Keeping up with the Jones’s by Phil Stephens
Part IV—Back to the Doctor’s Office
Here are some data from Suzie’s physical:
| Table 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Condition/test | Normal | Suzie |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in | |
| Weight | 105 lb | |
| Blood pressure | 120/80 | 88/56 |
| Hematocrit | 37–47 | 32 |
| RBC | Pale & immature | |
| Heart rate | 72 | 65 ectopic beats |
| Cardiac output | 4.5–5 L | 3.6 L |
After sending the nurse to the outer office to get the lab results on Suzie’s blood, Dr. Fay turned to Suzie and her mother and said, “Suzie, before we discuss the results, you say that you run a lot?”
“That’s right,” replied Suzie, “This is my time to shine. I start competitions soon, and they run through the end of the year. I have always dreamed of getting to the Olympics, and my big chance is next February. From there, I could get a scholarship and go to college without being a burden to my parents.”
“What do you drink after you exercise? Any sports drinks?” the doctor inquired.
“No, just water, I hate the taste of those drinks. They are too salty and I hate that sweet, sticky feeling it leaves in my mouth.” Suzie became quiet and sullen, almost introverted.
“Who needs all of that sugar?” her mother asked.
“In this case, I think Suzie does,” said Dr. Fay. “The results of her blood work will give us more information on that.”
Questions
- Is Suzie’s weight reasonable for her height?
- Calculate the stroke volume of Suzie’s heart, and compare it to that of a normal individual.
- Why do you think her blood pressure is lower than normal? Does low blood pressure explain any of Suzie’s signs and symptoms that you may have noticed?
- Why is Suzie’s hematocrit low, and why are her red blood cells pale and immature?
- Compared with a normal, healthy person predict the level of the following in Suzie’s blood (higher, same, lower): sodium, potassium, calcium, glucose, iron, and protein.
- Do you wish to make any further speculation about Suzie’s condition at this time?
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