Ms. A. is an apparently healthy 26-year-old white woman. Since the beginning of the current golf season, Ms. A has noted increased shortness of breath and low levels of energy and enthusiasm. These symptoms seem worse during her menses. Today, while playing in a golf tournament at a high, mountainous course, she became light-headed and was taken by her golfing partner to the emergency clinic. The attending physician’s notes indicated a temperature of 98 degrees F, an elevated heart rate and respiratory rate, and low blood pressure. Ms. A states, “Menorrhagia and dysmenorrheal have been a problem for 10-12 years, and I take 1,000 mg of aspirin every 3 to 4 hours for 6 days during menstruation.” During the summer months, while playing golf, she also takes aspirin to avoid “stiffness in my joints.”
Other laboratory values were within normal limits.
Considering the circumstances and the preliminary workup, what type of anemia does Ms. A most likely have? In an essay of 500-750 words, explain your answer and include rationale.
© 2013. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
© 2013. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
Case Stud
y 1
Case Study 1
Ms. A. is an apparently healthy 26
-
year
-
old white woman. Since the beginning of the current
golf season, Ms. A has noted increased shortness of breath and low levels of energy and
enthusiasm. These symptoms seem worse during her menses. Today, while playin
g in a golf
tournament at a high, mountainous course, she became light
-
headed and was taken by her golfing
partner to the emergency clinic. The attending physician’s notes indicated a temp
erature
of 98
degrees F, an elevated heart rate and respiratory rate
, and low blood pressure. Ms. A states,
“Menorrhagia and dysmenorrheal have been a problem for 10
-
12 years, and I take 1,000 mg of
aspirin every 3 to 4 hours for 6 days during menstruation.” During the summer months, while
playing golf, she also takes aspi
rin to
avoid “stiffness in my joints.”
Laboratory values are as follows:
Hemoglobin = 8 g/dl
Hematocrit = 32%
Erythrocyte count
= 3.1 x 10/mm
RBC smear showed microcytic and hypochromic cells
Reticulocyte count = 1.5%
Other laboratory values were within n
ormal limits.
Question
Considering the circumstances and the preliminary workup, what type of anemia does Ms. A
most likely have? In an essay of 500
-
750 words, explain your answer and include rationale.
© 2013. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
Case Study 1
Case Study 1
Ms. A. is an apparently healthy 26-year-old white woman. Since the beginning of the current
golf season, Ms. A has noted increased shortness of breath and low levels of energy and
enthusiasm. These symptoms seem worse during her menses. Today, while playing in a golf
tournament at a high, mountainous course, she became light-headed and was taken by her golfing
partner to the emergency clinic. The attending physician’s notes indicated a temperature of 98
degrees F, an elevated heart rate and respiratory rate, and low blood pressure. Ms. A states,
“Menorrhagia and dysmenorrheal have been a problem for 10-12 years, and I take 1,000 mg of
aspirin every 3 to 4 hours for 6 days during menstruation.” During the summer months, while
playing golf, she also takes aspirin to avoid “stiffness in my joints.”
Laboratory values are as follows:
Hemoglobin = 8 g/dl
Hematocrit = 32%
Erythrocyte count = 3.1 x 10/mm
RBC smear showed microcytic and hypochromic cells
Reticulocyte count = 1.5%
Other laboratory values were within normal limits.
Question
Considering the circumstances and the preliminary workup, what type of anemia does Ms. A
most likely have? In an essay of 500-750 words, explain your answer and include rationale.
kgee
CaseStudy1.docx
0
