48-year-old female with increased fatigue, constipation, and weight gain without a change in diet over 6 months. History: Mindy Mallon, an 48 year old Caucasian female that has experienced rapid weight gain along with increasing fatigue and constipation.
She states that she has trouble concentrating and is lethargic during the day.
On physical examination you note that she is mildly obese and exhibits dry hair and skin. No abnormalities noted. Past medical history is
unremarkable and a quick review of family medical history reveals diabetes mellitus type 2 and hypertension, no other issues articulated.
QUESTIONS:
The following lab results are noted:
• blood glucose level - 90 mg/dl (normal - 50 - 170 mg/dl)
• blood pH level = 7.40 (normal = 7.35 -7.45)
• urine - negative for glucose and negative for acetone/acetoacetate (i. e. ketone bodies)
• CBC- Normal
Answer the following questions, be sure to use proper terminology and detail your answers considering your review of your chapter via textbook, notes and video
screen cast of module components:
1. What could be the primary endocrinological reason for current signs and symptoms?
2. What lab exams might you want to consider next and why?
3. Considering her current condition, would it have been a good idea to delve deeper into her family medical history and if so, why?