Question

13. Nurses, Patients, and Families: Caring at the Intersection of Health, Illness, and Culture Acute and Chronic Illness Adjusting to Illness Illness Behaviors

Answer 1

Acute and Chronic illness :

Acute illness : It suddenly appears, progress steadily and subside quickly. It has short lived severe symptoms which may or may not need medical attention. Body returns to initial state of functioning after the acute illness. Acute illness may sometimes lead to a crisis condition or may lead to chronic illness. Some examples of acute illness are acute pancreatitis, acute appendicitis, etc.

Chronic illness : It develops gradually from acute illness and needs the medical attention. It includes permanent changes in the body that involves residual disability. It requires long term treatment and can vary in severity and consequences. It can show temporary, partial, or complete disappearance of the symptoms without achieving a cure. Chronic illness may continue for the duration of the individuals life. Some examples of chronic illnesses are chronic renal failure, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, etc.

Adjusting to illness : Patients shows disbelief and denial while adjusting to illness. They does not easily believe that signs and symptoms are caused due to illness. They have a belief that symptoms will subside without any treatment. Patients adjusts according to the illness and may use denial mechanism to prevent themselves from illness associated anxiety.

Illness behaviors : Patients shows some abnormal behaviors associated with the illness. They become easily irritated and angry. They may also behave like depressed. They are aware of the illness and tries to gain control over the illness. They have also fear about the outcome of the illness.