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Scenario 1: Jennifer is a 2-year-old female who presents with a fever of up to 103.2°F for the past 3 days. She has normal health and no medical history. The symptoms of her condition include decreased appetite, fussiness and sore throat. Physical examination shows a very unwell look, with hot, dry skin and slightly reddened membranes of the tympanic cavity, an erythematous, 4+ tonsil throat, as well as diffuse exudates and tender anterior left cervical nodes. Jennifer’s vital signs indicate a temperature of 102.8°F, a pulse of 128 beats per minute, and a respiratory rate of 24 beats per minute.
The pathophysiology of Jennifer’s symptoms is associated with an infection caused by group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS), which is also known as streptococcal pharyngitis. The adaptive responses to this alteration include Jennifer’s elevated temperature, which indicates a fever, a common sign of an infection. A sore throat, and tender nodes in the cervical region are also signs of infection. The increased respiratory and pulse rates may also be a result of increased metabolic demand associated with fever.
Jack, a male aged 27 years old, presents to the clinic with redness of his hands and irritation. He reports that he has never had this issue before and his hands feel “a little bit hot” but otherwise fine. No allergies are known to him, yet he is a maintenance engineer at a newspaper and he has been exposed to abrasive cleaners and chemicals. Jack works often without gloves. He has also been exposed to cleaning fluids.
The pathophysiology of Jack’s symptoms is associated with contact dermatitis. The irritation has led to skin inflammation and redness on his hands. Jack’s absence of discomfort indicates that he hasn’t yet developed a reaction or hypersensitivity.
Scenario 3: Martha is a 65-year-old woman who reports having trouble sleeping and occasionally feels like she has a “racing heartbeat.” She is losing her appetite and feels less hungry than usual. Hydrochlorothiazide has helped her control hypertension. Martha’s 87-year-old mother moved in with her a few years ago after falling down a flight of stairs and breaking her hip. Martha now helps her mother with the daily tasks of living. Her recovery has been difficult. Martha has reported that due to her increasing demands in caring for their mother, she sleeps and eats less.
The pathophysiology of Martha’s symptoms is associated with anxiety and stress. This alteration results in a decrease of appetite and sleep. Stress and anxiety can increase cortisol levels, a hormone that causes sleep problems and a reduction in appetite.
Brain Map
Streptococcal pneumonia
Common among school-age children and adolescents
Infection by Streptococcus beta-hemolytic group A
Risk factors include: crowded conditions, poor sanitation, and contact with an infectious person
Clinical presentation: A sore throat with swollen lymph nodes in the cervical region, a fever and difficulties swallowing
Diagnosis: Throat culture or rapid antigen detection test
Responses to fever, sore throat and tender lymph nodes in the cervical region
It is important to note that the example below represents only one way of creating a mental map.