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Menstruation; Whats happening to my body?

Contents [ hide ] Introduction Actually, what you are experiencing is a normal physiological process that begins once a girl reaches puberty. The first menstruation in a woman’s life is referred to as menarche , this could happen between the ages of 10 to 15 with most (the average) girls having theirs around age 12. It involves bleeding from the uterus at regular intervals. The end of menstruation is termed menopause , this usually happens between the ages of 45 to 55. Menstruation is therefore defined as the cyclical or monthly flow of blood and shedding of endometrium including mucus, some enzymes and unfertilized ovum. So, what really happens? Well in simple terms, it all begins with changes in hormones in the body. You can think of hormones as messengers that are sent by some organs of your body to tell other cells to do something. In this particular case, an organ called hypothalamus which is found in your brain begins the process. [Fast forward] The ovaries release f...

Measles; spread, signs and symptoms, management, prevention

Introduction

It is a highly contagious viral infection producing various symptoms and characteristic rash.

Causative organism: Morbilli virus (measles virus).

Incubation period: 7-14days

Mode of transmission

Directly by droplets spread through coughing, taking, spiting from infected persons Indirect: through freshly soiled articles from throat and nose secretion from infected individuals.

Signs and symptoms

Prodromal symptoms include;

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Malaise
  • Convulsions

Skin: rashes begins on the face or below or in front of the ears. The rash spread within 1-2 days to the trunk, arms, and legs.

Gastrointestinal Tract:

Photo by CDC

  • Koplik’s spot (tiny white spots in the month)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Redness and soreness
  • Diarrhea

Eyes: conjunctivitis and redness of the eyes.

Photo by USC Roski Eye Institute - Keck Medicine of USC

Management

  • Isolate the patient
  • Give Symptomatic treatment
  • Antibiotics for secondary bacterial infection
  • Tepid sponge the patient
  • Apply gentian violet solution (because of sores)
  • Bath child and apply soothing pomade.
  • Provide Nourishing diet.

Prevention and Control

  • Isolate infected individuals.
  • All contacts should be isolated and observed for signs
  • Concurrent disinfection of articles of infected persons
  • Measles immunization at 9months. During outbreaks, it should be given at 6months and repeated at 1 year

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General Nursing Management of Patients with Medical Pathology

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