ANNELISE ARGER VANMETER; GOULD’S
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR THE HEALTH
PROFFESSIONS 5TH EDITION CASE STUDY
GRADED A+ 2024 UPDATE
Chapter 24: Complications of Aging
Case Studies
Case Study 1
Ms. B is a 75-year-old woman who has been living alone for the last 15 years. Following a
fall and a broken pelvis a year ago, and a broken wrist about 6 months ago, she has been
inactive and depressed. She has not been eating in a healthy fashion and gets very little
exercise. For the past few months, she also has been developing a hunchback posture,
along with a shuffling gait and difficulty breathing when she walks more than a few feet.
Lab tests conducted recently revealed a decrease in her bone mass and density, possibly
contributing to the two fractures she suffered in the past year.
Discussion Questions
1. Relate the history and signs and symptoms to the onset and course of osteoporosis.
(See Osteoporosis.)
They are characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density. Some symptoms
are back pain, loss of height over time, a stooped posture, and a bone fracture that
occurs much more easily than expected.
2. Discuss the several risk factors associated with osteoporosis. Which appear to be
present in this case? (See Osteoporosis.)
Risk factors are usually out of a person’s control such as a person’s sex. Women are
more prone to develop it than men are. Age is another thing. The older you get the
riskier it could be. Race is another one, there is a greater risk if white or Asian.
Family history of a parent or sibling puts the patient at a greater risk.
3. Discuss recommendations to reduce the risk and progression of osteoporosis
associated with aging. When should these recommendations be implemented?
Why? (See Osteoporosis.)
Good nutrition and regular exercise are essential for keeping bones healthy
throughout your life. Good amounts of protein are also recommended. Keeping the
body at a healthy weight and also getting enough calcium.
Case Study 2
Ms. M is a 51-year-old woman. She has recently been experiencing headaches,
irritability, and insomnia. She has made an appointment with her gynecologist because
she has been experiencing a lack of interest in intercourse and vaginal irritation. She
has also been experiencing hot flashes.
Discussion Questions
1. How do the hormonal changes that occur during menopause relate to Ms. M’s
reported problems? (See Reproductive System Changes—Menopause.)
, Menopause is the term given to the change that happens in women around the age
of 50. The ovaries cease to respond to FSH and LH, which results in a lack of
ovulation, no menstrual cycle, and declining estrogen and progesterone levels.
2. How might Ms. M deal with these problems? (See Menopause.)
She can find ways to cope with the symptoms that come with menopause. Examples are
if dealing with stress, meditate, hot flashes, and dress in layers.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR THE HEALTH
PROFFESSIONS 5TH EDITION CASE STUDY
GRADED A+ 2024 UPDATE
Chapter 24: Complications of Aging
Case Studies
Case Study 1
Ms. B is a 75-year-old woman who has been living alone for the last 15 years. Following a
fall and a broken pelvis a year ago, and a broken wrist about 6 months ago, she has been
inactive and depressed. She has not been eating in a healthy fashion and gets very little
exercise. For the past few months, she also has been developing a hunchback posture,
along with a shuffling gait and difficulty breathing when she walks more than a few feet.
Lab tests conducted recently revealed a decrease in her bone mass and density, possibly
contributing to the two fractures she suffered in the past year.
Discussion Questions
1. Relate the history and signs and symptoms to the onset and course of osteoporosis.
(See Osteoporosis.)
They are characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density. Some symptoms
are back pain, loss of height over time, a stooped posture, and a bone fracture that
occurs much more easily than expected.
2. Discuss the several risk factors associated with osteoporosis. Which appear to be
present in this case? (See Osteoporosis.)
Risk factors are usually out of a person’s control such as a person’s sex. Women are
more prone to develop it than men are. Age is another thing. The older you get the
riskier it could be. Race is another one, there is a greater risk if white or Asian.
Family history of a parent or sibling puts the patient at a greater risk.
3. Discuss recommendations to reduce the risk and progression of osteoporosis
associated with aging. When should these recommendations be implemented?
Why? (See Osteoporosis.)
Good nutrition and regular exercise are essential for keeping bones healthy
throughout your life. Good amounts of protein are also recommended. Keeping the
body at a healthy weight and also getting enough calcium.
Case Study 2
Ms. M is a 51-year-old woman. She has recently been experiencing headaches,
irritability, and insomnia. She has made an appointment with her gynecologist because
she has been experiencing a lack of interest in intercourse and vaginal irritation. She
has also been experiencing hot flashes.
Discussion Questions
1. How do the hormonal changes that occur during menopause relate to Ms. M’s
reported problems? (See Reproductive System Changes—Menopause.)
, Menopause is the term given to the change that happens in women around the age
of 50. The ovaries cease to respond to FSH and LH, which results in a lack of
ovulation, no menstrual cycle, and declining estrogen and progesterone levels.
2. How might Ms. M deal with these problems? (See Menopause.)
She can find ways to cope with the symptoms that come with menopause. Examples are
if dealing with stress, meditate, hot flashes, and dress in layers.
