Sarah has been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. She asks you, her nurse, to explain it to her. All she knows is, she is tired all the time and doesn't want to do much of anything
a. What does this syndrome mean?
b. Is there recovery from this disorder or does it simply relapse and go in periods of remission?
c. What causes this disorder?
d. How is it treated?
e. What are the symptoms?
f. What is the diagnostic testing for this?
Students' answers should include the following:
a. Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by profound fatigue for no apparent reason.
b. Lasts 6 or more months
Has periods of remissions followed by exacerbations
c. Cause is unknown; some have lack of sufficient adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in body
Some believe immune system remains activated after being triggered for an extended period of time.
Low serum cortisol levels in clients with CFS, flulike symptoms, or upper respiratory tract infection
Fatigue to the point unable to work in or outside home
d. No treatment to eliminate the disorder; treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms
There are nutritional supplements and an investigational drug being tested with promise
May use analgesics for pain and inflammation and omega-3 fatty acid supplements to block cytokines and prostaglandins, thus reducing pain and inflammation
e. Exhibits fatigue and four or more of the following:
• Sore throat, reoccurring
• Malaise that lasts 24 hours or more after exertion
• Tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes
• Muscle pain
• Headaches
• Lack of short-term memory concentration
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Joint pain with no swelling or redness
f. Diagnostic testing and physical exam are unremarkable.
Tilt-table test results positive in clients with CFS 97% of the time.
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