Each student will be assigned two of the case studies below. Your post should be approximately 250 words in length and contain substantive information that contributes to an understanding of the disorder under discussion. You may post graphics from online sources, but please do NOT simply cut and paste entire entries from the internet. You are expected to provide references for all the information cited.
Discussion Questions
1. Relate history to the diagnosis. What risk factors are present, and how does each predispose to disease?
2. Explain the cause of the disease in this patient.
3. How could this disease have been prevented in this patient?
4. Discuss the complications that might develop in this patient.
5. Discuss the treatments available to the patient.
6. What is the probable prognosis for this patient?
Case Study# 1: A 27-year-old male who works on a construction site visits his family physician three days after suffering a puncture wound from a nail gun in his foot. The site of the injury is painful, red, warm and swollen with evidence of pus. There are reddish streaks extending up his ankle and lower leg. His temperature is 101 °F.
Case Study# 2: Harold, a 61-year-old male smoker, suffers from chronic bronchitis, which was diagnosed two years ago. At that time, he was treated with antibiotics, told to stop smoking and given a prescription for albuterol. He attempted to give up smoking, but he says that, although he has cut back, he still smokes about half a pack a day. He has been faithful about seeing his doctor for follow-up visits every six months and has occasionally required antibiotic therapy when his bronchitis flairs up. On his most recent visit he reports that his dyspnea is getting worse, and he experiences wheezing whenever he does anything strenuous. His doctor notes a slight bluish tint to his lips and mucous membranes, as well as peripheral edema and some enlargement of the liver. He informs Harold that his chronic bronchitis is getting worse and he is beginning to experience symptoms of cor pulmonale.