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Crohn's Disease

The human body has the ability to endure multiple complications; however, with disease the bodies’ ability to defend itself becomes impaired. As such, it is integral for nursing professionals to explore the diseases and systems that impede or hinder the body’s resilience. That said, delving into the complications that affect the body should begin with conditions that are both rare and commonly experienced such as the gastrointestinal system as it is affected by Crohn’s disease and the inflammatory response in relation to the patient’s septic medical condition (septic shock). While the exact cause of crohn’s disease is unknown, it is believed to result from an imbalance of the immune system resulting in the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to anus (Thoreson & Cullen, 2007). Incidences of Crohn’s disease are increasing as there is no cure for the disease and it can only be controlled by medications and surgery. Accepting the reality of management without cure, many patients suffer from depression as Crohn’s disease affects their personal outlook on body image, self-concept, self-esteem and changes to lifestyle (Thoreson & Cullen, 2007). One of the complications of Crohn’s disease is the development of abscesses that form from an infection. Since the patient is experiencing immune system dysfunctions, the body may not be able to fight off the infection; in turn, sepsis often sets in, resulting in the inflammation of the whole body system. Sepsis and infection combined result in a serious medical condition called septic shock. This stimulates the inflammatory response (McCance & Huether, 2006). With this in mind, the exploration of both Crohn’s disease and inflammatory response will allow for a more intensive understanding of how the body is affected by Crohn’s and ultimately how Crohn’s patients are susceptible to septic complication.

Clinical case
The patient was brought into the emergency department with signs and symptoms of...