ANNELISE ARGER VANMETER; GOULD’S
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR THE HEALTH
PROFFESSIONS 5TH EDITION CASE STUDY
GRADED A+ 2024 UPDATE
Chapter 24: Complications of Aging
Case Studies
Case Study 1
Ms. B is a 75-year-old woman who has been living alone for the last 15 years. Following a
fall and a broken pelvis a year ago, and a broken wrist about 6 months ago, she has been
inactive and depressed. She has not been eating in a healthy fashion and gets very little
exercise. For the past few months, she also has been developing a hunchback posture,
along with a shuffling gait and difficulty breathing when she walks more than a few feet.
Lab tests conducted recently revealed a decrease in her bone mass and density, possibly
contributing to the two fractures she suffered in the past year.
Discussion Questions
1. Relate the history and signs and symptoms to the onset and course of osteoporosis.
(See Osteoporosis.)
They are characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density. Some symptoms
are back pain, loss of height over time, a stooped posture, and a bone fracture that
occurs much more easily than expected.
2. Discuss the several risk factors associated with osteoporosis. Which appear to be
present in this case? (See Osteoporosis.)
Risk factors are usually out of a person’s control such as a person’s sex. Women are
more prone to develop it than men are. Age is another thing. The older you get the
riskier it could be. Race is another one, there is a greater risk if white or Asian.
Family history of a parent or sibling puts the patient at a greater risk.
3. Discuss recommendations to reduce the risk and progression of osteoporosis
associated with aging. When should these recommendations be implemented?
Why? (See Osteoporosis.)
Good nutrition and regular exercise are essential for keeping bones healthy
throughout your life. Good amounts of protein are also recommended. Keeping the
body at a healthy weight and also getting enough calcium.
Case Study 2
Ms. M is a 51-year-old woman. She has recently been experiencing headaches,
irritability, and insomnia. She has made an appointment with her gynecologist because
she has been experiencing a lack of interest in intercourse and vaginal irritation. She
has also been experiencing hot flashes.
Discussion Questions
1. How do the hormonal changes that occur during menopause relate to Ms. M’s
reported problems? (See Reproductive System Changes—Menopause.)
, Menopause is the term given to the change that happens in women around the age
of 50. The ovaries cease to respond to FSH and LH, which results in a lack of
ovulation, no menstrual cycle, and declining estrogen and progesterone levels.
2. How might Ms. M deal with these problems? (See Menopause.)
She can find ways to cope with the symptoms that come with menopause. Examples are
if dealing with stress, meditate, hot flashes, and dress in layers.
, Chapter 26 Stress and Associated Problems
1) Define the term stress.
Stress is a physical, mental and/or emotional factor. It can cause the body or mind
tension. It can be from external problems such as environmental, social or psychological
situations. It can also be from an illness or medical problem, which is an internal
problem. Stress can start the “fight or flight” response.
2) List two of the three factors that can interfere with an individual’s ability
to adequately respond to stressors.
A person’s mental status and infection can interfere with someone’s ability to respond to
stressors. If a person’s mental status is not intact, then they don’t have the ability to
respond to stressors because their brains don’t think/act how normal ones do, which also
affects their response to stressors. Infection can slow the person’s body’s down and slow
their reaction to stressors.
3) What hormones are secreted during stress, and what is the source and
effects of each?
Norepinephrine from the SNS. Adrenal medulla causes vasoconstriction and increased
BP. Epinephrine from the adrenal causes increased hear rate and general
vasoconstriction which causes increased BP, vasodilation in skeletal muscles,
bronchodilation, and increase in blood glucose. ATCH from the pituitary gland
stimulates the adrenal cortex. Cortisol enhances the effects of catecholamines, elevated
blood glucose, reduces inflammatory and immune responses which stimulates CNS.
4) Why is prolonged stress detrimental to health (stressors such as divorce
or professional difficulties)?
Stress is a normal occurrence for people, but when it gets too much it can start to be
problematic. A person can have a mental health problem like anxiety, and personality
disorders. Cardio diseases such as including heart disease, high blood pressure,
abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, and stroke.
VanMeter: Gould's Pathophysiology for the Health Professions, 5th Edition
Chapter 27: Substance Abuse and Associated Problems
Case Studies
Case Study 1
