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.
Submission Instructions:
- Include both case studies in your post.
- Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources.
Case Study 1: J.D.’s Hematopoietic Issues and Iron Deficiency Anemia
Contributing Factors for Iron Deficiency Anemia:
- Menorrhagia and Intermenstrual Bleeding: Chronic blood loss through heavy menstrual bleeding can significantly deplete iron stores.
- Frequent Use of Ibuprofen: Chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding, which might not be overt and can contribute to iron deficiency.
- Postpartum Period: Blood loss during delivery and the increased iron demand during pregnancy may not have been fully compensated, especially with her recent pregnancies.
Reasons for Constipation and Dehydration:
- Omeprazole Use: Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole can decrease gastric acid secretion, which may indirectly affect intestinal motility and lead to constipation.
- Dehydration: Increased urinary frequency and the use of certain medications might contribute to fluid loss, exacerbated by not increasing fluid intake accordingly.
Importance of Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid in Erythropoiesis:
- Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid are crucial for DNA synthesis in the precursor cells that form red blood cells. Deficiency in these vitamins can lead to megaloblastic anemia, where red blood cells are larger than normal and underdeveloped due to impaired DNA synthesis.
Clinical Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia:
- Extreme Fatigue and Weakness: These are indicative of the body’s reduced capacity to carry oxygen due to low hemoglobin.
- Paleness: Reduced hemoglobin leads to less coloration in the skin and mucous membranes.
- Increased Heart Rate or Breathlessness: Compensatory responses to meet oxygen demands with fewer red blood cells.
Expected Signs in Iron Deficiency Anemia:
- Microcytic and Hypochromic Cells: As indicated by lab results, these are smaller and paler red blood cells due to reduced hemoglobin content.
- Low Ferritin Levels: Ferritin is a marker of iron stores, and a level of 9 ng/dL is indicative of depleted iron reserves.
Treatment Recommendations for Iron Deficiency Anemia:
- Iron Supplementation: Oral iron supplements are typically the first line of treatment to replenish iron stores.
- Dietary Adjustments: Increase intake of iron-rich foods (red meat, green leafy vegetables) and foods that enhance iron absorption (foods high in vitamin C).
- Evaluation and Management of Blood Loss: Further investigation into gastrointestinal losses or heavier menstrual bleeding may be necessary.
- Review of Medication: Considering alternatives to NSAIDs, which can exacerbate gastrointestinal bleeding.
Case Study 2: Mr. W.G.’s Cardiovascular Condition and Acute Myocardial Infarct
Modifiable and Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:
- Modifiable: Diet, physical inactivity, smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
- Non-Modifiable: Age, gender, and genetics.
Expected EKG Findings and Compatible Case Descriptions:
- EKG Findings: Signs of ST-segment elevation, which is indicative of an ongoing myocardial infarction.
- Case Description Compatibility: Crushing chest pain, not relieved by nitroglycerin, and radiating to the jaw and neck are classic signs of myocardial infarction.
Most Specific Laboratory Test for Acute Myocardial Infarct:
- Troponin Test: This is highly specific and sensitive for myocardial cell injury and would be the best choice to confirm an acute myocardial infarct.
Explanation of Temperature Increase After Myocardial Infarct:
- Pathophysiology: The death of cardiac tissue triggers an inflammatory response, which can lead to a slight increase in temperature. This usually occurs several hours to days after the event and can last for up to a week.
Explanation of Pain During Myocardial Infarct:
- Mechanism of Pain: The pain is caused by the deprivation of oxygen to the heart muscle due to a blocked coronary artery, which leads to ischemia and pain. The pain felt is due to the release of chemicals like lactic acid and adenosine from the dying cells, stimulating nerve endings in the heart.
Note: Your report should be formatted in current APA style, ensuring proper in-text citations and references are used, drawing from and citing at least two academic sources to support your analyses and recommendations.