Assignment (1- to 2-page case study analysis)
In your Case Study Analysis related to the scenario provided, explain the following as it applies to the scenario you were provided :
- The factors that affect fertility (STDs).
- Why inflammatory markers rise in STD/PID.
- Why prostatitis and infection happens. Also explain the causes of systemic reaction.
Submit your Case Study Analysis
Scenario: 42-year-old man presents to ED with 2-day history of dysuria, low back pain, inability to fully empty his bladder, severe perineal pain along with fevers and chills. He says the pain is worse when he stands up and is somewhat relieved when he lies down. Vital signs T 104.0 F, pulse 138, respirations 24. PaO2 96% on room air. Digital rectal exam (DRE) reveals the prostate to be enlarged, extremely tender, swollen, and warm to touch.
Reminder: The College of Nursing requires that all papers submitted include a title page, introduction, summary, and references. The sample paper provided at the Walden Writing Center provides an example of those required elements (available at All papers submitted must use this formatting.
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Introduction:
This case study analysis relates to a 42-year-old man who presents to the ED with symptoms of dysuria, low back pain, inability to empty his bladder, perineal pain, fevers, and chills. The objective of this analysis is to explain how the factors affecting fertility (STDs), why inflammatory markers rise during STD/PID, and why prostatitis and infection happen. Additionally, the analysis will explain the causes of the systemic reaction to this scenario.
Factors That Affect Fertility (STDs):
STDs can cause infertility in both men and women due to their effect on multiple organ systems. For instance, untreated gonorrhea and chlamydia infections can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can cause fallopian tube scarring, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. In men, these infections can result in epididymitis, prostatitis, and urethritis, which could damage the testicles and lead to infertility. Moreover, herpes simplex virus (HSV) can cause inflammation in the reproductive tract leading to fertility problems.
Why Inflammatory Markers Rise in STD/PID:
Inflammatory markers increase in response to any form of inflammation within the body. During STD/PID, bacteria can release toxins that stimulate immune cells to produce inflammatory markers like CRP, ESR, and WBCs. This immune response aims to kill the bacteria, clear the infection, and promote healing but can lead to inflammation of surrounding tissues and organs, leading to infertility.
Why Prostatitis and Infection Happen:
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that can also happen due to a bacterial infection. In this case, the 42-year-old man has an enlarged, swollen, and tender prostate, indicating an infection. Prostatitis can occur due to various factors such as bacterial infection, autoimmune diseases, injuries, and nerve issues. Infections may happen through unprotected sex, medical procedures, and poor hygiene, leading to bacterial growth in the urinary tract.
Causes of Systemic Reaction:
The patient’s vital signs reveal a T of 104.0 F, pulse of 138, respirations of 24, and PaO2 of 96% on room air, indicating a systemic reaction. The systemic reaction involves the release of cytokines, histamines, and other mediators causing widespread inflammation, leading to the release of acute phase proteins like CRP and SAA, which are detected in blood tests. The systemic reaction can happen due to a severe bacterial infection, leading to an overwhelming immune response and sepsis.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, STDs, if left untreated, can cause infertility in men and women. PID, epididymitis, prostatitis, urethritis, and inflammation of the reproductive tract are some of the causes of fertility problems. During STD/PID infections, inflammatory markers rise due to the immune response aimed at killing the bacteria, leading to a systemic reaction. Proper diagnosis and treatment of STD/PID infections can prevent the development of chronic diseases, infertility, and systemic reactions.