- Relate history to the diagnosis. What risk factors are present, and how does each predispose to disease?
- Explain the cause of the disease in this patient.
- How could this disease have been prevented in this patient?
- Discuss the complications that might develop in this patient.
- Discuss the treatments available to the patient.
- 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
Sample Solution
