CCMA 3.0 Focused Review Notes

Pathophysiology and Disease Process

Common Diseases, Conditions, and Injuries

• Medical assistants gain familiarity with diseases through experience.
• Common diseases are categorized by body systems.

Integumentary System Conditions

Cellulitis

• Signs/Symptoms: Swollen, red, hot skin
• Etiology: Bacteria (Streptococcus/Staphylococcus) infects connective tissue
• Diagnosis: Physical exam, wound culture, blood tests
• Treatment: Rest, remove dead tissue, antibiotics

Dermatitis

• Signs/Symptoms: Red, itchy rash, blisters, oily scales
• Etiology: Allergic reaction
• Diagnosis: Physical examination
• Treatment: Moisturizers, steroid creams

Eczema

• Signs/Symptoms: Red, itchy skin, vesicular lesions
• Etiology: Hereditary/environmental factors
• Diagnosis: Physical examination
• Treatment: Soap, moisturizers, steroid creams, antihistamines

Skin Cancer (Basal Cell)

• Signs/Symptoms: Waxy bump, non-healing sore
• Etiology: UVB exposure
• Diagnosis: Physical exam, biopsy
• Treatment: Surgical excision, nitrogen freezing

Skin Cancer (Melanoma)

• Signs/Symptoms: Irregular moles
• Etiology: UVB exposure
• Diagnosis: Physical exam, biopsy
• Treatment: Surgery, radiation

Skeletal System Conditions

Sprain

• Signs/Symptoms: Swelling, bruising, decreased mobility
• Etiology: Joint overextension
• Diagnosis: Physical exam, imaging
• Treatment: RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)

Osteoporosis

• Signs/Symptoms: Fractures, back pain
• Etiology: Malnutrition, aging
• Diagnosis: DEXA scan
• Treatment: Medications to slow bone loss

Osteoarthritis

• Signs/Symptoms: Joint pain, stiffness
• Etiology: Cartilage degeneration
• Diagnosis: Physical exam, imaging
• Treatment: Physical therapy, exercise, steroid injections

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Signs/Symptoms: Joint pain, decreased mobility
• Etiology: Autoimmune disorder
• Diagnosis: Physical exam, blood tests
• Treatment: Physical therapy, medication

Gout

• Signs/Symptoms: Red, hot, swollen joint
• Etiology: Uric acid crystals
• Diagnosis: Joint aspiration
• Treatment: Anti-inflammatory medication, dietary changes

Muscular System Diseases

Muscular Dystrophy

• Signs/Symptoms: Progressive muscle weakness
• Etiology: Genetic mutation
• Diagnosis: History, exam, genetic testing
• Treatment: Physical therapy, medications

Myopathy

• Signs/Symptoms: Muscle weakness, cramps
• Etiology: Various disease processes
• Diagnosis: Symptom-based
• Treatment: Depends on cause, includes therapy and medications

Myalgia

• Signs/Symptoms: Muscle pain
• Etiology: Injury, infection
• Diagnosis: Symptom-based
• Treatment: Cause-dependent, includes therapy and medications

Repetitive Stress Disorder

• Signs/Symptoms: Pain, tingling, swelling
• Etiology: Repetitive tasks
• Diagnosis: History, exam
• Treatment: Medications, rest, surgery if severe

Shin Splints

• Signs/Symptoms: Leg pain and swelling
• Etiology: Repeated stress
• Diagnosis: History, exam
• Treatment: RICE, surgery if severe

Cardiovascular System Diseases

Anemia

• Signs/Symptoms: Fatigue, dizziness
• Etiology: Blood loss, hemoglobin dysfunction
• Diagnosis: Blood test
• Treatment: Transfusion, iron/vitamin K

Atherosclerosis

• Signs/Symptoms: Chest pain, TIAs
• Etiology: Arterial hardening
• Diagnosis: Exams, imaging
• Treatment: Diet, exercise, medications, surgery

