Core Competency: Health Care Support: Body Systems and Common Diseases

Transcription

1 Core Competency: Health Care Support: Body Systems and Common Diseases Goal: Participants will be given an opportunity to gain a basic understanding of how the body works, in order to better understand health, diseases, and the role of the direct care worker in supporting the health and wellness of consumers. Learning Objectives: By the end of this module, participants will be informed of: 1. The major body systems 2. The role of the direct care worker in promoting the health of each body system 3. The common diseases direct care workers encounter 4. The role of the direct care worker in assisting the consumer to manage each disease 5. The regulations governing medication administration 27

2 Introduction to Body Systems It is important to understand body systems and how they work. This can help you to assist a consumer to live a healthier and more active life. It can also help deal with health problems when they do come up. Body System A body system is a group of body parts. The smallest type is the cell the largest type is an organ or limb. The parts work together to do a particular job, such as breathing or pumping blood through the body. Each body system affects every other system. All the body systems slow down, as people get older. 28

3 Body System Main Parts What it Does Common Problems Circulatory - Heart - Blood vessels - Lymph nodes - Lymphatic vessels - Pumps blood - Brings oxygen and nutrients to every cell - Takes waste like carbon dioxide away from the cells - Brings waste to the lungs and kidneys - Weak - Fast pulse - Slow pulse - Uneven pulse - Clogged arteries - Hardened arteries - High blood pressure - Low blood pressure Common Disease- Outcomes - Congestive heart failure - Heart attack - High blood pressure - Stroke Observe and Report - Fluid intake - Urination: how often - A change in skin color, especially around the lips and under the fingernails - A pulse that is too fast, too slow, or uneven - Swelling of the lower legs, ankles or feet - Irregular breathing - Sweating Optimum Health - Eat right - Drink plenty of fluids - Be physically active - Get plenty of rest - Wear support hose/ stockings 29

4 Body System Main Parts What it Does Common Problems Digestive - Mouth - Esophagus - Stomach - Small intestines - Large intestine includes the Colon, Rectum and Anus - Alimentary canal - Organs: liver, gallbladder, pancreas - Breaks down food so that the nutrients, vitamins and minerals can be absorbed into the body s cells - Constipation - Diarrhea - Heart burn - Hemorrhoids - Stomach pain - Ulcers Common Disease- Outcomes - Colon cancer - Stomas - Ostomies - Obesity Observe and Report - Cannot swallow - Decreased fluid intake - Decreased food intake - Upset stomach or vomits - Eats or craves non food items (Pica) - Blood or mucus in stool - Hard or loose stools - Excess gas - Stomach pain or bloating Optimum Health - Eat right - Drink plenty of fluids - Use the toilet regularly - Maintain strict hand hygiene (hand washing, hand sanitizers) 30

5 Body System Main Parts What it Does Common Problems Endocrine - Thyroid gland - Adrenal glands - Pancreas - Ovaries - Testicles - Helps control what the body does - Makes hormones and releases them into the blood - Tired - Gain weight or lose weight - Heal slowly Common Disease- Outcomes - Pancreatic cancer - Diabetes - Thyroid problems Observe and Report - Weight gain or loss - Excessive sleep - Agitation - Slow healing - Sweet smelling breath Optimum Health - Eat right - Dress comfortably - Proper foot care 31

6 Body System Main Parts What it Does Common Problems Nervous - Brain - Nerves - Sense organs - Spinal cord - Sends, processes and receives messages throughout the body - Regulates voluntary movement such as turning the head - Regulates involuntary movement: breathing - A prickling feeling - Headaches - Pain - Unable to control bladder or bowels - Trouble seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, or smelling - Trouble thinking Common Disease- Outcomes - Alzheimer s disease - Parkinson s disease - Stroke Observe and Report - Behavior change for example violent outbursts - Repeats actions and words - Feels dizzy - Trouble moving or talking - Seems confused or upset - Wanders Optimum Health - Minimize stress and relax. - Avoid sudden changes in routines or environment 32

