Nursing Case Study

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.

Full Answer Section

     

Constipation and Dehydration:

While not explicitly mentioned in the case study, J.D.'s medications could contribute to these issues:

  • Diuretic: Diuretics can cause dehydration, leading to constipation.
  • Ibuprofen: Chronic use of ibuprofen can irritate the bowels and contribute to constipation.

Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid in Erythropoiesis:

  • Vitamin B12 and folic acid are essential for DNA synthesis, a crucial step in red blood cell production.
  • Deficiency in either Vitamin B12 or folic acid can lead to megaloblastic anemia. This type of anemia is characterized by large, immature red blood cells that are dysfunctional.

Clinical Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia:

J.D. exhibits several symptoms suggestive of iron deficiency anemia:

  • Extreme fatigue and weakness: These are classic symptoms due to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells.
  • Increased urinary frequency and mild incontinence: These can be caused by pelvic congestion due to anemia.
  • Pale appearance (not explicitly mentioned but can be a sign): Reduced hemoglobin levels can make the skin appear pale.

Signs of Iron Deficiency Anemia:

  • Pallor: Pale skin, mucous membranes, and nail beds due to decreased hemoglobin.
  • Koilonychia: Spoon-shaped nails, a characteristic finding in iron deficiency anemia.
  • Pica (not explicitly mentioned but possible): Craving for unusual substances like ice or dirt can occur in iron deficiency.

Lab Results and Treatment for J.D.:

  • Hb 10.2 g/dL (low): Hemoglobin is below the normal range, confirming anemia.
  • Hct 30.8% (low): Hematocrit, the percentage of red blood cells in the blood, is also low.
  • Ferritin 9 ng/dL (very low): Ferritin is a protein that stores iron. This level indicates iron deficiency.
  • Red blood cells are smaller and paler: This is a morphological characteristic of iron deficiency anemia (microcytic, hypochromic).

Treatment Recommendations:

  • Oral iron supplementation: J.D. will likely be prescribed oral iron to replenish iron stores.
  • Dietary modifications: Increasing iron-rich foods (red meat, leafy green vegetables) in her diet will be recommended.
  • Addressing ibuprofen use: Her doctor may recommend alternative pain management for her knee or a lower dose of ibuprofen with closer monitoring.
  • Monitor iron levels: Regular blood tests will be needed to monitor response to treatment.

Cardiovascular Case Study: Mr. W.G.

Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI):

Modifiable Risk Factors:

  • Diet: High cholesterol, unhealthy fats, and excessive sugar intake can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries.
  • Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of blood clots.
  • Physical inactivity: Lack of exercise weakens the heart and increases risk factors.
  • Obesity: Excess weight puts strain on the heart.
  • Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes damages blood vessels.
  • Stress: Chronic stress can increase blood pressure and worsen heart health.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:

  • Age: Risk of CAD increases with age.
  • Family history: Having a close relative with CAD increases risk.
  • Sex: Men are generally at higher risk than premenopausal women.

EKG Findings and Acute Coronary Event:

  • EKG changes suggestive of ischemia (reduced blood flow) or infarction (tissue death) in the heart muscle might be present.
  • Chest pain radiating to the neck, jaw, and nausea are all symptoms compatible with angina or AMI.

Laboratory Test for AMI Confirmation:

  • Troponin I or T: These cardiac enzymes are highly specific for heart muscle damage and are the preferred tests for confirming AMI.

Fever after Myocardial Infarction:

  • An increase in body temperature (fever) can occur 24-48 hours after an MI.
  • **This is due to

Sample Answer

   

Hematopoietic Case Study: J.D.

Contributing Factors to Iron Deficiency Anemia in J.D.:

  • Menorrhagia: Heavy menstrual bleeding is a significant risk factor for iron deficiency anemia. J.D. reports 6 days of heavy flow, leading to potential iron loss.
  • Frequent Pregnancies: Five pregnancies in four years can deplete iron stores, especially without adequate iron supplementation during pregnancy.
  • Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Chronic use of ibuprofen, as seen in J.D.'s case, can irritate the stomach lining and contribute to blood loss in the digestive tract, leading to iron deficiency.