Dane wright

BI 231
Case studies

Bi 231 Case Study #1

Musculoskeletal System- A

A 30 year old male goes immediately to the emergency clinic from his softball game. After sliding into
2nd base, the man was unable to move his right arm and his right shoulder was painful. The doctor
diagnosed the man with a luxation of the shoulder and ordered immediate reduction and
immobilization.

What has happened to the man’s shoulder?

It was a full dislocation of the shoulder

How does luxation differ from subluxation?

A luxation is an abnormal separation from the joint where two bones meet.
A subluxation is a partial dislocation of the joint.

What is reduction?

Putting the mans shoulder back into its normal anatomical position

Why does this condition require immediate reduction and immobilization?

Immobilization and reduction needs to happen fast to allow the muscles and the other soft tissues to
heal properly.

Musculoskeletal System - B

A 54 year old male see his doctor because he is experiencing severe pain in his joints particularly in the
region of his hallux. The doctor inquires about the patient’s diet and finds that it includes primarily deli
sandwiches and 1-2 alcoholic beverages a night. The doctor orders a blood test. The results of the
blood test are normal except that the patient’s serum uric acid is 10.5mg/dL and uric acid crystals are
found in the synovial fluid analysis.

What part of the man’s body is the hallux?

The mans big toe

What is the normal level of serum uric acid for males?

3.4 to 7.0 ml/dL

What is the normal level of serum uric acid for females?

2.4 to 6.0 ml/dL

What specifically is causing the pain in his joints and hallux?

The inflammation of the formation of crystals in the joints.

What is the doctor’s diagnosis?

Acute gout disease

What are possible treatments that the doctor could prescribe?

Anti-inflammatory medications, also diets and exercise, also the doctor could prescribe colchicine.

Bi 231 Case Study # 2

Nervous system

A 65 year old woman is visiting her doctor. Her hand trembles as she sits in the waiting room chair. She
shuffles into the examination room, her body bent forward. Her facial expression is mask-like. The
doctor does a full neurological exam on the patient and orders a PET scan. After observing the results of
the PET scan, he prescribes her L-DOPA.

Questions:

What condition is the doctor treating?

The doctor is treat Parkinson’s disease

Why does the doctor prescribe dopamine?

L-DOPA helps replenish the supply of dopamine, reducing the tremors and other motor symptoms of
Parkinson’s

What are other possible treatments of this condition?

Good nutrition, regular exercise, acupuncture

What is the PET scan used to detect?

A PET scan is used to revel how your tissues and organs are functioning, this scan can also disease before
showing on other imaging test.

What are thought to be some possible causes of this condition?

Possible low levels of dopamine, genetic mutations, environmental triggers.

Bi 231 Case Study #3

Muscular System

Andrea, a 29 year old graduate student, was riding her bicycle to class and was struck by a driver who
was preoccupied with a text message on her phone. Andrea is transported Providence Portland Medical
Center by ambulance where x-rays revealed that she had suffered a fracture of the tibia. Following
closed reduction of the simple transverse break, the following was noted:

1. Her pain levels were disproportionate to what would be expected with this type of injury.

2. The pain was unremitting and difficult to control with standard pain medication.

3. There was an increase in the tightness of the skin of her lower leg.

4. She was experiencing paresthesias (“pins and needles” sensation), muscle weakness and a very weak
pulse in her dorsalis pedis artery (palpated on the top of the foot.)

Questions:

What is the likely condition producing the symptoms

The condition that producing the symptoms is compartment syndrome.

What type of tests and monitoring would be used to confirm the diagnosis?

The best diagnostic tool is direct pressure measurement. Blood test may also be used.

What are the recommended treatments for her condition?

A fasciotomy surgery must be performed. Anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapy.

What is the prognosis for successful treatment?

The prognosis for a successful treatment is usually excellent if the surgery is not delayed.

What are the possible complications if this condition is not treated quickly and effectively
Muscle cell death and lost of function of the leg, nerve cells also will die, and they say kidney damage.