7 Body System Main Parts What it Does Common Problems Reproductive Female: - Breasts - Ovaries - Uterus - Fallopian tubes - Vagina - Labia - Perineum Male: - Testes - Scrotum - Prostate gland - Penis - Allows the human body to create children - The males sperm fertilizes the female s egg - Menstrual problems - Red, swollen vagina or labia - Prolapsed uterus - Swollen testicles - Enlarged or swollen prostate Common Disease- Outcomes - AIDS - Chlamydia - Genital Herpes - Genital Warts - Gonorrhea - HPV - HIV - Syphilis - Trichimon iasis - Pelvic inflammat ory disease - Cancer such as; ovarian, cervical, testicular, prostate, breast Observe and Report - Hardened abdomen - The nipple goes in - Dimples or scales on the breasts - Lumps in the breast (males and females) - Pain in the stomach or vagina - Genital swelling, sores or blisters - Genital bleeding (not menstrual) - Burning when urinating - Discharge from vagina or penis Optimum Health - Monthly breast exams - Monthly testicular exams - Wipe from front to back when toileting (females) - Maintain good genital hygiene - Safe sex 33

8 Body System Main Parts What it Does Common Problems Respiratory - Nose - Lungs - Throat - Larynx - Trachea - Brings oxygen into the body - Removes carbon dioxide - Cough - Have a runny nose - Have trouble breathing - Make a whistling sound when they breathe Common Disease- Outcomes - Cold or allergies - Flu - Asthma - Bronchitis - Pneumoni a - Tuberculo sis - COPD - Tracheal stenosis Observe and Report - Excessive cough or sneezing - Coughs up fluid or blood - Dizziness - Blue lips or nail beds - Trouble breathing - Low or high body temperature - Whistling when breathing Optimum Health - Don t spread your germs. - Get plenty of rest - Remember to breathe deeply 34

9 Body System Main Parts What it Does Common Problems Common Disease- Outcomes - Arthritis - Osteoporo sis Skeletomuscular - Bones - Muscles - Tendons - Cartilage - Joints - Protects internal organs - Makes movement possible - Bones produce red blood cells - Fractures and broken bones - Sprained muscle - Strained joint Observe and Report - Falls - Unable to move - Loss of balance - Pain - Red, swollen joints Optimum Health - Eat right - Keep physically active - Check that assistive devices work properly 35

10 Body System Main Parts What it Does Common Problems Skin - Skin - Hair - Nails - Oil glands - Mucus membranes - Covers and protects the body frame - Maintains body temperature - Dry skin - Cuts, tears and bruises - Rash - Bed sores - Eczema - Lice - Psoriasis - Scabies Common Disease- Outcomes - skin cancer Observe and Report - rash - cuts, sores or bruises - lice or lice eggs - scabies - allergic reaction - swelling - excessive sweating - skin that is hot or cold Optimum Health - change position regularly to prevent bed sores - drink plenty of fluids - eat right 36

11 Body System Main Parts What it Does Common Problems Urinary - Kidneys - Bladder - Ureter - Urethra - Removes body waste - Maintains body fluid - UTI - Kidney stones - Incontinence - Dehydration Common Disease- Outcomes - Kidney failure - Complicat ions from enlarged prostate Observe and Report - Blood in urine - Strong odor - Strange color or thickness - Pain when urinating - Strong urge to urinate - Excessive urination - Difficult to start urinating - Unable to control bladder Optimum Health - Drink fluids often - Empty the bladder - Maintain a good toileting routine 37

12 Heart Disease What Is Heart Disease? Heart disease is when the heart muscle has trouble pumping blood to all parts of the body. Heart disease is also called cardiovascular disease. It is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Types of heart disease include: Congestive heart failure is when the heart muscle gets weaker and weaker and can t pump blood to all parts of the body as well as it should. Coronary artery disease, or CAD for short. This happens when the blood vessels get harder and narrower. The heart has to work harder to get the blood through the vessels. Signs of Heart Disease A consumer may: Feel pain or pressure in their chest Feel very tired or worried Have puffy feet and ankles Have trouble breathing, even when they don t move Optimum Health for a Consumer with Heart Disease: Eat right Be physically active Get plenty of rest. Change position slowly Keep the feet elevated Keep the head up Observe and Report Heart Disease Coughs up blood Feels weak Gains weight Takes short, fast breaths Has a fast pulse Has little urine Sweats a lot Has blue lips, skin, or fingers (under the nails) 38

