mountainous course

© 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.