Pathophysiology is referred to as the foundation of nursing practice. This is because it outlines a nurse’s primary responsibilities, such as administering medications, helping in the treatment of chronic and acute illnesses, assisting with diagnostic testing, disease prevention, and managing general healthcare for patients.
Nurses who are well-versed in pathophysiology and can recognize its symptoms and signs provide a superior quality of advanced care.
To further accelerate learning opportunities, enrolling in an UIndy online AGPCNP program can help aspiring nurses plan their future in the ever-evolving field and recognize advanced pathophysiology as a suitable practice choice.
The importance of pathophysiology in nursing
Pathophysiology combines physiology and pathology to understand abnormalities (physical and biological) that occur in the body due to a health condition or disease.
It may be anything, from diagnosing the probable cause of a headache, be it dehydration, a pinched nerve, stress, etc., to more severe conditions, such as why individuals diagnosed with Bell’s palsy may not be able to drink from a straw properly.
As another example, if a patient suffers heart failure, the nurse understands what that does to the body, i.e., the pathophysiology of heart failure. Thus, the nurse would be able to act quickly to prevent serious complications or, worse, death.
For practicing nurses, pathophysiology explains why a patient is experiencing pain, agony, frustration, or difficulty. Pathophysiology in nursing helps practicing nurses understand quickly and accurately why any abnormal changes in health have occurred in a patient, their root cause, and what they can do about them.
By observing and studying these changes and their effects, practicing nurses can effectively communicate with doctors, physicians, and other health practitioners about how the patient’s treatment may evolve.
Helpful skills for pathophysiology in practice
To effectively employ pathophysiology in practice, nurses must be able to use soft skills and skills relative to their field.
Critical thinking
Nurse practitioners can benefit from proficient critical thinking skills when implementing pathophysiological principles to diagnose and analyze a patient’s injury, health condition, or disease.
Professionals who efficiently synthesize medical data can better help patients cope and apply well-timed preventative measures.
Clinical knowledge
To efficiently apply the pathophysiology discipline to daily nursing practice, nurses must thoroughly understand chronic and acute diseases and their impact on the human body. Nurses must also have a vast knowledge of medications and other effective treatments to treat patients’ symptoms and alleviate their pain.
Effective communication
Communication skills, written or oral, are vital for nurses when facilitating care. Nurses must be able to communicate competently with doctors and other healthcare professionals about their patients’ diagnoses and possible treatments. Nurse practitioners also use strong communication skills to instruct their patients on addressing their conditions and preventing them from deteriorating.
How nurses implement pathophysiology in their practice
Pathophysiology applies to various duties in nursing, especially when helping in the diagnoses and prevention of some of the following illnesses.
Asthma
Airborne allergens or other irritants can cause or aggravate asthma. Nurses well-versed in the pathophysiology of asthma know the body’s response is characterized by mucus buildup, inflammation, edema, and bronchoconstriction. Therefore, they offer patients guidance on managing pain, avoiding allergens and other possible triggers, and treating the condition with prescription medications.
Obesity
According to the CDC, the US obesity prevalence was 41.9% in 2017. Obesity can lead to many severe conditions, such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, etc. By spreading awareness and teaching patients about exercise, following a healthy diet, and more, nurses lower the chances of dangerous conditions developing in obese patients. Nurses may also help patients manage their weight via bariatric surgery or prescription medication.
Heart failure
Heart failure can result from various causes, most commonly diabetes, myocardial infarction, hypertension, and heart disease. An in-depth understanding of the pathophysiology of heart failure is essential for nurses to recognize the associated symptoms and specify the most effective treatment. Even though heart failure has a high morbidity rate, nurses can employ certain treatment methods to help reduce symptoms and prolong patients’ lives.
Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder resulting from a significant loss of dopamine in the brain. The disease typically affects people over 60, growing in severity with time. Despite there being no cure, early diagnosis and effective treatment can help slow the progression of symptoms.
Nurses educated in the pathophysiology of this disease can help patients via deep brain stimulation, neuroprotective treatment, and symptomatic pharmacotherapy. They may also help by educating patients and their families about the condition.