13 Stroke (CVA) What Is a Stroke? A stroke happens when not enough blood gets to the brain. It is also called a cerebralvascular accident, or CVA for short. Signs of Stroke You may be with someone when a stroke happens. If you know the signs, you can get help quickly and maybe the damage to the brain will be less. A consumer may have: Severe headache A tingly feeling in some parts of the body Drooping eyelid, mouth, or face muscles Trouble seeing A consumer may have trouble: Seeing out of one or both eyes Gripping things with one or both hands Moving one side of the body Moving their arms, fingers, legs, or toes Talking, or understanding other people when they talk Understanding what s going on Optimum Health Remain Safe Relax Be aware of sight problems Eat right Prevent bedsores Get plenty of rest Observe and Report Someone who has had a stroke may not be able to tell you how they are feeling. So watch carefully and report these changes. Cannot control their bowel or bladder Coughs or chokes when they chew or swallow Has hard stools Has skin changes 39

14 Is sad or in pain Shows signs of infection ACT FAST! The faster you act, the less their brain will be damaged. A video about the signs and symptoms of a stroke is available from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Go to: The video is also available in Spanish, Portuguese, and Khmer. 40

15 Cancer What Is Cancer? Cancer happens when cells grow and spread out of control. This stops parts of the body from doing their jobs. Cancer can start in almost any body part. Cancer cells may spread to other parts of the body and may cause death. Common Types of Cancer: Colon Lung Breast Prostate gland Skin Signs of Cancer Signs of cancer depend on what part of the body is affected, and what happens when that body part stops working. They also depend on how far along the cancer is. 41

16 Cancer Treatment There are 2 main types of cancer treatment: Radiation uses X-rays to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy uses strong chemicals to kill cancer cells. Note: cancer treatments can kill healthy cells, too. This causes side effects. Side Effects of Cancer Treatment A consumer may: Be in pain Eat too little Feel sick to their stomach, or throw up Feel very tired Lose their hair A consumer may have: Cuts in their mouth, or bleeding gums Hard stools Sore skin where they get radiation Trouble tasting and smelling Optimum Health for a Consumer with Cancer: Listen to consumers Keep track of pain Keep germs from spreading Be gentle with gums Leave colored lines after treatment Eat and drink in small amounts Observe and Report Cuts or bruises Hard or loose stools Trouble swallowing, eating, or drinking Unexplained pain Signs of infection in their mouth 42

17 Diabetes: What it is? What Is Diabetes? Diabetes happens when the pancreas doesn t make enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use sugar in the blood. If blood sugar gets too low, a consumer can pass out and have seizures. This is very dangerous. People with diabetes are more likely to: Get sick from germs Get sores on their legs and feet Go blind People with diabetes are more likely to have: A heart attack or stroke Hurt nerves in their hands and feet Sick kidneys Trouble healing People with Type 1 diabetes take insulin shots every day. People with Type 2 diabetes eat certain foods and take medicine by mouth. 43

18 Diabetes: Signs and Symptoms A consumer may: Be very tired or thirsty Breathe fast Feel sick to their stomach, or throw up Not want to eat A consumer may have: Breath that smells like fruit Diarrhea Sores on their skin Signs of Low Blood Sugar A consumer may: Act confused or grumpy Feel very hungry or weak Have a headache Have trouble talking, walking, or seeing Shake Skip heartbeats Sweat a lot 44

19 Diabetes: Signs and Symptoms cont. Emergency Response! If a consumer with diabetes has signs of low blood sugar, respond quickly! If the consumer can swallow, give them 4 ounces of orange juice. If the consumer cannot swallow, follow the emergency action plan Observe and Report Changes in blood sugar readings Nausea and throwing up Very thirsty Breath smells sweet like fruit Breathing fast Confused Extremely tired Diarrhea Not hungry Sores on skin Foot has rashes, sores, open skin Signs of infection 45

