Choose a type of disease or other condition affecting the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, or reproductive system. Research the disease using the library, the internet and/or the textbooks available to you. Present the findings of your research in an essay to your instructor. Use the guidelines below to direct essay.
RESEARCH:
Diseases are homeostatic imbalances. The focus of your research should be on the anatomy and physiology of the disease. This means you should describe the anatomy (structure) and physiology (function) of a normal, healthy individual and then compare it to a person who is afflicted with the disease (how is homeostasis out of balance?). Use (and explain) as many terms and concepts learned in class as possible! The A & P is the most important part of your research and should be woven into all parts of your essay!
Your paper and presentation must also address the following topics:
§ Introduction – Introduce the disease with a general descriiption of what it is.
§ Statistics – Include statistics that describe how common the disease/disorder is. Also include information if it occurs more commonly in certain populations, for example, women or Asian-Americans.
§ Signs & Symptoms – Describe the signs and symptoms, providing a brief explanation of any sign or symptom that is not self-explanatory.
§ Cause – Possibilities include inflammation, infection, abnormal cell growth, heredity, malnutrition, environmental factors, or stress. Explain how the cause (if known) of the disease/disorder produces the signs and symptoms. Be as specific as possible. In some cases, the disease may be idiopathic (no known cause).
§ Prevention – If the disease can be prevented, explain how. If not, explain why it can’t be prevented (your reason will probably refer back to the cause of the disease).
§ Diagnosis – List all procedures that can be used to determine if a person has the disease. Procedures may include laboratory tests, diagnostic imaging techniques (such as MRI), biopsy, physical examination, asking the patient questions about their symptoms, family history, and others. You must provide an explanation of each procedure, specifically describing what signs the doctor is looking for. Always try to connect the diagnoses to the cause and/or symptoms of the disease.
§ Complications – Are there any complications that may develop in a person suffering from the disease? Explain how the complications affect the patient.
§ Treatment Options– List all treatments that can be used to help the patient. Treatments may include medication, lifestyle changes, surgery, physical therapy, and others. You must provide a brief explanation of each type of treatment, specifically describing what signs or symptoms the treatment is designed to alleviate. Be as specific as possible.
§ Prognosis – Describe the typical outcome of the disease. Include the chances for complete recovery, if there is any permanent loss of function, or possibility of death.
PAPER:
Your paper should be at least two pages in length, typed in a standard 12 font Times New Roman, have standard margins (1” to 1.25”), double-spaced, and follow all standards for written English (spelling, grammar, etc.). You may organize your essay however you like, as long as it is logical and includes all required information. Use APA format from the American Psychological Association for scientific papers.
You must use at least two sources in your research. You must include a bibliography at the end of your paper, listing each reference used according to the format provided below.
Formatting the Bibliography:
§ Always underline the title of the work cited.
§ Alphabetize by the author’s last name.
§ If there is no author, alphabetize by title.
§ Always indent the second or third lines (5 spaces).
§ Always leave 1 space after commas and 2 spaces after periods and colons.
§ Follow these examples:
An article from an internet site:
Bradshaw, Gary S. “Wilbur and Orville Wright.” Oct. 1996. URL: http://www.wam.umd.edu/~srwright/WrBr/Wrights.html
For a book with one author:
Robinson, Adam. What Smart Students Know. New York: Crown Paperbacks, 1993.
For a book with two authors:
Sorensen, Sharon, and Bob LeBreck. The Research Paper. New York: Amsco Publications, 1994.
For a book with no author:
The World of Learning. London: Europa Publications, 1995.
A signed article in an encyclopedia:
Rupp, Ernest Gordon. “Erasmus.” Encyclopaedia Britannica: Macropaedia. 1991 ed.
An unsigned article in an encyclopedia:
“Mandarin.” Encyclopedia Americana. 1991 ed.
An article in a magazine:
Begley, Sharon. “A Healthy Dose of Laughter.” Newsweek 4 Oct. 1982: 74.
An article in a newspaper:
Brody, Jane E. “Multiple Cancers Termed On Increase.” New York Times 10 Oct. 1976: A37.
GRADING:
There will be no excuses for late essays. All essays should be submitted by the due date.
Your essay will be worth 100 points.
§ 40 points for adequate and accurate discussion of anatomy and physiology throughout
§ 30 points for content:
– 5 points for statistics
– 5 points for the signs and symptoms
– 3 points for the cause
– 5 point for prevention
– 5 points for the diagnosis
– 2 point for complications
– 3 points for treatment options
– 2 point for prognosis
§ 20 points for mechanics and format
§ 10 points for the bibliography
TOTAL = 100 points (essay)