PART ONE CASE STUDY
1. What kind of health problem do you think Kari Johns is experiencing?
Kari is experiencing Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.
2. What facts in this case study led you to this conclusion?
● She lost weight without trying.
● She is extremely thirsty (polydipsia).
● She urinates very frequently (polyuria).
● She has extreme fatigue and falls asleep after meals.
● Her blood glucose was very high (550 mg/dL).
● Glucose was found in her urine (glycosuria).
These symptoms are classic signs of uncontrolled Type 1 diabetes.
3. What kind of medical professional do you think could help Kari?
An endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in hormone and metabolic disorders like diabetes.
4. What actions might the medical expert take to help her?
● Start insulin therapy so her body can regulate blood glucose.
● Teach her how to check her blood sugar daily.
● Create a diet and exercise plan.
● Provide education on managing hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
● Schedule regular follow-ups to adjust her insulin.
CLINICAL REPORT DEFINITIONS (2 pts each)
1. 16 y/o
Meaning: 16 years old.
2. ♀ (female symbol)
Meaning: Female patient.
3. CC
Meaning: Chief Complaint the main reason for the visit.
4. Pt
Meaning: Patient.
5. % symbol in medical text
It is usually shorthand for “reports” or “complains of” in handwritten notes.
Meaning: Patient reports/complains of.
6. Hyperglycemia
Meaning: High blood sugar.
7. Glycosuria
Meaning: Sugar (glucose) present in the urine.
8. FBS
Meaning: Fasting Blood Sugar glucose level after not eating.
9. Hx
Meaning: History patient’s medical or symptom history.
10. Polydipsia
Meaning: Excessive thirst.
11. Polyuria
Meaning: Excessive urination.
12. T
Meaning: Temperature.
13. P
Meaning: Pulse (heart rate).
14. R
Meaning: Respiratory rate (breaths per minute).
15. BP
Meaning: Blood Pressure.
16. + (positive test result)
Meaning: Positive glucose was detected.
17. Dx
Meaning: Diagnosis.
18. DM
Meaning: Diabetes Mellitus.
19. Rx
Meaning: Prescription or therapy ordered.
20. Tx
Meaning: Treatment.
PART TWO WORD SURGERY (2 pts each)
1. Pancreatomy
Breakdown: pancreat/o = pancreas; -tomy = cutting/incision
Literal: incision into the pancreas
Everyday: a surgery where the pancreas is cut into.
2. Gonadotropin
Breakdown: gonad/o = gonads (ovaries/testes); -tropin = stimulating hormone
Literal: hormone that stimulates the gonads
Everyday: a hormone that causes the ovaries or testes to work.
3. Homeostasis
Breakdown: home/o = same; -stasis = standing still / balance
Literal: staying the same or keeping balance
Everyday: the body keeping everything stable and in balance.
4. Adrenalectomy
Breakdown: adrenal/o = adrenal gland; -ectomy = surgical removal
Literal: removal of an adrenal gland
Everyday: surgery to take out an adrenal gland.
5. Panhypopituitarism
Breakdown: pan = all; hypo = below/deficient; pituitar/o = pituitary gland; -ism = condition
Literal: condition of all pituitary hormones being below normal
Everyday: when the pituitary gland doesn’t make enough of any of its hormones.
1. How does the endocrine system work with the rest of the body?
The endocrine system works with the rest of the body by releasing hormones into the
bloodstream that control metabolism, growth, stress responses, reproduction, and overall
balance, helping all the organs work together properly.
2. What is the most important or interesting part of the endocrine system?
The most interesting part of the endocrine system to me is how tiny amounts of hormones can
completely change how the body works, affecting mood, energy levels, and even how cells use
sugar.
3. Is there anything that surprised you while learning about this system?
I was surprised by how many everyday functions depend on hormones and how quickly things
can go wrong when even one hormone is too high or too low.