Organomegaly
As people grow older, their bodies become less effective in maintaining homeostasis, and as such, they are left vulnerable to a wide range of diseases. These may range from cardiovascular diseases, diseases spread through genes as well as Organomegaly. According to Chan (2018), Organomegaly is the abnormal enlargement of crucial body organs that eventually result in significant complications to the patients. Clitoromegaly, for instance, is the abnormal enlargement of the female sex organ, the clitoris, while cardiomegaly is the abnormal enlargement of the heart. Enlargement of different organs often leads to different signs and symptoms; however, depending on the organ’s location within the body, the exhibited signs and symptoms may be similar, thereby requiring a much more focused diagnosis. Herein a patient is diagnosed with a type of organomegaly based on his medical history as well as the commonly experienced signs and symptoms. The diagnosis is to understand the impact of the disease on the individual and effectively develop a treatment program that would enhance the minimization of pain and enhance better quality of living for the patient. The patient’s initial diagnosis based on the mentioned signs and symptoms indicates a possibility of organomegaly in the right upper quadrant.
Priority Diagnosis
According to Rull and Payne (2019), the right upper quadrant of the body is an anatomical area of human physiology, also known as the Epigastrium. The area extends from the median plane of the human body to the right side of the patient and from the umbilical plane to the right ribcage. Sulivan (2019) outlines that the right upper quadrant (RUQ) of the human body contains all or part of crucial body organs, including the Liver, Gal bladder, Pancreases, Duodenum, the colon, and the stomach. Each of these organs has the potential of enlargement as a result of Organomegaly; however, the most probable organ to enlarge would be the liver. The priority diagnosis for Mr. Alvarez as such would be the enlargement of the liver, a condition known as Hepatomegaly. The diagnosis is also made based on Mr. Alvarez’s signs and symptoms exhibited and recorded in his Chiet.
According to Sethi (2014), one of the key and distinguishing symptoms of liver diseases include Jaundice or the yellowing of an individual’s skin or eyes. In addition, the patient also exhibited symptoms such as abdominal pains, vomiting, fatigue, and weight loss, all of which are consistent with Hepatomegaly, as highlighted by Sethi (2014). Further signs and symptoms to look out for also include Muscle aches, itching, nausea, poor appetite, swelling of the legs and feet, easy bruising, and increased abdominal size. However, necessary for the ultimate diagnosis of Hepatomegaly, Physical examinations are necessary to ascertain the enlargement of the Liver size. Also, According to Robinson (2020), imaging tests such as CT (powerful X-Ray) MRI and Ultrasound scans are crucial in the diagnosis process.
Pathophysiological Processes
The organ most impacted is the liver. According to Robinson (2020), the liver is the largest body organ and also the only one with the ability to regenerate. Hepatomegaly is often a symptom of the lack of proper functioning of the liver. It could be a sign of overgrowth of the liver or another disease impacting the organ. Based on Mayo Clinic (2019), particular medication such as statins and amiodarone may also cause significant injury to the liver, making it susceptible to Hepatomegaly. However, the most common recorded causes of Hepatomegaly include Alcohol liver disease or widespread liver damage resulting from fatty deposits scaring or inflammation resulting from alcohol consumption. Nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases caused by a buildup of non-alcohol related fats such as cholesterol in the liver are also a more common cause of Hepatomegaly. This kind of infection, however, is more prevalent among overweight and obese individuals.
According to Robinson (2020), blood circulation abnormalities such as the blocking of the blood vessels leading to and from the heart and liver cancer are also more common causes among patients suffering Hepatomegaly. In addition, Sethi (2014) confirms that Viral hepatitis, Liver cirrhosis, and metastatic cancer that starts from other organs and spread to the liver are also significant causes of Hepatomegaly. Other less common causes have also be recorded and include Blood cancer of the lymphatic system, otherwise known as Lymphoma, a Blood cancer of the bone marrow, Leukemia, Multiple Myeloma as well as Iron and copper buildup in the liver. Toxic hepatitis or liver inflammation from chemical poisoning, Bile duct and gall bladder obstruction and Hepatic cysts have all been linked to Hepatomeglay as well (Sethi, 2014)
Individuals have a higher risk factor of contracting the disease based on genetic factors and diseases, which are inherited, such as inflammatory bowel disease, Liver cancer, chronic liver disease, Sickle cell disease, obesity, and autoimmune disorders (Sethi, 2014). However, other risk factors that may lead to the development of the disease in an otherwise healthy individual include lifestyle factors. For instance, excessive alcohol consumption, consumption of herbs such as comfrey and mistletoe, blood transfusions, Tattoos, unprotected sex, and even traveling to foreign countries with a high risk of malaria infection.
Treatment and Care
The treatment and care plan of a Hepatomeglay patient is inherently dependent on the cause of the condition (Robinson, 2020). While the exact cause of Hepatomeglay is not precise yet, the care plan developed is based on the level and credibility of information available for use. The Objective data available is that James Alvarez, a 52-year-old, is admitted with complaints of abdominal pain, vomiting, fatigue, and weight loss. The patient also exhibits an increase in Abdominal sizes as well as a discoloration of the eye pigment to yellow; all symptoms are indicative of Hepatomegaly. On the other hand, subjective data include experiencing nausea, lack of appetite, fatigue, and RUQ abdominal pains.
As such, the most relevant and applicable interventions for adequate care and treatment of Mr. Alvarez’s condition would include Complete respiratory and vitals assessment and monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance, including recording daily weights on every visit and consultation with the patient. While decreasing weight and blood pressure may be indicative of the effectiveness in intervention techniques, the consequent increase in blood pressure and weight may indicate vascular congestion.
The treatment and care protocols would also include the administration of appropriate medications for Hepatomegaly’s ultimate causes. Based on the Mayo Clinic (2019), some of these medications may include: Lactulose, Analgesics, Blood products, Diuretics, Vitamin K. encouraging and leading the patient towards the adoption of favorable lifestyle changes would also include part of the practical care plan. Malnutrition is often significantly associated with liver complications, and as such, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet during the treatment and recuperation process is essential to eventual recovery. The care plan also includes adequate rest and conservation of energy for the patient to recoup his energy levels.
Conclusion
Significant signs and symptoms highlighted by the patient expressly indicate the possibility of Hepatomegaly. Given that the patient does not involve in alcohol consumption, a wide range of other possibilities, including liver diseases and blood vessel complications, are possible causes of the disease. Mr. Alvarez may also give developed the disease as a result of other lifestyle practices such as consumption of foods with increased levels of nonalcoholic fats and cholesterol, which significantly impact the liver and its normal functioning. Given the full range of possible causes, a more precise and focused diagnosis is crucial to ensure adequate treatment and care. Regardless of the care and treatment offered through changes in lifestyle for individuals suffering, Hepatomeglay is crucial to minimize the underlying causes. The patients can also be effectively treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or even surgery depending on how far out the disease has advanced before diagnosis.
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