Case Study 1 Lisa, a 16-year-old girl, presents to the Emergency Department with complaints of a headache, sore throat, chills, malaise, and fatigue for the past week. On physical examination, you assess she has an enlarged liver and spleen, and she has enlarged lymph nodes in the anterior and posterior chains of her neck. Her CBC results indicate her leukocyte count is elevated at 18,000 cells/μL. Lisa tells you three other kids at school have been sick this past week with similar symptoms.
Discuss the pathophysiologic concepts of why Lisa’s immune response system is reacting this way. Explain the pathogenesis of this disorder including the role of B lymphocytes. Lisa tells you she is afraid she will die because one of the students who had the same disorder told her, “We are going to have this all our lives.” What can you say to relieve her fears? Explain the rationale for your response. What community or social media resources might be available for teens with this disorder? Are there reporting requirements at the local and state level? How might you advocate for awareness of this disorder to school-aged children? Get homework help here.
