to rash
SIGNS & • Difficulty swallowing appearing (until all blisters have formed)
SYMPTOMS • Breathing problems
• Lymph nodes swollen (neck especially)
• Spread through contact - fluid from blisters or
• More often in women handling bedding or towels used by someone with
CAUSES
CAUSES • Diet lacking iodine - follicular cancer chickenpox
• No real cause • Very contagious

• Radioactive iodine
• Prevented by a vaccine
• Surgery
• Analgesic - relieves pain
• Thyroid hormone therapy
TREATMENTS TREATMENTS • Antiviral drugs - reduces ability to replicate
• Chemotherapy
• Antihistamines - prevents allergic reactions
• Radiation therapy
• Moisturisers or cooling gels - help itching
• Targeted drug therapy

@AbbeytheStudentNurse @AbbeytheStudentNurse

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE DIABETES @AbbeytheStudentNurse

PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD) • Metabolic disease (high blood sugar). Body doesn't
make enough insulin or can’t use it effectively
WHAT IS IT? • Type 1: Autoimmune disease - immune system
• Chronic inflammatory lung disease attacks cells in the pancreas
WHAT IS IT?
• Obstructs airflow @AbbeytheStudentNurse • Type 2: Body becomes resistant to insulin
• Difficulty breathing • Type 1:
SIGNS & • Sputum (mucous) • Excessively thirsty
• Cough and wheezing • Lethargic, Cuts that heal slowly
SYMPTOMS
• Fatigue & Chest pressure • Weight loss and blurred vision
• Weight loss - later stages SIGNS & • Headaches and dizziness
SYMPTOMS • Child or teenagers more likely
• Most people are over 40 years old
• Type 2:
• History of smoking
CAUSES • Increased hunger, thirst & urination
• Asthma
• Over weight & aren't active, Tiredness
• Exposure to chemicals - air pollution and dust
• 45 years or older
• Oxygen therapy
CAUSES & • Type 1: Unknown cause
• Surgery - in very severe cases • Type 2: Genetics and lifestyle factors. Obesity
RISK FACTORS
• Bronchodilators - helps loosen tightened muscles increases risk
• Corticosteroids - Reduces inflammation and
mucous development • Type 1: Insulin injections several times a day
• Rapid acting insulin (15 mins) - last 3-4 hours
TREATMENTS • Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors - Reduces • Short acting (30 mins) - lasts 6-8 hours
inflammation and opens air way • Intermediate (1-2 hours) - 12-18 hours
• Theophylline - eases chest tightness TREATMENT • Long acting (few hrs) - 24+ hours
• Antibiotics and antivirals - helps with • Type 2:
infections • Diet and exercise
• Medications: Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors,
• Vaccines - lowers risk of infection DPP-4 inhibitors, etc


AIDS (HIV/AIDS) ASTHMA

• Transmitted through contact - semen, vaginal • Air ways narrow and swell & may produce extra
WHAT IS IT? fluids and blood mucous
• A virus that attacks the bodies immune system • In some cases, it may lead to life threatening
WHAT IS IT?
attacks
• Rash, fever and chills • Exercised induced attacks, occupational asthma
• Muscle aches (workplace irritants), Allergy induced asthma
• Night sweats
SIGNS & • Fatigue • Shortness of breath
SYMPTOMS SIGNS & • Wheezing when exhaling, chest tightness
• Sore throat
SYMPTOMS • Difficultly sleeping
• Swollen lymph nodes • Coughing attacks (wheezing)
• Mouth ulcers
• Advanced: pneumonia, weight loss, sores
• Isn’t entirely clear
• Human immunodeficiency virus • Combination of environmental & genetic factors
• Airborne allergens (pollen, dust mites)
• Transmitted through blood, semen, breastmilk, CAUSES &
CAUSES & • Cold air
vaginal fluids and rectal fluids RISK FACTORS • Air pollutants
RISK FACTORS
• Sharing drug equipment or having sex with • Respiratory infections & physical activity
someone with HIV • Relatives with asthma
• Smokers and people over weight
• No cure exists
• Virus can be controlled by antiretroviral • Bronchodilator (inhalers)
TREATMENTS treatment • Steroids and anti-inflammatory
TREATMENTS
• Taking medication doesn't mean it can’t be • Quit smoking or other aggravating factors
transmitted • Oxygen therapy