Congestive Heart Failure

• Signs/Symptoms: Fatigue, edema
• Etiology: Heart pumping inadequacy
• Diagnosis: History, imaging
• Treatment: Manage weight, medications

Hemophilia

• Signs/Symptoms: Excessive bleeding
• Etiology: Clotting factor absence
• Diagnosis: History, blood tests
• Treatment: Replacement therapy

Hypertension

• Signs/Symptoms: High blood pressure
• Etiology: Genetics, lifestyle
• Diagnosis: Consistent hypertension
• Treatment: Medications, lifestyle changes

Myocardial Infarction

• Signs/Symptoms: Chest pain, nausea
• Etiology: Ischemia from occlusion
• Diagnosis: EKG, blood tests
• Treatment: Medications, surgery

Urinary System Diseases

Acute Renal Failure

• Signs/Symptoms: Decreased urine, fluid retention
• Etiology: Kidney damage
• Diagnosis: Urine output, blood tests
• Treatment: Correct underlying cause, dialysis

Chronic Renal Failure

• Signs/Symptoms: High blood pressure, fatigue
• Etiology: Progressive kidney dysfunction
• Diagnosis: Blood test
• Treatment: Blood pressure control, dialysis if severe

Renal Calculi

• Signs/Symptoms: Back pain, urine pain
• Etiology: Crystalline deposits
• Diagnosis: Blood/urine tests, imaging
• Treatment: Hydration, pain relief, lithotripsy

Urinary Incontinence

• Signs/Symptoms: Urine leakage
• Etiology: Bladder control loss
• Diagnosis: History, urinalysis
• Treatment: Kegel exercises, surgery

Urinary Tract Infection

• Signs/Symptoms: Urgent urination, pain
• Etiology: E. coli infection
• Diagnosis: Urinalysis, cultures
• Treatment: Antibiotics

Gastrointestinal System Diseases

Appendicitis

• Signs/Symptoms: Abdominal pain, fever
• Etiology: Appendix inflammation
• Diagnosis: History, imaging
• Treatment: Surgical removal

Celiac Disease

• Signs/Symptoms: Anemia, diarrhea
• Etiology: Gluten immune response
• Diagnosis: Tests, biopsy
• Treatment: Gluten-free diet

Colorectal Cancer

• Signs/Symptoms: Fatigue, bowel changes
• Etiology: Colon cancer
• Diagnosis: Colonoscopy
• Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy

Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis

• Signs/Symptoms: Pain, fever
• Etiology: Colon herniations
• Diagnosis: Colonoscopy
• Treatment: Antibiotics for inflammation

GERD

• Signs/Symptoms: Heartburn, swallowing difficulty
• Etiology: Sphincter dysfunction
• Diagnosis: Endoscopy
• Treatment: Lifestyle changes, surgery if severe

Respiratory System Diseases

Acute Respiratory Distress

• Signs/Symptoms: Shortness of breath, rapid breathing
• Etiology: Fluid in alveoli
• Diagnosis: Blood gas, x-ray
• Treatment: Oxygen, ventilation

Asthma

• Signs/Symptoms: Wheezing, chest tightness
• Etiology: Airway inflammation
• Diagnosis: Pulmonary tests
• Treatment: Inhaled/oral medications

Bronchitis

• Signs/Symptoms: Coughing, mucus
• Etiology: Viral or smoking
• Diagnosis: Exam, x-ray
• Treatment: Resolves naturally or therapy

COPD

• Signs/Symptoms: Cough, breath shortness
• Etiology: Lung airflow blockage
• Diagnosis: Tests, x-ray
• Treatment: Stop smoking, medication

Rhinitis

• Signs/Symptoms: Sneezing, runny nose
• Etiology: Mucous membrane irritation
• Diagnosis: Exam
• Treatment: Antihistamines, steroids

Nervous System Diseases

Alzheimer’s Disease

• Signs/Symptoms: Memory loss, impaired judgment
• Etiology: Brain cell destruction
• Diagnosis: History, cognitive tests
• Treatment: Symptom management

