Anatomy and Physiology - Patient’s Clinical Presentation

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY CASE STUDIES (CO 3, MO 9)

Endocrine Case Histories - Case 1

Read the Patient’s Clinical Presentation and answer the questions below. You will be graded on the accuracy and thoroughness of the information that you provide, the quality of the sources that you use, and your attention to details and instructions.

Case Studies are due on 7/3/2024. 500 words with references/intext citations

Sources:  Include links to any documents or sites that you use to help you assess the clinical presentations in your case studies.  Do not use blogs, encyclopedias or non-credible sites.  

Patient’s Clinical Presentation

A 50-year-old male had a total thyroidectomy followed by thyroid hormone-replacement therapy. Thirty-six hours later he developed laryngeal spasms, a mild tetany, and cramps in the muscles of the hands and arms. The following tests were performed:

Urine calcium 20 mg/dL Urine phosphorus 0.1 g/day Plasma calcium 7.0 mg/dL Plasma phosphorus 5.0 mg/dL

Calcium gluconate and vitamin D (calcitriol) were given orally each day and the tetany and laryngeal spasms were alleviated.

Provide detailed and thorough responses to the questions below based on the clinical information presented above.

Top of Form

1. What endocrine disorder is present in this person?

2. What is the purpose of vitamin D administration with the calcium?

3. What caused the tetany and laryngeal spasms?

4. How is blood calcium normally maintained at its physiological level?