@AbbeytheStudentNurse @AbbeytheStudentNurse

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS BLADDER CANCER

WHAT IS IT? • Starts when abnormal cells in the lining of the

• Vaginal inflammation bladder grow and divide uncontrollably
• Urothelial carcinoma: Most common form and
starts in the most innermost layer
• Vaginal itching & odour (fishy) WHAT IS IT?
SIGNS & • Squamous cell carcinoma: starts in the flat
• Grey/white/green discharge thin cells that line the bladder
SYMPTOMS
• Burning during urination • Adenocarcinoma: begins in mucous producing
cells (invasive)

• Haematuria (blood in urine)

• Overgrowth of bad bacteria (anaerobes) in • Trouble urinating (emptying bladder)
SIGNS &
the vagina (upsetting natural balance) • Continuous need to pass urine
SYMPTOMS
• Lower back & abdominal pain
CAUSES & • Having multiple sexual partners
• Pain when urinating
RISK FACTORS • Douching
• Unprotected sex • Older age
• Smoking
• Lack of lactobacilli bacteria (good bacteria) CAUSES & • Family history
RISK FACTORS • Chronic UTI
• Use of cyclophosphamide (chemo drug) and
• Prescription gels or creams pioglitazone (diabetes treatment)

• Antibiotics • Surgery: transurethral resection

TREATMENTS
• Possible medications: Metronidazole, • Chemotherapy
TREATMENTS
Clindamycin, Tinidazole • Immunotherapy
• Radiation therapy

@AbbeytheStudentNurse @AbbeytheStudentNurse
LEUKEMIA - CANCER
• Cancer of blood-forming tissues (bone marrow
included)
• Obstructing the bodies ability to fight infection
• Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) - most
common in children
• Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) - Most common
WHAT IS IT?
type of acute leukaemia in adults
• Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) - Most
common chronic leukaemia in adults
• Chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) - Adults
mainly, may have no symptoms until it becomes
more severe
• Slow growing cancers = minimal symptoms
• Fast growing symptoms:
SIGNS & • Weight loss, Fever & chills
SYMPTOMS • Fatigue & dizziness
• Easy bruising/bleeding & frequent infections
• Bone pain/tenderness & swollen lymph nodes
• Combination of environmental & genetic factors
• No direct cause
CAUSES &
• In someone health - the bodies cells grow and die
RISK FACTORS
at a set rate. With leukaemia, they continue to
grow & divide
• Radiation therapy @AbbeytheStudentNurse
TREATMENTS • Chemotherapy & blood transfusions
• Stem cell transplantation or surgery
LUNG CANCER
• Mainly starts in the lungs
WHAT IS IT? • Abnormal cells grow & divide uncontrollably
• Starts elsewhere = secondary/metastatic cancer
• Chest pain and shortness of breath
• Changes in voice (hoarseness)
SIGNS & • Spitting up blood & coughing
SYMPTOMS • Loss of appetite & weight loss
• Chest infections (more than 3 weeks)
• Tiredness
• Smoking or second hand smoking
• Asbestos exposure
CAUSES & • Exposure to toxins/substances
• Family history
RISK FACTORS
• HIV infections
• Older age
• History of lung diseases
• Surgeries
• Lobectomy - removal of lobe
• Pneumonectomy - lung is removed
• Wedge resection - part of lobe removed
TREATMENTS • Radiation therapy
• Thermal ablation - isolated therapy - needles
• Chemotherapy & immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy - medications specific to
particular cancer cell mutations
@AbbeytheStudentNurse

