QUESTION 1
A. What is the Primary Function of Metabolism?
Definition of Metabolism:
Metabolism refers to all the chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life. It involves two key processes:
Catabolism – the breakdown of molecules to release energy.
Anabolism – the synthesis of all compounds needed by the cells.
Primary Function:
The primary function of metabolism is to:
Convert food into energy (for cellular activities),
Build and repair tissues,
Regulate bodily functions (through enzyme and hormone activity),
Eliminate waste products.
Simplified Explanation
Metabolism is like the body’s engine. Just as a car burns fuel to move, the human body “burns” food to produce energy, build cells, repair damage, and keep the organs working properly.
B. List 6 Organs and Body Tissues Responsible for Metabolism
Liver – main site of metabolism; detoxifies substances, processes nutrients.
Muscles – use energy for movement and heat production.
Pancreas – produces insulin and enzymes for digestion.
Thyroid gland – regulates metabolic rate through thyroid hormones.
Kidneys – filter blood and help eliminate metabolic waste.
Adipose (fat) tissue – stores energy and releases it when needed.
Gastrointestinal (GI) tract – digests food and absorbs nutrients.
Brain – uses a significant amount of energy to regulate bodily functions.
C. Nursing Management of a Patient Receiving Non-Narcotic Analgesia (5 Points)
Assess pain regularly using pain scales (e.g., 0–10 scale or Wong-Baker Faces).
Monitor for side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort or bleeding (especially with NSAIDs).
Check for allergies before administering any medication.
Ensure correct dosage and timing as prescribed.
Educate the patient on the importance of taking analgesics with food (if required).
Observe renal and liver function, especially for patients on long-term therapy.
Encourage non-pharmacological pain relief methods (e.g., positioning, relaxation).
Document pain levels, medication given, and patient’s response to treatment.
D. State 5 Classifications of Antibiotics by Their Mechanism of Action
Inhibitors of Cell Wall Synthesis
Example: Penicillins, Cephalosporins
Inhibitors of Protein Synthesis
Example: Aminoglycosides, Tetracyclines, Macrolides
Inhibitors of Nucleic Acid Synthesis
Example: Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin)
Antimetabolites (Inhibit Folic Acid Synthesis)
Example: Sulfonamides, Trimethoprim
Disruptors of Cell Membrane Function
Example: Polymyxins
RNA Polymerase Inhibitors
Example: Rifampicin
Mycolic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors (specific for mycobacteria)
Example: Isoniazid
QUESTION 2
Ms. Bonte has received a diagnosis of tuberculosis. She is concern because her primary health care provider has informed her that the treatment regimen consists of three drugs, isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide, taken for the 2 months, followed by a 4-month treatment regimen with two of the drugs.
A. State the rationales the nurse can give Ms. Bonte for the use of multiple drugs and the need for long term therapy.
B. State and explain the meaning of DOT in TB treatment.
C. State 6 characteristics of cancer cells, explain.
D. State with example each, 6 cytotoxic agents in clinical use
A. Rationale for the Use of Multiple Drugs and Long-Term Therapy in TB Treatment
1. Prevent Drug Resistance:
Using multiple drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, etc.) helps prevent the development of drug-resistant TB strains. If only one drug is used, TB bacteria can quickly become resistant.
2. Kill All Bacteria:
Different TB drugs work at different stages of bacterial growth. Some kill actively dividing bacteria (e.g., isoniazid), while others target dormant or slowly replicating bacteria (e.g., pyrazinamide).
3. Improve Treatment Effectiveness:
Combining drugs increases the chance of curing TB completely and reduces the risk of relapse.
4. Long-Term Therapy is Needed Because:
TB bacteria grow slowly and hide in body tissues. A short course would not be enough to fully eradicate them. The 6-month treatment ensures that all bacteria, including dormant ones, are destroyed.
B. Meaning of DOT in TB Treatment
DOT stands for Directly Observed Therapy.
Explanation:
DOT is a TB treatment strategy where a healthcare provider or trained individual watches the patient take every dose of their medication.
Purpose of DOT:
Ensures medication adherence.
Prevents drug resistance.
Improves cure rates.
Reduces TB transmission to others.
Supports the patient emotionally and medically during treatment.
C. Six Characteristics of Cancer Cells (with Explanation)
Uncontrolled Cell Division:
Cancer cells bypass normal signals that regulate growth and divide uncontrollably.
Loss of Apoptosis (Cell Death):
They do not die when they should, allowing abnormal cells to survive and multiply.
Invasion and Metastasis:
Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and spread (metastasize) to distant organs.
Angiogenesis:
They stimulate the formation of new blood vessels to supply nutrients for rapid growth.
Abnormal Shape and Size:
Cancer cells often appear larger, irregular, or deformed compared to normal cells.
Avoid Immune Detection:
They can “hide” from the immune system or suppress immune responses, allowing them to grow unchecked.
D. Five Cytotoxic Agents in Clinical Use
Alkylating Agents
Example: Cyclophosphamide
Function: Damages DNA, preventing cancer cells from dividing.
Antimetabolites
Example: Methotrexate
Function: Mimics natural substances, interfering with DNA and RNA synthesis.
Anthracyclines
Example: Doxorubicin
Function: Interferes with enzymes involved in DNA replication.
Plant Alkaloids
Example: Vincristine
Function: Inhibits mitosis by affecting the mitotic spindle.
Topoisomerase Inhibitors
Example: Etoposide
Function: Prevents DNA unwinding, halting replication.
Platinum Compounds
Example: Cisplatin
Function: Forms cross-links in DNA, leading to cell death.
