Case Study Links

1. Introduction 2. Interview 3. Physical Examination 4. Lab Tests 5. Study Questions Contact Lynda
Biology 170: Human Pathophysiology -- Case Studies -- Instructor: Lynda C. Titterington

Matthew Bennett: Physical Exam Results

Matthew Bennett

The physical examination is normal except for the following:

  1. General: thin, underweight child.
  2. Skin: warm to touch.
  3. Chest: rhonchi in the left upper lung zone, with expiratory wheezing.
  4. Abdomen: slightly distended.

Questions:

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1. Which of his vital signs is within normal limits (WNL)? (Click on the links above to compare Matthew's vital signs to normal values.)
Temperature
Blood Pressure
Pulse (heart rate)
Respiratory rate
2. Which of his vital signs are outside the normal range? Is this data significant? What might these signs indicate?
3. How does Matthew's height and weight compare to other boys his age?
His height and weight are in the 95th percentiles for boys 36 months of age.
BHis height and weight are just fine - he's in the 50th percentile for boys 36 months of age.
His height is in the 10th percentile and his weight is under the 5th percentile.
I don't know how to read these charts.
4. What are rhonchi (sing. rhoncus)? How are they different from wheezes?
5. Does the physical examination support or refute your preliminary opinion? Explain how.
6. What laboratory tests might you request to support your opinion? Remember, laboratory testing is expensive, so please provide a rationale for your tests and predict the results.

    

Next step: Lab Tests »