SKIN CANCER HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

• Abnormal growth of skin cells
• Melanoma (M)- most serious
WHAT IS IT? • Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)- begins in basal cells
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)- uncontrollable
growth of SC cells
• Pressure of blood of blood against artery wall is
too high
WHAT IS IT? • Can causes vessel damage causing kidney/heart
disease, stroke, etc
• Hypertension: above 140/90, Severe: 180/120

• Begins with changes to skin SIGNS & • Headaches, dizziness, visual changes
• M - ABCDE - Asymmetrical, Border, Change in SYMPTOMS • Shortness of breath, chest pain
colour, Diameter, Evolving • Nosebleeds, blood in urine
SIGNS & • BCC - sore (10 days +), red patch (itchy), Shiny
bump (pink/red/white or darker depending on • Primary:
SYMPTOMS
skin colour), Pink growth with elevated border • Genes: people are genetically predisposed to HBP
• SCC - Scaly red patches, open sores, tender • Environment: Lack of exercise, diet & weight
raised growth (resembles warts - but crusts/ • Physical changes: Changes in kidney function
bleeds) due to ageing changing salt/fluid balance (etc)
CAUSES & • Secondary:
• Errors in DNA skin cells RISK • Kidney disease
• Fair skin FACTORS • Thyroid & adrenal gland problems
CAUSES & • Sun exposure & history of sunburns • Illegal drugs
RISK FACTORS • Precancerous skin lesions • Alcohol abuse
• Family/personal history • Obstructive sleep apnea
• Moles & freckles • Certain endocrine tumours
• Medication side effects
• Cryosurgery - liquid nitrogen to freeze growth
• Curettage and electrodesiccation: Scraped off • Primary: Lifestyle changes or medications
TREATMENTS • Creams - topical preparations (imiquimod) • Secondary: If underlying issue - medication to
TREATMENT
• Excision surgery: removal of growth and treat that issue. The idea is to treat the
surrounding skin underlying issue. Medications or treatment plans.
@AbbeytheStudentNurse @AbbeytheStudentNurse


CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE CORONA VIRUS
• Numerous disorders of the blood vessels and heat
• Coronary heart disease: blood vessels to the
heart • Group of viruses that cause respiratory
WHAT IS IT?
• Cerebrovascular disease: Blood vessels to the infections
brain
• Congenital heart disease: From birth,
malformations of the heart • Dry cough
WHAT IS IT?
• Rheumatic heart disease: damage to heart • Fever, tiredness
valve/muscle caused by streptococcal bacteria SIGNS &
• Aches and pains, Headache
• Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary SYMPTOMS
embolism: blood clots in extremities which • Loss of taste and smell
could get lodge into heart or brain • Difficulty breathing, chest pain
• Peripheral arterial disease: blood vessels to
the arms/legs

• Heart attack or stroke may be the first sign of CAUSES & • Old people
something wrong RISK FACTORS • People with immune deficiencies
SIGNS &
• Discomfort in chest, arms, L shoulder, jaw, back
SYMPTOMS
• Difficulty breathing, nausea/vomiting
• Pale, light headed & breaking into cold sweats

• High blood pressure, high cholesterol • No cure

CAUSES &
• Smoking, obesity, diabetes, inactivity • Oxygen therapy - serious cases may need
RISK FACTORS TREATMENTS
• Family history ventilation

• Lifestyle changes: exercises & better diet • Medications: corticosteroid (treat inflammation)
TREATMENTS • Surgery: e.g. valve repair/replacement
• Medication: e.g. to regulate heart rhythm @AbbeytheStudentNurse
@AbbeytheStudentNurse

