Annies Swim

The Tired Swimmer Case Study

Courtney Thigpen

Go to this Website: http://www.sciencecases.org/tired_swimmer/tired_swimmer.asp

Answer the Following Questions for Parts I(IV.

Part I:

1. What vital signs or symptoms does Annie exhibit?

Extreme weakness, blurred vision, tired, fatigue, problems breathing

2. Can you see any common features in Annie’s signs and symptoms?

All of them are a sign of weakness

3. Why is Annie having problems breathing?

Breathing is involuntary and requires stimulation from the nervous system to involuntary act.

4. What are the possible reasons for Annie’s condition?

Considering the symptoms it sounds as if Annie has Multiple Sclerosis or MS.

Part II:

1. What additional vital signs or symptoms does Annie exhibit?

Excessive sleeping/napping

2. From the internet, find a picture that shows the mammalian spinal cord in cross section. Include the url where you found it and a statement of why you feel this is a good example.

[pic]

http://www.phasmatodea.org/anatphys/jpegs/12-30b_SpinalCord_1.jpg

I think this is a god representation because it demonstrates the different layers as well as the various structures of the spinal cord.

3. How could a decline in muscle function contribute to eye strain and blurred vision?

As muscle function deteriorates, it takes more effert for eye muscles to concentrate therefore straining the eye and blurring vision.

4. What are the possible reasons for Annie’s condition?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Part III:

1. According to the conduction test, was Annie’s nerve function normal?

Yes

2. According to Annie’s EMG test, was Annie’s skeletal muscle function normal?

No

3. Considering your answers to Questions 1 and 2, why did activity in Annie’s motor nerves produce a skeletal muscle response that fatigued during repetitive stimulation?

There is an interruption in the deliverance of the message for the muscle to respond and the muscle seems to be...