Chapter 11: Living With Chronic Illness

The symptoms described, such as trouble sleeping, memory loss, sudden anger, and suspicion, are commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease. This neurodegenerative disorder primarily affects older individuals and is characterized by cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and difficulty with daily functioning. Type 1 diabetes, Kaposi's sarcoma, and AIDS do not typically present with these specific symptoms.

A chronic illness diagnosis requires adaptation because it brings about significant changes in a person's life. This can include adjustments to daily routines, lifestyle modifications, and coping with the emotional and physical challenges associated with the illness. Adapting to the diagnosis involves finding new ways to manage symptoms, seeking support from healthcare professionals, and making necessary changes to maintain overall well-being. It is a process that requires individuals to learn and develop new strategies to live with their condition effectively.

Based on the symptoms described, it is important for Donna to get tested for HIV infection. Night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, fever, loss of appetite, persistent diarrhea, a painful skin rash, and white spots in her mouth can be indicative of HIV infection. It is a misconception that women in monogamous sexual relationships cannot contract the HIV virus, as it can still be transmitted through various means. Therefore, it is crucial for Donna to get tested to determine her HIV status and seek appropriate medical care if necessary.

Families with a chronically ill child should find some positive aspect to their situation. This is because finding a positive aspect can help them cope with the challenges and difficulties that come with having a chronically ill child. It can provide them with hope, strength, and resilience to face the situation with a more positive mindset. Additionally, focusing on the positive aspects can also help create a more supportive and nurturing environment for the child, which can contribute to their overall well-being and quality of life.

Adults with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This is because diabetes can lead to the build-up of fatty deposits in the blood vessels, increasing the chances of heart attacks, strokes, and other heart-related complications. Therefore, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among adult diabetics. Lung cancer, suicide, and unintentional injuries may be significant health concerns for the general population, but they are not the primary cause of death specifically for diabetics.

High educational level is not a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. In fact, studies have shown that individuals with higher levels of education tend to have a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to those with lower levels of education. This may be due to the fact that education helps to build cognitive reserve, which can potentially delay the onset of cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Drugs are commonly prescribed to Alzheimer's patients to delay the progression of cognitive and psychological impairment. These drugs aim to slow down the decline in cognitive function and help manage the symptoms associated with the disease. While they cannot reverse cognitive impairment completely, they can provide some relief and improve the quality of life for patients. The use of drugs in Alzheimer's treatment is based on scientific evidence and research, rather than a placebo effect. Preventing wandering, although a concern for Alzheimer's patients, is not the primary reason for administering drugs in this context.

AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV attacks and weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and diseases. It is transmitted through certain body fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. HIV can be spread through sexual contact, sharing needles or syringes, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS, which is the final stage of the infection and is characterized by severe immune system damage and the development of opportunistic infections and cancers.

The correct answer is the destruction of the immune system, leaving people vulnerable to a variety of infections, any of which can be fatal. AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which attacks and weakens the immune system. As the immune system becomes compromised, individuals are more susceptible to infections that a healthy immune system would be able to fight off. These infections can range from common illnesses to more severe diseases, and can ultimately lead to death if left untreated.

Asthmatic attacks are commonly triggered by irritants such as cigarette smoke, dust mites, and chemical sprays. However, newspaper ink is not typically known to be a common trigger for asthma attacks. Therefore, newspaper ink is least likely to be included as a trigger for an asthmatic attack.

The given correct answer states that the cognitive behavioral program will help Wilford and his family adapt to the changes he needs to make in his life. This implies that the program will provide support and guidance to Wilford and his family in adjusting to the lifestyle changes required to manage his Type 2 diabetes. It suggests that the program will offer coping strategies, education, and resources to help them navigate the challenges associated with the condition.

Children and adolescents with diabetes may resist adhering to the dietary restrictions and exercise requirements because it can be challenging for them to make significant lifestyle changes. They may feel restricted or deprived of their favorite foods, leading to a resistance to follow the recommended diet. Additionally, incorporating regular exercise into their routine may require them to adjust their daily activities, which can be difficult for some children. This resistance can make it harder for them to effectively manage their diabetes and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

The least typical characteristic of Alzheimer's caregivers is being male. This is because the majority of Alzheimer's caregivers are female. Women are more likely to take on the role of caregiver, often due to societal expectations and traditional gender roles. While caregivers of both genders may experience grief, neglect of personal appearance, and feelings of shame and embarrassment, being male is less common among Alzheimer's caregivers.

