Introduction to Biochemistry PDF

INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMISTRY Source: Biochemistry & Biophysics for Nurse by Suresh K. Sharma Biochemistry is concerned wih the composition, characterization and transformation of matter. Thus, biochemistry can be defined as a science which tells us about the ch...

INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMISTRY Source: Biochemistry & Biophysics for Nurse by Suresh K. Sharma Biochemistry is concerned wih the composition, characterization and transformation of matter. Thus, biochemistry can be defined as a science which tells us about the chemical constituents of living cell and the reactions and processes that they undergo. Nurses take care of sick patients who cannot care of themselves with varying level of medical conditions. Therefore, nurses need to be equipped with basic knowledge of biochemistry so that they understand the biochemical basis of disease condition and further understand the changes occurred in biochemical constitution of patient’s body during the course of illness so that they can inform about the disease progression and recovery of the patient. Definitions of Biochemistry The science concerned with the chemical basis of life. Constitutes the study of chemistry of bio-molecules and metabolic processes which constitutes our body and are essential for life. The study of things such as the structures and physical properties of biological molecules including protein, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids, the mechanism of enzyme action the chemical regulation of metabolism the chemistry of nutrition; the molecular basis of genetics (inherence); the chemistry of vitamins; energy utilization in the cell and the chemistry of the immune response. IMPORTANCE OF BIOCHEMISTRY IN NURSING Thus, the biochemistry deals with chemical basis of living being including human being. Nurses are the largest group in health care organizations who are directly involved in promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative services. Therefore, study of biochemistry is significantly important for nurses because it facilitates the nurses to: Understand the biochemical basis of health and illness: With knowledge of biochemistry, nurses will be able to understand that quite a large proportion of disorders having biochemical basis. In addition, they will learn about; o Normal and abnormal biochemical processes and their regulations such as: ▪ Composition and functions of fluid and electrolytes in human body. ▪ Enzymes and their role in digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. ▪ Metabolism, storage and catabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fats. o Role of different biochemical processes in maintenance of health or causation of illness. o Good or bad biochemical situations of health-illness continuum. o Biochemical factors playing role in an individual’s health. o Biochemical contribution towards different diseases and disorders. Interpret the biochemical diagnosis test reports: The knowledge of clinical biochemistry will help the nurses to understand the needs of different biochemical tests and will also be able to interpret the biochemical diagnostic test reports will help them in early identification and prompt action during serious life threatening situations, which may significantly affect the morbidity outcome among such patients. Therefore, it is  essentially important for nurses to study the biochemistry; so that they can become an active resourceful member of the healthcare team. The common biochemical tests nurses generally encounter and may need to interpret in their day-to-day clinical practices such as: o Serum electrolyte level o Glucose tolerance test o Blood sugar level o Plasma protein levels o Renal function test like urea, creatinine o Serum cholesterol and lipid profile o Serum enzyme levels such as amylase, lipase, etc. o Serum hormonal analysis such as TSH, T3, T4, and other hormones Contributes towards health promotion with biochemical aspect: There are several biochemical tests which are carried out for the screening purposes or to identify the risk of the certain life-threatening illness such as Cardiovascular Diseases. For example, if a nurse aware that increased level of serum cholesterol and lipid profile has risk of cardiovascular disorder, then she may educate the people about maintaining the serum lipid level within the normal limits through dietary modification, regular exercises and medicines; so that future risk of coronary artery disease may be minimized. Thus, through learning the biochemistry, nurses may contribute towards health promotion with biochemical aspect. Carry-out effective assessment and planning for nursing needs: It is the most essential function of a nurse to identify the priority needs of the patients. This may be further facilitated by the basic knowledge of the biochemistry. For example, a nurse is assessing a diabetic patient admitted in medical ward, her biochemistry knowledge facilitates her to interpret biochemical test reports such as blood sugar level that will help her in the identification of the nutritional needs of the patients and plan nursing intervention accordingly. Implement the health education based on biochemical rationalization: Health education is also one the important roles of nurses; with knowledge of biochemistry nurses will be able to understand the biochemical basis of illness and offer health education to client based on biochemical rationalization when and where required, so that their client can be more convinced and clear about their illness, treatment and prevention.