CASE STUDY ANALYSIS

An understanding of the musculoskeletal systems is a critically important component of disease and disorder diagnosis and treatment. This importance is magnified by the impact that that this system may have on another. A variety of factors and circumstances affecting the emergence and severity of issues in one system can also have a role in the performance of the other.

Effective analysis often requires an understanding that goes beyond these systems and their mutual impact. For example, patient characteristics such as, racial and ethnic variables can play a role.

An understanding of the symptoms of alterations in musculoskeletal systems is a critical step in diagnosis and treatment. For APRNs this understanding can also help educate patients and guide them through their treatment plans.

In this Assignment, you examine a case study and analyze the symptoms presented. You identify the elements that may be factors in the diagnosis, and you explain the implications to patient health.

To prepare:

By Day 1 of this week, you will be assigned to a specific case study scenario for this Case Study Assignment. Please see the “Announcements” section of the classroom for your assignment from your Instructor.

The Assignment

In your Case Study Analysis related to the scenario provided, explain the following:

The musculoskeletal pathophysiologic processes that would account for the patient presenting these symptoms.

Any racial/ethnic variables that may impact physiological functioning.

How these processes interact to affect the patient.

A 48-year-old male presents to the clinic with complaints of low-grade fever, fatigue, headache, and arthritic pain in his knees in the last few weeks.  Approximately 8 months ago he reports that he had a tick bite but did not receive any treatment.  He had a small red rash at that time but was without other symptoms.  The patient’s vital signs:  His BP is 118/84, pulse is 74, resp 18, regular and non-labored, pulse ox 98%, and temp 98.4F. Physical exam reveals no rashes or abnormal neurological processes.  The patient reports tenderness to both knees upon palpation.  Diagnostic testing reveals positive antibody test for B. burgdorferi.  Based on this result and exam findings the patient is given a diagnosis of Lyme disease.