The terms "juvenile-onset" and "adult-onset" are no longer used to describe types of diabetes because a large number of overweight children began to develop Type 2 diabetes. This means that diabetes is not solely limited to children or adults, and the distinction between juvenile-onset and adult-onset is no longer accurate or meaningful. The increase in Type 2 diabetes cases among overweight children has prompted the need for a more inclusive and accurate classification system for diabetes types.

The correct answer is a drop in the incidence of AIDS. This means that the number of new cases of AIDS has decreased over time. This could be due to various factors such as increased awareness and prevention efforts, improved access to healthcare and antiretroviral treatment, and changes in behavior and sexual practices. As a result, fewer people are becoming infected with HIV, leading to a decline in death rates from AIDS in the US since 1993.

The correct answer is young men because statistically, young men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as unprotected sex or drug use, which can increase their risk of contracting HIV. Additionally, young men may not have had access to comprehensive sex education or healthcare services, making them more vulnerable to HIV infection.

The process of grieving occurs in people who have been diagnosed with a chronic illness and in people whose loved ones have died. Grieving is a natural response to loss, and it can be experienced in various situations, including the loss of a loved one or the loss of one's own health due to a chronic illness. In both cases, individuals may go through stages of grief, such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, as they come to terms with the loss and adjust to their new reality. Psychological counseling can be helpful in supporting individuals through the grieving process and helping them cope with their emotions.

The given correct answer suggests that while people do experience the reactions described in the stages proposed by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, they may not necessarily experience them in the exact order she proposed. This implies that the stages of dying may not always follow a linear progression and can vary from person to person.

Apolipoprotein E seems to be involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Although the underlying causes of the disease are not fully understood, research suggests that apolipoprotein E, a protein involved in the transport and metabolism of lipids, may play a role in the development and progression of Alzheimer's. Certain variants of the apolipoprotein E gene have been associated with an increased risk of developing the disease. However, it is important to note that apolipoprotein E is just one of many factors that contribute to the complex nature of Alzheimer's disease.

The diathesis-stress model suggests that individuals with a genetic vulnerability are more susceptible to developing asthma when exposed to certain environmental factors. This model emphasizes the interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental triggers in the development of asthmatic reactions. It suggests that both factors are necessary for the manifestation of asthma symptoms, highlighting the complex nature of the condition.

The use of antiretroviral drugs during childbirth significantly decreases the likelihood of transmitting the HIV virus from an HIV-positive mother to her baby. This treatment has been proven to be highly effective in reducing transmission rates. However, it does not guarantee that the baby will be HIV-negative. While the use of antiretroviral drugs reduces the risk, there is still a possibility that the baby may test positive for the HIV virus. Additionally, it is important to note that infants cannot acquire HIV through breastfeeding, which is another correct statement. Therefore, both statements b and c are correct.

People with chronic disorders are more likely to comply with medical advice because they have a long-term condition that requires ongoing management. Unlike acute illnesses that may resolve quickly, chronic disorders require consistent adherence to treatment plans and lifestyle modifications. Individuals with chronic disorders understand the importance of following medical advice in order to manage their condition effectively and prevent further complications. This may include taking medications as prescribed, attending regular check-ups, and making necessary lifestyle changes.

Glucagon acts to stimulate the release of glucose, while insulin acts to take glucose into cells. Glucagon is released when blood sugar levels are low and it signals the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream. Insulin, on the other hand, is released when blood sugar levels are high and it helps to transport glucose from the bloodstream into the cells, where it can be used for energy or stored for later use.

European Americans have the lowest risk for Type 2 diabetes compared to other ethnic groups. This could be due to various factors such as genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices, and dietary habits. Research has shown that European Americans generally have a lower prevalence of obesity and higher levels of physical activity, which are both important factors in reducing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, European Americans tend to have a diet that is lower in carbohydrates and added sugars, which also contributes to a lower risk of developing the disease.

Most diabetics have inaccurate beliefs about blood glucose levels. This suggests that they may not have a clear understanding of how their glucose levels fluctuate throughout the day and how it can affect their insulin needs. This lack of accurate perception can potentially lead to difficulties in managing their diabetes effectively. It highlights the importance of education and support for diabetics to improve their knowledge and awareness of their blood glucose levels.