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.

 

Sample Solution

J.D. Case (Iron Deficiency Anemia)

Contributing Factors to Iron Deficiency Anemia:

  • Menstrual Bleeding:D.’s history of menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) can lead to significant iron loss over time.
  • Frequent Pregnancies:Her recent pregnancy and childbirth within the last four months further deplete iron stores.
  • High Dose Ibuprofen Use:Long-term use of ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining and contribute to blood loss in the digestive tract.

Constipation and Dehydration:

While not explicitly mentioned in the case study, J.D.’s medications (ibuprofen and diuretic) could contribute to constipation and dehydration. Both constipation and dehydration can make it difficult to absorb iron from food.

Importance of Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid in Erythropoiesis:

  • Vitamin B12 and folic acid are essential for red blood cell production (erythropoiesis).
  • Deficiency in either vitamin can lead to megaloblastic anemia, characterized by large, immature red blood cells.

Clinical Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia:

  • Fatigue and Weakness:D. complains of extreme fatigue and weakness, a classic symptom of anemia.
  • Pale Skin and Mucous Membranes:Iron deficiency can cause a lack of color in the skin and tissues.
  • Shortness of Breath:As the body struggles to deliver oxygen due to fewer red blood cells, shortness of breath can occur.
  • Restless Legs Syndrome:This tingling or itching sensation in the legs can be a symptom of iron deficiency.

Signs of Iron Deficiency Anemia:

  • Low Hemoglobin (Hb) and Hematocrit (Hct):D.’s lab results show low Hb and Hct, indicating anemia.
  • Low Ferritin Levels:Ferritin is an iron storage protein. Low levels suggest iron deficiency.
  • Microcytic, Hypochromic Red Blood Cells:Smaller and paler red blood cells are characteristic of iron deficiency anemia.

Treatment for Iron Deficiency Anemia:

  • Iron Supplements:Oral or intravenous iron supplementation is the mainstay of treatment.
  • Dietary Changes:Increasing iron-rich foods (red meat, leafy green vegetables) can improve iron stores.
  • Addressing Underlying Cause:Treating menorrhagia or stopping unnecessary ibuprofen use can help prevent future deficiencies.

Mr. W.G. Case (Acute Myocardial Infarction)

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

  • Modifiable:High blood pressure (HTN, Mr. G. has a history), high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and stress.
  • Non-Modifiable:Age (Mr. G. is 53), family history of heart disease, and sex (males are more prone).

EKG Findings and Acute Coronary Event:

  • An EKG might show abnormalities like ST-segment elevation, Q waves, or T wave inversion in leads corresponding to the affected heart area. Mr. G.’s persistent chest pain despite nitroglycerin administration further suggests a possible coronary event.

Most Specific Laboratory Test for AMI:

  • Troponin:Troponin is a protein released by damaged heart muscle. Elevated troponin levels are highly specific for AMI diagnosis.

Fever after Myocardial Infarction:

  • W.G.’s temperature increase can occur 24-48 hours after an MI due to inflammation in response to tissue death. This fever typically subsides within 3-5 days.

Pain During Myocardial Infarction:

 

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