Assessment: Case Study (Topic areas - acute inflammatory response, immunisation, infection control)
Case Study:
Peter Smith, a 19 year old university student was suffering from influenza and visited his local GP. He said he began to feel unwell two days earlier and his condition had worsened since, with an acute onset of a sore throat (pharyngitis).
On examination the following observations were made:
- Fever of 38.9oC
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Enlarged anterior cervical lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)
In addition, Peter also complained of:
- Aching joints
- Feeling tired
- Headache
Peter's throat was observed to have the following signs and symptoms:
- Redness
- Swollen
- Having a patchy covering of yellow-white exudate over his tonsils
The doctor prescribed phenoxymethylpenicillin 500mg twice per day for ten days.
Q1. Explain how Peter's fever developed and state, with explanation, two benefits of fever.
Q2. Given that influenza is caused by a virus, why was Peter prescribed an antibiotic? The doctor prescribed phenoxymethylpenicillin. Discuss the mode of action of phenoxymethylpenicillin. Explain why antibiotics are not effective against viruses.
Q3. Describe two (2) possible ways that Peter could have contracted the influenza virus (modes of transmission). Identify two (2) ways by which the modes of transmission could be broken.
Q4. Describe the physiological basis of the three (3) signs and symptoms of Peter's throat Relate your response to this case study.
Q5. Compare and contrast the processes by which viruses and bacteria replicate.