Hematopoietic
J.D. is a 37 years old white woman who presents to her gynecologist complaining of a 2-month history of intermenstrual bleeding, menorrhagia, increased urinary frequency, mild incontinence, extreme fatigue, and weakness. Her menstrual period occurs every 28 days and lately there have been 6 days of heavy flow and cramping. She denies abdominal distension, back-ache, and constipation. She has not had her usual energy levels since before her last pregnancy.
Past Medical History (PMH):
Upon reviewing her past medical history, the gynecologist notes that her patient is a G5P5with four pregnancies within four years, the last infant having been delivered vaginally four months ago. All five pregnancies were unremarkable and without delivery complications. All infants were born healthy. Patient history also reveals a 3-year history of osteoarthritis in the left knee, probably the result of sustaining significant trauma to her knee in an MVA when she was 9 years old. When asked what OTC medications she is currently taking for her pain and for how long she has been taking them, she reveals that she started taking ibuprofen, three tablets each day, about 2.5 years ago for her left knee. Due to a slowly progressive increase in pain and a loss of adequate relief with three tablets, she doubled the daily dose of ibuprofen. Upon the recommendation from her nurse practitioner and because long-term ibuprofen use can cause peptic ulcers, she began taking OTC omeprazole on a regular basis to prevent gastrointestinal bleeding. Patient history also reveals a 3-year history of HTN for which she is now being treated with a diuretic and a centrally acting antihypertensive drug. She has had no previous surgeries.
Case Study Questions
Name the contributing factors on J.D that might put her at risk to develop iron deficiency anemia.
Within the case study, describe the reasons why J.D. might be presenting constipation and or dehydration.
Why Vitamin B12 and folic acid are important on the erythropoiesis? What abnormalities their deficiency might cause on the red blood cells?
The gynecologist is suspecting that J.D. might be experiencing iron deficiency anemia.
In order to support the diagnosis, list and describe the clinical symptoms that J.D. might have positive for Iron deficiency anemia.
If the patient is diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, what do you expect to find as signs of this type of anemia? List and describe.
Labs results came back for the patient. Hb 10.2 g/dL; Hct 30.8%; Ferritin 9 ng/dL; red blood cells are smaller and paler in color than normal. Research list and describe for appropriate recommendations and treatments for J.D.
Cardiovascular
Mr. W.G. is a 53-year-old white man who began to experience chest discomfort while playing tennis with a friend. At first, he attributed his discomfort to the heat and having had a large breakfast. Gradually, however, discomfort intensified to a crushing sensation in the sternal area and the pain seemed to spread upward into his neck and lower jaw. The nature of the pain did not seem to change with deep breathing. When Mr. G. complained of feeling nauseated and began rubbing his chest, his tennis partner was concerned that his friend was having a heart attack and called 911 on his cell phone. The patient was transported to the ED of the nearest hospital and arrived within 30 minutes of the onset of chest pain. In route to the hospital, the patient was placed on nasal cannula and an IV D5W was started. Mr. G. received aspirin (325 mg po) and 2 mg/IV morphine. He is allergic to meperidine (rash). His pain has eased slightly in the last 15 minutes but is still significant; was 9/10 in severity; now7/10. In the ED, chest pain was not relieved by 3 SL NTG tablets. He denies chills.
Case Study Questions
For patients at risk of developing coronary artery disease and patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarct, describe the modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.
What would you expect to see on Mr. W.G. EKG and which findings described on the case are compatible with the acute coronary event?
Having only the opportunity to choose one laboratory test to confirm the acute myocardial infarct, which would be the most specific laboratory test you would choose and why?
How do you explain that Mr. W.G temperature has increased after his Myocardial Infarct, when that can be observed and for how long? Base your answer on the pathophysiology of the event.
Explain to Mr. W.G. why he was experiencing pain during his Myocardial Infarct. Elaborate and support your answer.
Sample Solution
.D.'s Case Study: Iron Deficiency Anemia
Contributing factors for iron deficiency anemia in J.D.:
- Menorrhagia: Heavy periods can lead to significant blood loss, increasing the risk of iron deficiency.
- Recent pregnancy and postpartum period: Pregnancy depletes iron stores, and postpartum recovery further increases the need for iron.
- Diuretic use: Diuretics can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, potentially affecting iron absorption.
- Chronic ibuprofen use: Long-term ibuprofen use can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, contributing to iron loss.
- Osteoarthritis and pain management: Chronic pain can decrease appetite and food intake, leading to inadequate iron intake.
Full Answer Section
Reasons for constipation and dehydration:
- Diuretic use: Diuretics can increase urination and lead to dehydration, which can worsen constipation.
- Iron deficiency anemia: Anemia can cause fatigue and decreased activity, contributing to constipation.
- Ibuprofen use: Ibuprofen can have side effects like constipation and dehydration.
Importance of Vitamin B12 and folic acid in erythropoiesis:
- Vitamin B12 and folic acid are essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell production.
- Deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to megaloblastic anemia, characterized by large, immature red blood cells.
- These large cells are fragile and easily destroyed, leading to anemia and its associated symptoms.
Clinical symptoms suggestive of iron deficiency anemia in J.D.:
- Fatigue and weakness: These are the most common symptoms of anemia.
- Pale skin: Iron deficiency can cause a lack of color in the skin and mucous membranes.
- Shortness of breath and dizziness: These symptoms occur due to decreased oxygen delivery to tissues.
- Brittle nails and hair: Iron deficiency can affect hair and nail growth and quality.
- Headache and cold intolerance: These symptoms can be associated with anemia.
Signs of iron deficiency anemia in J.D.:
- Low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels: These are the main laboratory markers of anemia.
- Microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells: These are small, pale red blood cells seen in iron deficiency anemia.
- Low serum ferritin levels: Ferritin is the main iron storage protein, and low levels indicate depleted stores.
Recommendations and treatments for J.D.:
- Iron supplementation: Oral iron supplements are the first-line treatment for iron deficiency anemia.
- Dietary modifications: Increasing dietary intake of iron-rich foods like red meat, poultry, fish, beans, and fortified cereals is recommended.
- Management of underlying conditions: Addressing menorrhagia, diuretic use, and chronic pain can help prevent future iron deficiency.
- Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood counts and iron levels is necessary to track progress and adjust treatment as needed.
Mr. W.G.'s Case Study: Acute Coronary Infarct
Modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for coronary artery disease and acute myocardial infarction:
Modifiable:
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Unhealthy diet
- Stress
Non-modifiable:
- Age
- Sex (male)
- Family history
Expected findings on Mr. W.G.'s EKG:
- ST-segment elevation: This finding indicates damage to the heart muscle.
- Q waves: These may be present in some cases of acute myocardial infarction.
Findings compatible with acute coronary event:
- Chest pain: The classic presentation of angina pectoris or acute myocardial infarction is described as a crushing or squeezing sensation in the chest, often radiating to the neck, jaw, or arms.
- Nausea and diaphoresis: These are common autonomic symptoms associated with pain and anxiety.
- Elevated blood pressure: This can be a compensatory mechanism in response to decreased cardiac output.
Most specific laboratory test for acute myocardial infarction:
- Troponin: This is a cardiac-specific protein that is released into the bloodstream when heart muscle is damaged. Troponin levels typically remain elevated for several days after an acute myocardial infarction.
Temperature increase after myocardial infarction:
- Fever is not a typical symptom of acute myocardial infarction.
- However, a slight increase in temperature can occur in the first 24-48 hours due to the inflammatory response to tissue damage.
- A significant temperature increase (over 101°F) is more suggestive of a secondary infection or other complications.