Final Case Study 4

A 46-year-old woman presented at the out-patient department with a vague history of persistent headaches, muscle weakness, tiredness, and loss of weight and energy. Clinical examination revealed a well-hydrated, thin, anxious, pale woman with a blood pressure of 150/95 mmHg, There was no specific signs or symptoms. She had four children and with the last , now aged six years, She had a “difficult birth” and developed a “kidney” infection. At the time of admission she was on antidepressant medication for an “anxiety-depressive” illness but she admitted to no other medication. The admission biochemical profile was

Plasma

Na                               141                 mmol/L           (132-144)

K                                 5.2                   mmol/L           (3.2-4.8)

HCO3                         18                    mmol/L           (23-33)

Urea                            14.5                mmol/L           (3.0-8.0)

Creat                          0.28                mmol/L           (0.06-0.12)

Urine (24 hr)

Volume 2.6 L

Creat                          5.1                   mmol/L

Na                               67                    mmol/L

Questions:

Q1. Explain the steps in which the specimen is collected, handled, and how the specimen is analyzed.

Q2. Evaluate and explain the patient’s lab results.

Q3. Explain the lab tests and methods that you will carry out and use in order to diagnose the patient.

Q4. Explain how you would determine the acceptability of quality control test result data.

Q5. Discuss the importance of quality management on the laboratory operation during the various laboratory analytic phases.

Q 6. Illustrate and explain the critical pathways that you used to aid patient diagnosis.

Q 7. From the case study, explain how you would demonstrate ethical behavior, professionalism, and maintain patient confidentiality.