• Select one of the case study options below to write an initial post. This initial post must answer all posed questions in depth. Any references used must be in APA format at the end of the post. Please see rubric for grading details.

• You must then respond to two student’s initial posting on different case studies than your initial post. Your response needs to be at least one paragraph (5 sentence minimum) and add new information to the discussion. Please see rubric for grading details.

• To be clear: you will participate in discussions on all three topics to meet criteria (one initial post, one response to a different topic, and one response to a third topic).

Guidelines for Writing

Case Study: Hypokalemia

Mr. Ebbesmeyer, age 53, has a history of alcoholism and went to his physician because of recent anorexia, nausea, and diarrhea, as well as heart palpitations and fatigue. He has been taking his diuretic tablet, but not his vitamin and mineral supplement. An ECG and blood tests indicate hypokalemia.

1. Discuss the possible factors contributing to his electrolyte imbalance and the rationale for his signs and symptoms.

2. What are the signs of hypokalemia, and why is it important to identify potassium imbalances quickly?

3. What is the role of potassium in cardiac function?

Case Study: Pernicious Anemia

Mr. Alvis, age 57, presented to his physician with marked fatigue, nausea with occasional diarrhea, and a sore, swollen tongue. Lately he also has been experiencing a tingling feeling in his toes and a feeling of clumsiness. Microscopic examination of a blood sample indicated a reduced number of erythrocytes, many of which are megaloblasts, and a reduced number of leukocytes, including many large, hypersegmented cells. Hemoglobin and serum levels of vitamin B12 were below normal. Additional tests confirm pernicious anemia.

1. Relate the pathophysiology of pernicious anemia to the manifestations listed above.

2. Discuss how the gastric abnormalities contribute to vitamin B12 and iron deficiency and how vitamin B12 deficiency causes complications associated with pernicious anemia.

3. Discuss other tests that could be performed to diagnose this type of anemia.

4. Discuss the treatment available and the limitations.

Case Study: Atherosclerosis

Mr. Kelly is a 57-year-old man who consulted his physician after noticing marked leg pains while playing golf He had previously noticed increasing fatigue and discomfort in his legs associated with moderate exercise. When sitting for extended periods with legs dangling, his legs became red, and sometimes his feet felt numb. His history indicates he smokes cigarettes and is chronically overweight. His blood cholesterol and other lipid levels are abnormal, and his physician suspects peripheral atherosclerosis as the cause of his discomfort.

1.Discuss the development of atherosclerosis, including the predisposing factors in this case and the pathophysiological changes.

2. Discuss the complications that might develop in this patient.

3. Discuss the treatments for all aspects of the patient’s condition, including slowing the progress of the atherosclerosis, maintaining circulation in the leg, and treating complications.