Understanding Neurological and Musculoskeletal Systems
Case Study Analysis
Understanding neurological and musculoskeletal systems is critical to disease and disorder diagnosis and treatment. This importance is magnified by the impact that these two systems can have on each other. Various factors and circumstances affecting the emergence and severity of issues in one system can also have a role in the performance of the other.
Effective analysis often requires understanding beyond these systems and their mutual impact. For example, patient characteristics such as racial and ethnic variables can play a role. Understanding the symptoms of alterations in neurological and musculoskeletal systems is a critical step in diagnosis and treatment. For APRNs, this understanding can also help educate patients and guide them through their treatment plans.
In this Assignment, you examine a case study and analyze the symptoms presented. You identify the elements that may be factored into the diagnosis and explain the implications to patient health.
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Case Scenario:
A 64-year-old male presents to the clinic complaining of gradual onset of weakness in the left hand. He is left-hand dominant. He has had ongoing numbness and tingling that feels like it starts at his elbow. However, he had been dropping items over the past 2-3 days due to weakness. He denies any recent injuries but states that he sustained a crushing injury to the left thumb 4 years ago. He is employed as a mechanic. Several years ago, he tripped over a tire and fell backward, striking his head on the fender of a car. He didn’t seek medical attention because he only had a small scrape on his elbow. A CT of the head is within normal limits, and all labs are normal except for a slightly elevated, non-fasting blood sugar (135). He has no history of diabetes. A neck x-ray reveals mild-to-moderate degenerative disc disease at C6-C7 with neuro foraminal narrowing and slight impingement of the exiting nerve root.
The Assignment ( 2-page case study analysis)
In your Case Study Analysis related to the scenario provided, explain the following:
- The neurological and musculoskeletal pathophysiologic processes would account for the patient presenting these symptoms.
- Any racial/ethnic variables that may impact physiological functioning.
- How these processes interact affects the patient.