PULMONARY FIBROSIS GONORRHOEA

• Lung disease that arises when lung tissue • A bacterial infection which is sexually
WHAT IS IT?
becomes scarred or damaged transmitted
WHAT IS IT? • If left untreated, it may cause infertility
• Dry cough • Can affect: genitals, rectum, eyes, joints and
• Shortness of breath throat
SIGNS &
SYMPTOMS • Aching joints and muscles
• Weight loss
• Painful urination
• Fatigue
• Abnormal discharge
SIGNS &
SYMPTOMS • Female: lower abdomen pain
• Long term exposure to toxins (asbestos)
• Males: testicular pain
• Infections
CAUSES & • Vaginal bleeding in bet ween periods
RISK FACTORS • Chronic conditions (lupus)
• Exposure to radiation
• Certain medications • Caused by bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae
CAUSES & • Spread by intercourse
RISK FACTORS • New or multiple sexual partners
• Medications (e.g. pirfenidone)
• Oxygen therapy (can’t fix the problem but helps • Having had gonorrhoea or another STD
make breathing easier)
TREATMENTS • Pulmonary rehabilitation: exercise programs, • Medications - antibiotics (ceftriaxone -
breathing techniques, counselling and injection or azithromycin -oral)
TREATMENTS
nutritional support. • Prevention: protected sex, continue to test if you
• Lung transplant: For severe patients have multiple sexual partners

@AbbeytheStudentNurse
@AbbeytheStudentNurse


HEPATITIS @AbbeytheStudentNurse
INCONTINENCE @AbbeytheStudentNurse

• Inflammation of the liver • Involuntary loss of urine/faeces/flatus (wind)

WHAT IS IT?
• Hepatitis A - highly contagious • Could be after sneezing, coughing or laughing
• Hepatitis B - prevent by vaccination
WHAT IS IT?
• Hepatitis C - infection caused by a virus • Leaking urine/faeces, poor urine flow
• Hepatitis D - Caused by Hep D virus • Uncontrollable/sudden urges
• Hepatitis E - Caused by Hep E virus SIGNS & • Urinating during sleep/frequent urination
SYMPTOMS • Feeling the bladder is not completely empty
• Flu like symptoms • Leaking without urge
• Fatigue • Unstable wind control
SIGNS & • Pale stool and dark urine
• Loss of appetite • Vaginal infections
SYMPTOMS
• Abdominal pain • Medications
• Jaundice - yellow skin/eyes CAUSES & • Irritations
• Unexplained weight loss RISK FACTORS • Restricted mobility
• Constipation
• Viral infection
CAUSES & • UTI
• Auto-immune hepatitis
RISK FACTORS • Hepatitis resulting from: drugs, medication,
alcohol and toxins • Pelvic floor exercises, weight loss and increasing
physical activity
• A - Doesn't usually required treatment as it • Avoid caffeine
clears up on it’s own • Wearing absorbent undergarments
• B - Acute: can clear up on its own, Chronic: • Bladder training - delaying urination when urge
antiviral medication TREATMENTS is felt
TREATMENTS • C - Antiviral medication (Acute/Chronic) • Double voiding - urinate - wait - urinate again
• D - No antiviral medication exists - alpha • Scheduled toilet trips - 2-4 hours vs waiting for
interferon has low success rate the urge
• E - No medical therapies. Resolves on it’s own • Fluid and diet management - cut down acidic
• Autoimmune Hep: Corticosteroids & Azothioprine foods, caffeine, alcohol & total fluid amount.

INFLUENZA (FLU) LYME DISEASE

• Common viral infection • Tick-borne infection

WHAT IS IT?
• Highly contagious & spread by bodily fluids WHAT IS IT? • Must be attached for 36 + hours to
transfer bacteria
• Sneezing, runny nose
• Headache • Flat/circular rash (red - bullseye)
SIGNS & • Fever & chills
• Muscle aches & headaches
SYMPTOMS • Diarrhoea & vomiting
SIGNS & • Swollen lymph nodes
• Body aches
SYMPTOMS • Fever, swelling & joint pain
• Cough & sore throat
• Sleep disturbance
• Fatigue & fever
• Influenza viruses of throat, nose & lungs
CAUSES &
RISK FACTORS • Spread through cough, sneeze, talking & droplets
(air particles) CAUSES & • Bacteria of the Borrelia burgdorferi group
RISK
FACTORS • Found in armpits, scalp or groin areas
• Fluids & rest
• Medication - reduce fever & pain
• Best treated early
TREATMENTS • Decongestant medicines
• Medications: doxycycline/amoxicillin/
• Avoid people with flu, wash hands regularly & TREATMENTS
don't touch your mouth/eyes/face cefuroxime
• IV antibiotics

