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Week 2 Case Study Prompt
A 28-year-old African American woman presents with 4 months of worsening fatigue, joint
pain, and intermittent low-grade fevers. She reports:
• Symmetrical pain and stiffness in hands and wrists (morning stiffness ~1 hour)
• Photosensitivity
• Facial rash that worsens with sun exposure
• Hair thinning
• Bilateral ankle swelling
No recent infection. No new medications.
Physical Examination
• BP: 148/92 mmHg
• Temp: 99.4°F
• Erythematous malar rash sparing nasolabial folds
• Tender MCP and PIP joints bilaterally
• Mild bilateral ankle edema
Laboratory Data
Test Result
Hgb 9.8 g/dL
WBC 3,000/mm³
Platelets 110,000/mm³
Creatinine 1.6 mg/dL
Urinalysis 2+ protein, RBC casts
ESR 65 mm/hr
ANA Positive (1:640)
Anti-dsDNA Elevated
Anti-Smith Positive
Complement C3/C4 Decreased
Questions:
1. Develop a 1- to 2-page case study analysis, examining the patient signs and
symptoms presented in the case study; discussing the primary cellular
pathophysiological processes, and the significance for symptom development and
diagnosis.
2. What role do genetic mutations play in the development of the disease?
3. What is the impact of the disease on the immune system? How do treatment
strategies target the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease
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