Allergies: More Than A Sneeze (3021) View online course now

Updated - Expires: 08/2012

Author: Shelda L. Shank, RN, BSN, PHN

In 1906, a physician, Clement Von Pirquet, coined the term from two Greek words allos meaning "changed or altered state" and ergon meaning "reaction or reactivity", implying a hypersensitivity to a specific substance(s) that does not cause symptoms in most people. Allergy is defined as an adverse physiologic or biologic reaction resulting from interaction of antigen and humoral antibody or lymphoid cells and occurring in a host sensitized by prior exposure to the antigen. Any study of allergy must be based on the immunological process, the root of all allergic reactions.

Course objectives include:

• State the medical definition of "allergy."
• Outline the immunologic basis upon which antigen-antibody reactions occur.
• Describe how antibodies are formed in the body.
• Outline the FOUR distinct types of allergic reactions.
• List the FIVE major types of immunoglobulins normally present in adults.
• Distinguish between a complement, receptor and mediator as they relate to sensitization.
• Define what makes a substance allergenic.
• List the trigger mechanisms in tissue hypersensitivity.
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the diagnostic procedure necessary to confirm the presence of allergic disease.
• Identify and outline the process. of food allergy development and treatments to alleviate symptoms.
• Recognize factors to consider in prophylaxis of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis.
• Outline a regimen for symptomatic treatment of seasonal and perennial rhinitis.
• Differentiate between atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis and name the generalized treatments.
• Define anaphylaxis and list the general signs and symptoms.
• Define the course of treatment for immunotherapy.
• Outline how complementary/ alternative therapies are effective in allergy treatment and prevention.

An Integrative Approach: Coping With COPD    View online course now

Updated

Author:
Kim Cathcart, MS, RN, RRT

The goal of the enclosed course is to familiarize you with a variety of aspects of COPD, using an integrative approach. Nurses are important facilitators in coordinating treatments and teaching the patient in areas that range from nutrition, breathing exercises, medication usage/ adherence, pathophysiology of the disease process, and alternative therapy modalities. You will also briefly learn about the four major diseases involved, including A/P, etiology, and pathogenesis. A review of ABGs, V/Q ratio, clinical features and treatments of COPD will be discussed. The goal is to provide you with optimum, accurate information including a lengthy section of Bonus Information that introduces you to natural methods, home remedies, and nutrient plans to give your patient the opportunity to incorporate complementary therapies along with their medical protocol.

Course objectives include:

1. Summarize chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma and bronchiectasis.
2. Define the normal control of ventilation in order to identify abnormal pathologies like hypoxic drive and CO2 narcosis.
3. Differentiate auscultation of adventitious and vesicular breath sounds.
4. Define normal ventilation / perfusion ratios and relate abnormalities in disease states.
5. Outline normal blood gas values as a review of what disease states change these normalities.
6. Distinguish COPD abnormalities in roentgenograms and EKG’s and incorporate them with disease states.
7. Outline treatment options for COPD clients, by identifying areas researchers are working on to improve COPD’s effects.
8. Outline integrated material and synthesize to complete critical thinking segment.

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