History of Drug Use and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
A Brief History of Drug Use
Early Therapeutic Drugs
In approximately 1500 B.C., opium and castor oil were first documented as therapeutic drugs. This period saw the rise of centralized religions in Egyptian and Babylonian societies, a decline in shamanism, and an increased emphasis on formal rituals and rules.
The Ebers Papyrus (approx. 1500 B.C.) is the earliest known collection of prescriptions. It contains over 800 prescriptions for various ailments, many containing ingredients we wouldn’t consider
Read MoreTuberculosis & Cystic Fibrosis: Epidemiology, Diagnosis & Treatment
Tuberculosis (TB)
Epidemiology
- 1/3 of the world population is infected
- 8.8 million new cases annually
- Mostly in developing countries
- MDR-TB and XDR-TB are increasing due to poor treatment (not following protocols)
Etiology
Causative Agents:
- Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
- Other: M. Bovis, M. Africanum, M. Microti
Transmission:
- Airborne particles spread from people with active TB
- Risk factors: Overcrowded areas
Clinical Presentation
Active Disease
- 10% of immunocompetent individuals with latent TB become active
- 90% of
Cardiovascular Diseases: Diagnosis and Treatment
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Diagnosis
- Enlargement of ventricles
- Left systolic dysfunction
- Dyspnea
- Pulmonary edema
- Leg edema
- Hepatomegaly
- Ascites
- Angina pectoris
- Fatigue, dizziness
- Thromboembolic complications
ECG Findings
- Sinus tachycardia
- ST changes
- Left bundle branch block
Echocardiogram Findings
- Increased chamber dimensions
- Decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)
- Valvular abnormalities
- Increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure
Other Diagnostic Tests
- Coronary angiography
- Endomyocardial biopsy
X-ray Findings
- Cardiomegaly
- Pulmonary
Medical Abbreviations: A Comprehensive Guide for Healthcare Professionals
Common Medical Abbreviations
A
A&E: Accident and Emergency
a&w: Alive and Well
a.c.: Before Meals/Food (Latin)
AB: Apex Beat
ABC: Airways, Breathing, Circulation
abd / abdo.: Abdomen
ABM: Aggressive Behaviour Management
ACTH: Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone
ADLs: Activities of Daily Living
AF: Atrial Fibrillation
AFP: Alphafetoprotein
AHA: Area Health Authority
AI: Aortic Incompetence
AIDS: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
AIN: Assistant in Nursing
amp.: Ampoule
APPT: Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time
asp.
Comprehensive Guide to Chemical Bonds, Molecular Structures, and Human Body Systems
Chemical Bonds and Molecular Structures
Chemical Bonds
A chemical bond is the attractive force that holds two atoms together. The fundamental principle governing chemical bonding is the octet rule, which states that atoms tend to combine in such a way that they each have eight electrons in their outermost shell (except for hydrogen, lithium, and beryllium, which achieve stability with two electrons).
There are several types of chemical bonds:
- Ionic Bond: This bond results from the electrostatic attraction
Understanding COPD: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD involves reduced expiratory flow and decreased maximum voluntary ventilation, essentially dropping the lung’s capacity. It often stems from chronic bronchitis or emphysema, developing slowly, progressively, and usually irreversibly. This chronic airflow limitation or obstruction is linked to an abnormal inflammatory response to harmful particles and noxious gases.
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is characterized by a cough and expectoration lasting
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