Unit VI Case Study
Instructions
Review the following case study.Mrs. Hernandez is a 50-year-old woman who has felt poorly and tired all the time for the past several months. She has also noticed that it seems her kidneys are active more than usual. She went to her doctor to get her thyroid level checked. The doctor found her thyroid level to be normal but found her blood sugar to be 250.After considering her situation, respond to the following questions:
- Could her symptoms have been caused by low thyroid hormone levels?
- What other symptoms can low thyroid levels cause?
- What are the three types of diabetes, and how do they differ from each other? Which type does Mrs. Hernandez have?
- How would you treat Mrs. Hernandez?
- Would you suggest insulin? Why, or why not?
Your paper must be at least two pages in length.You are required to use at least your textbook as source material for your response. Other resources are optional.Adhere to APA Style when constructing in-text citations and references for all sources that are used.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Mrs. Hernandez, a 50-year-old woman, has been experiencing feelings of tiredness and observed increased activity in her kidneys. After visiting her doctor, she was diagnosed with high blood sugar levels. In this case study, we will answer the following questions: Could her symptoms have been caused by low thyroid hormone levels? What other symptoms can low thyroid levels cause? What are the three types of diabetes, and how do they differ from each other? Which type does Mrs. Hernandez have? How would you treat Mrs. Hernandez and would you suggest insulin? Why or why not?
1. Could her symptoms have been caused by low thyroid hormone levels?
Mrs. Hernandez’s symptoms of tiredness and increased activity in the kidneys are common symptoms of thyroid hormone deficiency. However, her thyroid levels were found to be normal. Therefore, her symptoms are not likely to be caused by low thyroid hormone levels.
2. What other symptoms can low thyroid levels cause?
Symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels include fatigue, weakness, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, cold intolerance, muscle pain, and poor memory. However, as mentioned before, her thyroid hormone levels are normal and are not the cause of her symptoms.
3. What are the three types of diabetes, and how do they differ from each other? Which type does Mrs. Hernandez have?
The three types of diabetes are type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the pancreas produces insulin, but the body does not use it properly. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually disappears after delivery.
Based on the information provided, it is not clear which type of diabetes Mrs. Hernandez has. However, her high blood sugar levels suggest that she may have type 2 diabetes.
4. How would you treat Mrs. Hernandez?
The treatment for type 2 diabetes focuses on managing blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control. The treatment plan for Mrs. Hernandez will depend on her specific situation and medical history. However, it is likely that she will be advised to make dietary changes, exercise more regularly and manage her blood sugar levels through medication.
5. Would you suggest insulin? Why, or why not?
The use of insulin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes varies from person to person. In Mrs. Hernandez’s case, it is not clear whether her blood sugar levels can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes alone. Therefore, the decision to suggest insulin will depend on her situation and medical history. If her blood sugar levels cannot be adequately controlled with medication and lifestyle changes, then insulin may be necessary.