@AbbeytheStudentNurse @AbbeytheStudentNurse


LUPUS MENINGITIS
• Chronic autoimmune condition • Inflammation of spinal cord/brain membranes
• Causes inflammation throughout your body WHAT IS IT? (infections)
WHAT IS IT? • Viral & bacterial meningitis
• Autoimmune condition: bodies immune system is
responsible for inflammation • Viral
• Sleeplessness
• Fatigue, body aches, headaches, joint pain • Irritability & headaches
• Skin lesions • Fever & lethargy
SIGNS & • Decreased appetite
• Shortness of breath - pericarditis & pleuritis
SYMPTOMS • Nausea/vomiting
• Confusion & memory loss SIGNS & • Seizures & stiff neck
• Sjogren’s syndrome (dry eyes/mouth) SYMPTOMS • Bacterial
• Nausea/vomiting
• Environment: smoking, exposure to toxins & • Chills/fever
stress • Stiff neck
• Purple areas of skin (bruising)
CAUSES & • Hormones: abnormal levels (increased oestrogen) • Lethargy/sleeplessness
RISK • Genetics: family history • Sensitivity to light
FACTORS • Infections: cytomegalovirus & Epstein-Barr
• Medications: ex - hydralazine (Apresoline) & • Fungus, Bacteria, parasite or virus spreading
procainamide (Procanbid) CAUSES & through bloodstream until it gets to brain/spinal
RISK cord
FACTORS • Non infectious - Physical injury or non
• No current cure infectious cause
• Medications - prevent flare ups
• Healthy diet & regular exercise • Bacterial: requires hospitalisation, IV
TREATMENTS • Avoid excessive exposure to UV medications
• Stop smoking TREATMENTS • Fungal: Anti-fungal agents
• Parasitic: may get better without antibiotics
• Supplements (fish oil, vitamin D) to reduce • Viral: May clear on its own. IV antiviral
symptoms medications
@AbbeytheStudentNurse @AbbeytheStudentNurse

@AbbeytheStudentNurse
MEASLES MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE
• Contagious viral illness, serious for young • A contagious infection - rare but serious
WHAT IS IT? children.
• Can be prevented with a vaccine • Types: Meningococcus B, W & Y
WHAT IS IT? • Usually causes meningitis (inflammation on
• 10-14 days for symptoms to appear
SIGNS & the brains lining) or septicaemia (blood
• Inflamed eyes & runny nose
SYMPTOMS • Red blotchy rash & sore throat poisoning)
• Koplik’s spots - red/blue spots in the mouth

• Spreads through the air within respiratory
CAUSES & RISK droplets - sneezing & coughing
FACTORS • The measles virus is carried in saliva or
mucous
• Usually lasts 14 days
• Antibiotics aren’t beneficial as its viral
• Bed rest & plenty of fluids
TREATMENTS • Isolation to reduce transmission risk
• Paracetamol - reduce pain & inflammation
When it becomes more serious:
• Hospitalisation & supportive care
• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Encephalitis - Brain inflammation
• Pregnancy problems
• Pneumonia
COMPLICATIONS • Respiratory diseases - Croup, bronchitis &
laryngitis
• Otitis media - inflammation of the middle ear
• Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE):
progressive inflammation of brain (rare)
• Sudden onset - headache, fever, joint pain,
neck stiffness, red/purple spots (bruise like)
SIGNS &
SYMPTOMS • Young children - difficulty walking, refusal
to eat, irritability & high pitched crying
• Less specific: abnormal skin colour & leg pain
• Bacterium called Neisseria meningitidis
CAUSES &
• Follow on from respiratory infections
RISK
FACTORS • Transmitted by close contact over a period
of time - spread through mucous
• Antibiotics - penicillin or ceftriaxon
TREATMENTS
• Hospitalisation
@AbbeytheStudentNurse