20 Alzheimer s Disease: What is it? Alzheimer s disease happens when brain cells are slowly killed. Over time, people with Alzheimer s have more and more trouble thinking. For some people, their personality changes. There is no cure for Alzheimer s. Signs and symptoms Signs of Alzheimer s disease vary from person to person and from day to day. The changes start slowly and keep getting worse. The signs of disease are often worse at the end of the day than in the morning. A consumer may: Act like a different person Be confused about time and place Forget how to do daily tasks Lose their memory Swing quickly from one mood to another Wander A consumer may have trouble: Finding the right words Finishing a sentence Keeping their train of thought Making choices Thinking 46

21 Alzheimer s Disease: What is it? - Continued Optimum Health Post signs Remain safe Use the toilet regularly Help reduce the risk of wandering Pull back Support the family Observe and Report Confusion Stressed or slower to respond Trouble with daily tasks Wanders more often Will not take medicine 47

22 Parkinson s Disease: What it is? Parkinson s disease causes changes in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. These changes make people feel stiff, move slowly, and shake. It usually starts after age 50 and slowly gets worse. Signs and symptoms A consumer may: Drool Have shaking hands Have stiff muscles Move, walk, and speak slowly Show no feelings with their face Optimum Health Practice patience Drink plenty of fluids Consume foods that are easy to eat Maintain safety Observe and Report Trouble getting around or eating Problems with bowel movements Loses weight Unexplained sadness, worried, or cut off from other people Signs of infection 48

23 Multiple Sclerosis (MS): What is it? MS causes changes in the brain and spinal cord. These changes make people weak and have trouble moving. MS affects young adults. Signs and symptoms Signs of MS vary from person to person and from day to day. Sometimes the consumer seems much better. This is called remission. Sometimes the consumer gets worse. This is called exacerbation. A consumer may: Be weak Feel very sad Have stiff or weak arms or legs A consumer may have trouble: Controlling their bowel or bladder Moving, or moving the way they want to Walking or seeing Optimum Health Take medicine. Get plenty of rest. Remain safe Prevent pressure ulcers (bedsores) Exercise Protect the skin Eat and drink right ndout 8 Observe and Report Unexplained physical problems Hard stools Signs of infection Skin breakdown 49

24 Lung Disease: What is it? Lung disease makes it hard to get air into or out of the lungs. Lung disease is also called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD for short. Chronic means it does not go away. Types of lung disease include: Asthma Chronic bronchitis Emphysema Signs of Lung Disease A consumer may: Optimum Health Breathe through their mouth Have trouble breathing Make a whistling sound when they breathe Reduce the spread of germs Get plenty of rest Breathe and cough right Avoid smoking and second hand smoke Observe and Report Bluish skin color Changes in breathing or coughing Severe difficulty with ADL s Extreme sadness 50

25 Arthritis What Is Arthritis? Arthritis is a group of about 100 different diseases. The diseases can hurt the joints, cartilage, and connective tissues. They can cause pain and trouble moving. Arthritis is the top cause of disability in the United States. There are 2 types of arthritis: Osteoarthritis happens when joints that hold weight get worse. Rheumatoid arthritis happens when joints swell. It can affect muscles, too. It can also affect organs, such as the heart, lungs, and eyes. Signs of Arthritis A consumer may: Feel tired all the time Get stiff or have trouble moving after being still Have swollen, sore, or painful joints all the time A consumer may have trouble: Moving their joints Sleeping Optimum Health Help consumers with daily tasks Help consumers move their joints Move consumers gently Use hot and cold pads Observe and Report Hurt skin More pain and trouble moving Swollen or red joints Unexplained worry or sadness Signs of infection 51

26 Summary: Helping Sick Consumers Optimum Health for Consumers Who Are Sick Observe and report any changes Encourage independence whenever possible Eat right. Keep germs from spreading Workers should be sensitive to the consumer s feelings and their families 52