NURS-6501 Walden University-a 27 year-old patient with history of substance abuse is found unresponsive by ems after being called by roommate
QUESTION
A 27 year-old patient with history of substance abuse is found unresponsive by ems after being called by roommate
Post an explanation of the disease highlighted in the scenario you were provided. Include the following in your explanation:
- The role genetics plays in the disease.
- Why the patient is presenting with the specific symptoms described.
- The physiologic response to the stimulus presented in the scenario and why you think this response occurred.
- The cells that are involved in this process.
- How another characteristic (e.g., gender, genetics) would change your response.
ANSWER
Understanding the Pathophysiology of Substance Abuse-Related Unresponsiveness
Introduction
Substance abuse is a complex and multifaceted disorder that affects individuals across various age groups. This essay aims to provide an explanation of the disease highlighted in the scenario, which involves a 27-year-old patient with a history of substance abuse who is found unresponsive. The focus will be on discussing the role of genetics, the specific symptoms presented, the physiologic response to the stimulus, the involved cells, and the potential impact of other characteristics on the response.
Role of Genetics
Genetics plays a significant role in the development and progression of substance abuse disorders. Research suggests that genetic factors contribute to approximately 40-60% of the risk for substance abuse. Specific genes, such as those encoding receptors and enzymes involved in neurotransmitter pathways, can influence an individual’s vulnerability to substance abuse(Genetics and Epigenetics of Addiction DrugFacts | National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2023). Genetic variations can affect the brain’s reward and reinforcement systems, making some individuals more susceptible to addictive behaviors.
Presenting Symptoms
The specific symptoms described in the scenario, including unresponsiveness, are indicative of a severe drug overdose or poisoning. Substance abuse involving illicit drugs or excessive use of prescription medications can lead to central nervous system depression, resulting in altered levels of consciousness, respiratory depression, and unresponsiveness. The exact symptoms and severity may vary depending on the specific substance used and the dose involved.
Physiologic Response
In response to a drug overdose, the body’s physiologic response is primarily driven by the substance’s pharmacological effects. Most drugs of abuse act on the central nervous system by altering the normal functioning of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2016). This disruption in neurotransmitter activity can lead to suppressed neuronal signaling, depressed respiratory centers, and decreased oxygenation, ultimately causing unresponsiveness.
Cells Involved
Multiple cells and systems are involved in the physiologic response to substance abuse-related unresponsiveness. The primary focus is on the central nervous system, where drugs act on neurons and their corresponding receptors. Neurons communicate via neurotransmitters, and their activity is regulated by complex interactions between excitatory and inhibitory signals. Drugs can alter this balance, leading to abnormal neuronal firing and impaired functioning. Additionally, respiratory centers in the brainstem are affected, resulting in respiratory depression.
Impact of Other Characteristics
Other characteristics, such as gender and individual genetic variations, can influence the response to substance abuse-related unresponsiveness. Gender differences exist in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of certain substances, affecting their metabolism and clearance rates. Genetic
variations may influence an individual’s susceptibility to drug addiction, response to treatment, and overall prognosis. Understanding these factors can help tailor interventions and support for patients.
Conclusion
Substance abuse-related unresponsiveness is a critical medical emergency associated with severe drug overdose or poisoning. The disease process involves complex interactions between genetic predisposition, pharmacological effects on the central nervous system, altered neurotransmitter activity, and suppressed respiratory centers. Multiple cells, including neurons and respiratory centers, are involved in the pathophysiological response. Considering the impact of other characteristics, such as gender and individual genetic variations, can further enhance our understanding and approach to managing substance abuse-related emergencies.
References
Genetics and Epigenetics of Addiction DrugFacts | National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023, June 2). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/genetics-epigenetics-addiction
US Department of Health and Human Services. (2016, November 1). THE NEUROBIOLOGY OF SUBSTANCE USE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION. Facing Addiction in America – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK424849/
To get your original copy of this paper, please Order Now
Related Questions
Describe the key aspects of each of the four frameworks and models (Iowa, OMRU, PARIHS, and JBI).
A 54-year-old male client who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes
Module 05 Content Select a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and do research on it

We've got everything to become your favourite writing service
Money back guarantee
Your money is safe. Even if we fail to satisfy your expectations, you can always request a refund and get your money back.
Confidentiality
We don’t share your private information with anyone. What happens on our website stays on our website.
Our service is legit
We provide you with a sample paper on the topic you need, and this kind of academic assistance is perfectly legitimate.
Get a plagiarism-free paper
We check every paper with our plagiarism-detection software, so you get a unique paper written for your particular purposes.
We can help with urgent tasks
Need a paper tomorrow? We can write it even while you’re sleeping. Place an order now and get your paper in 8 hours.
Pay a fair price
Our prices depend on urgency. If you want a cheap essay, place your order in advance. Our prices start from $11 per page.