Cerebral Concussion

• Signs/Symptoms: Headache, dizziness
• Etiology: Brain injury
• Diagnosis: Exam
• Treatment: Rest

Sciatica

• Signs/Symptoms: Radiating leg pain
• Etiology: Nerve compression
• Diagnosis: Strength/reflex tests
• Treatment: Medications, physical therapy

Stroke (CVA)

• Signs/Symptoms: FAST symptoms
• Etiology: Blood supply decrease or rupture
• Diagnosis: Neurological exam, imaging
• Treatment: Immediate blood restoration

Shingles

• Signs/Symptoms: Blisters, nerve pain
• Etiology: Varicella zoster virus
• Diagnosis: History, rash pattern
• Treatment: Antivirals, pain relief

Endocrine System Diseases

Cushing Syndrome

• Signs/Symptoms: Fat deposits, muscle loss
• Etiology: Corticosteroid overuse
• Diagnosis: High blood pressure, glucose intolerance
• Treatment: Lower glucocorticoid levels

Diabetes Mellitus Type 1

• Signs/Symptoms: Thirst, hunger, weight loss
• Etiology: Insulin production lack
• Diagnosis: Glucose tests
• Treatment: Insulin, diet

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

• Signs/Symptoms: Similar to Type 1
• Etiology: Insulin resistance
• Diagnosis: Glucose tests
• Treatment: Medications, lifestyle changes

Hyperthyroidism

• Signs/Symptoms: Weight loss, increased appetite
• Etiology: Thyroid hormone overproduction
• Diagnosis: Thyroid scans
• Treatment: Antithyroid medications

Hypothyroidism

• Signs/Symptoms: Dry skin, weight gain
• Etiology: Hormone underproduction
• Diagnosis: Hormone tests
• Treatment: Synthetic hormone

Graves’ Disease

• Signs/Symptoms: Enlarged thyroid, weight loss
• Etiology: Immune system malfunction
• Diagnosis: Symptoms, hormone tests
• Treatment: RAI therapy, surgery

Reproductive System Diseases

Candidiasis

• Signs/Symptoms: Itching, discharge
• Etiology: Fungal overgrowth
• Diagnosis: Discharge testing
• Treatment: Medications

Ectopic Pregnancy

• Signs/Symptoms: Pelvic pain
• Etiology: Zygote implantation issue
• Diagnosis: Exam, ultrasound
• Treatment: Termination, surgery

Endometriosis

• Signs/Symptoms: Pelvic pain, infertility
• Etiology: Tissue growth outside uterus
• Diagnosis: Exam, laparoscopy
• Treatment: Medication, surgery

Genital Herpes

• Signs/Symptoms: Pain, sores
• Etiology: Herpes simplex virus
• Diagnosis: Sores examination
• Treatment: Antivirals

Inguinal Hernia

• Signs/Symptoms: Groin bulging
• Etiology: Intestine protrusion
• Diagnosis: Exam
• Treatment: Surgery

Cryptorchidism

• Signs/Symptoms: Undescended testicle
• Etiology: Unknown or structural issues
• Diagnosis: Exam
• Treatment: Surgery

Testicular Torsion

• Signs/Symptoms: Severe pain
• Etiology: Testicle twist
• Diagnosis: Exam
• Treatment: Surgery

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

• Signs/Symptoms: Urinary discomfort
• Etiology: Hormonal changes
• Diagnosis: Exams, tests
• Treatment: Surgery

Diagnostic Measures and Treatment Modalities

• Diagnostic tests include blood work, urinalysis, imaging
• Imaging with radiation includes x-rays, CTs, etc.
• Non-radiation imaging uses MRI, ultrasound
• Contrast materials enhance radiologic imaging
• Nuclear medicine uses radioactive tracers

Epidemics and Pandemics

• Endemic disease spreads normally
• Epidemics are rapid spreads
• Pandemics are worldwide outbreaks
• Prevention: hand hygiene, isolation
• CDC and WHO monitor disease spread