Alterations in Cellular Processes

agree or disagree with your the assessment below and explain your reasoning. In your explanation, include why their explanations make physiological sense or why they do not

Malabsorption Syndrome is an umbrella term for a multitude of disorders in which the small intestine fails to absorb essential nutrients required by the body. A family history of cystic fibrosis or malabsorption can increase the risk of developing the disease (Kerr, 2019). “Edema often masks the malnutrition caused by malabsorption and protein loss” (McCance & Huether, 2019, p. 1285). The patient is presenting with the specific symptoms described due to the low levels of protein in their blood. Proteins assist in retaining salt and water within the blood vessels, so that fluid does not escape into the tissues. If the albumin level is too low, water is retained which leads to edema especially in the lower extremities (Harvard Health Publishing, 2018).

The patient has an existing history of malabsorption syndrome and the lack of dentures has prohibited them from consuming the required amount of protein that the body needs. The body is responding by retaining excess fluid in an effort to make up for the loss. Cell regeneration depends on nutrient availability. Memory cells impose a metabolic demand on amino acid supply to support protein synthesis, therefore sufficient protein in the diet may serve a critical role in sustaining T-cell memory (Iyer et al., 2011). Knowing the gender of the patient, genetic history as well as any other comorbidities would have changed my response in regard to why the patient is experiencing the symptoms described as well as their physiologic response.