NEONATAL ABSTINENCE PNEUMONIA @AbbeytheStudentNurse

SYNDROME • Infection in either one of both the lungs

WHAT IS IT?
• Inflammation of the alveoli (air sacs)

• Nausea & vomiting

• Baby withdraws from opiates (heroin, • Coughing (phlegm), shortness of breath
WHAT IS IT? methadone) exposed to while still in the womb • Chest pain, sweating, fever & chills
• Easily diagnosed & treated SIGNS & • Fatigue & tiredness
SYMPTOMS • Loss of appetite
• Headaches
• Infants - No signs or vomiting/trouble eating
• Fussiness, body shakes
• Under 5YO - wheezing
• Breathing issues • Older people - confusion, low body temp
SIGNS & • Poor feeding
SYMPTOMS • Fever, sweating, trouble sleeping • Bacterial pneumonia (Streptococcus
• Stuffy nose pneumoniae):
• Causes: Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella
• Diarrhea & vomiting pneumophila & Haemophilus influenzae
CAUSES &
RISK • Fungal (people with weakened immune systems:
FACTORS • Causes: Pneumocystis jirovecii, Histoplasmosis
• Women taking drugs during pregnancy (opioids) species, Cryptococcus species
CAUSES & • Complications: Jaundice, low birth rate, Sudden
RISK • Viral
FACTORS
infant death syndrome (sleeping less then 1 year • Causes: Flu - influenza, rhinoviruses (common
old), seizures cold), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

• Prescription medication (antibiotics on bacterial,

• Medications anti fungal for fungal infections, Antivirals for
viruses)
TREATMENTS • Fluids through IV
TREATMENTS • At home care - aspirin, rest
• Feeding higher calorie baby formula • Hospitalisation - Oxygen therapy, respiratory
therapy (medications directly into the lungs), IV
@AbbeytheStudentNurse antibiotics

PARKINSON’S DISEASE DEMENTIA

• A progressive neurodegenerative disease that
affects both motor & non-motor functions. WHAT IS IT?
• Occurs when ner ve cells from the mid-section of
the brain gradually become impaired or die. These
WHAT IS IT? nerve cells produce Dopamine (transport messes
through the body)
• When ner ve cells die, less and less dopamine is
produced which causes the movement difficulties
SYMPTOMS
associated with PD.
• Postural instability including loss of reflexes
• Dysarthria (slurred or slow speech)
• Depression
SIGNS & • Loss of smell → 70%-90% of ppl
SYMPTOMS • Tremors → initial symptom for 70%-90% of ppl
• Bradykinesia (slowness of voluntary movements)
• Rigid movements or muscle stiffness → may
cause pain and limit range of motion
@AbbeytheStudentNurse
• Unknown
• Genetic/environmental factors increase risk
CAUSES • Includes: Smoking, Environmental toxins
(pesticides), Age (older people), Gender (Males
have an increased risk) & Hereditary (relatives)
• Treatment for PD involves taking medications TREATMENTS
TREATMENTS • Levodopa-carbidopa (Sinemet)
• Dopamine Agonists (Sifrol - Pramipexole).
• A group of symptoms which affects the brain &
daily life functions
• Apathy (lack of enthusiasm) & depression
• Memory loss & forgetfulness
SIGNS &
• Changes in personality/behaviour
• Reduced concentration, disorientation
• Poor decision making
• Brain injuries (falls, accidents)
• Longtime drug/alcohol use
• Vascular disorders - lack of blood flow to brain
CAUSES & • Infections of CNS - meningitis, HIV
RISK
• Degenerative neurological diseases: Alzheimer's,
FACTORS
Parkinson's disease
• Age, family history, smoking, depression, other
illnesses (diabetes, heart disease)
• Therapies: rehabilitation & occupational therapy
• Medications: cognition-enhancing medications
• No cure for dementia
@AbbeytheStudentNurse
@AbbeytheStudentNurse
STROKE
• A medical emergency where the brain doesn't get
WHAT IS IT?
enough oxygen
• Difficulty walking/understanding/speaking
SIGNS & • Numbness & paralysis of face & extremities
SYMPTOMS • Check for face drooping (ask them to smile)
• Blurred vision
• Occurs when blood flow to the brain is cut off or
reduced. Prevents oxygen from getting to brain
CAUSES & tissue
RISK
FACTORS • Ischemic stroke: blocked artery
• Hemorrhagic stroke: burst blood vessel
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA): mini stroke
• Medications: Alteplase (treat clots),
Anticoagulant, Antihypertensive drug, ACE
inhibitor (relaxes blood vessels)
TREATMENTS
• Supportive care: Cardiac monitoring
• Therapies: Speech therapy, rehabilitation,
physical & occupation therapy, stroke rehab
THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME
• A disordered caused by the compression of ner ves
& blood vessels
• Become more known but hard to diagnose
• Impacts on the space bet ween the first rib &
WHAT IS IT?
collarbone
• Arterial (ATOS), Venous (VTOS) & Neurogenic
(NTOS)
• Can be bilateral or one sided
NTOS: Numbness/tingling of arms/fingers,
weakened grip, pain in shoulder, neck & hand,
muscle wasting (hands - thumb)
SIGNS & ATOS & VTOS: Discolouration (bluish) of arms/
SYMPTOMS hands, arm/hand pain & swelling, weak or no pulse
when arm is lifted, cold fingers & arm fatigue,
throbbing lump below collarbone, possible blood
clots, delayed capillary refill.
CAUSES & • Physical trauma (whiplash)
RISK • Repetitive movements (swimming) or injuries
FACTORS • Anatomical defects (extra rib/s)
• Physiotherapy - (massage & strengthening,
acupuncture)
• Medications - anti-inflammatories, Lyrica (ner ve
TREATMENTS relief), muscle relaxants (valium)
• Surgery - rib removal surgery (for extra ribs or
first ribs), pec minor release, scalenectomy, reduce
surgery to break scar tissue.
@AbbeytheStudentNurse

