Chamberlain university iHuman Case Study: James
Taylor – 39 Year-Old Male Presenting With Shortness of
Breath
iHuman Case – James Taylor
Name: James Taylor –
Age: 39 y/o
Height: 5’8” (173 cm)
Weight: 140 lb (63.8 kg)
Reason for Encounter: Shortness f Breath
Chief Complaint
“My breathing feels tight. I get short of breath even with small activities.”
, History of Present Illness:
James Taylor is a 39-year-old male presenting with 2–3 days of progressively worsening shortness of
breath. Symptoms began while walking stairs at work and have worsened. He reports dry cough, mild
chest tightness, fatigue, and exertional dyspnea.
Past Medical History:
Seasonal allergic rhinitis. No cardiac or pulmonary conditions.
Family History:
Mother with asthma; father with hypertension.
Social History:
Warehouse worker, no smoking, social alcohol use.
History of Present Illness (HPI)
James Taylor is a 39-year-old male presenting with a 2–3 day history of progressively
worsening shortness of breath. Symptoms first appeared while he was walking up a flight of
stairs at work. Initially mild, the dyspnea has increased to the point where he becomes winded
after walking across a room or bending over.
He describes the sensation as:
“Tightness” across his chest
Difficulty taking a deep breath
Feels like “I can’t get enough air in”
Shortness of breath is worse with exertion, improved somewhat with rest. He states he feels
slightly breathless even while speaking in full sentences during the interview.
He reports:
Dry, persistent cough for the last 48 hours
Mild chest pressure, not sharp or radiating
Occasional lightheadedness when standing quickly
Feeling unusually fatigued
He denies:
Fever, chills, or night sweats
Wheezing
Sputum production
Chest pain with exertion
Palpitations
Syncope
Leg swelling
Hemoptysis
Recent trauma
Recent long flights or car rides
Taylor – 39 Year-Old Male Presenting With Shortness of
Breath
iHuman Case – James Taylor
Name: James Taylor –
Age: 39 y/o
Height: 5’8” (173 cm)
Weight: 140 lb (63.8 kg)
Reason for Encounter: Shortness f Breath
Chief Complaint
“My breathing feels tight. I get short of breath even with small activities.”
, History of Present Illness:
James Taylor is a 39-year-old male presenting with 2–3 days of progressively worsening shortness of
breath. Symptoms began while walking stairs at work and have worsened. He reports dry cough, mild
chest tightness, fatigue, and exertional dyspnea.
Past Medical History:
Seasonal allergic rhinitis. No cardiac or pulmonary conditions.
Family History:
Mother with asthma; father with hypertension.
Social History:
Warehouse worker, no smoking, social alcohol use.
History of Present Illness (HPI)
James Taylor is a 39-year-old male presenting with a 2–3 day history of progressively
worsening shortness of breath. Symptoms first appeared while he was walking up a flight of
stairs at work. Initially mild, the dyspnea has increased to the point where he becomes winded
after walking across a room or bending over.
He describes the sensation as:
“Tightness” across his chest
Difficulty taking a deep breath
Feels like “I can’t get enough air in”
Shortness of breath is worse with exertion, improved somewhat with rest. He states he feels
slightly breathless even while speaking in full sentences during the interview.
He reports:
Dry, persistent cough for the last 48 hours
Mild chest pressure, not sharp or radiating
Occasional lightheadedness when standing quickly
Feeling unusually fatigued
He denies:
Fever, chills, or night sweats
Wheezing
Sputum production
Chest pain with exertion
Palpitations
Syncope
Leg swelling
Hemoptysis
Recent trauma
Recent long flights or car rides