EPILEPSY AUTISM @AbbeytheStudentNurse

• A common neurological disorder • Developmental disorder

• A disorder that disturbed ner ve cell activity in WHAT IS IT? • Weakens the bodies ability to interact/
WHAT IS IT? the brain. Results in seizures communicate
• Generalised seizures: impact on the whole brain • Seen during early childhood (12 - 24 months +)
• Partial/focal seizures: one part of the brain
• Problems with communication (sharing emotions)
• Generalised: • Issues with nonverbal communication (eye
✦ Tonic: muscle stiffness contact)
SIGNS &
✦ Atonic: loss of muscle control (falling) • Problems developing relationships
SYMPTOMS
✦ Clonic: jerking movements (arms, face & neck) • Fixated interests
✦ Myoclonic: quick t witching of legs/arms • Increase/decrease in sensitivity to particular
SIGNS & ✦ Tonic-clonic: body stiffens, loss of bowel/ sensory information around them
SYMPTOMS bladder control & consciousness, shaking,
biting tongue • Family members with autism
• Focal: alterations to senses, tingling/t witching • Low birth weight
of limbs, dizziness as well as unresponsiveness, • Genetic mutations
staring blankly & performing repetitive CAUSES & • Being born with older parents
movements in complex cases RISK • Viral infection history
FACTORS • Metabolic imbalance
• Head trauma • Fetal exposure to specific medications
CAUSES & (thalidomide & valproic acid)
RISK • Alcohol withdraws
• Extremely low blood sugar • Fragile X syndrome
FACTORS
• High fever
• No cure
• Medications: sedatives, anticonvulsants, ner ve • Physical & speech therapy
pain medications • Play therapy
• Surgery: removing the part of the brain that TREATMENTS • High dose vitamins
TREATMENTS causes seizures • Occupational & behaviour therapy
• Electrical device inside the body to manage • Melatonin for sleep problems
seizures • Chelation therapy: flushing metals from body
• Diet: ketogenic diet @AbbeytheStudentNurse • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy