Digestion and Metabolism Physiology Cases - PDF

Topic 1 Lectorial: Digestion and metabolism physiology in clinical settings (7 cases) Case 1 Mary Small arrives in her GP’s office complaining of severe, steady pain in the upper right quadrant of her abdomen. The pain began shortly after she ate a meal of fried chicken, chi...

Topic 1 Lectorial: Digestion and metabolism physiology in clinical settings (7 cases) Case 1 Mary Small arrives in her GP’s office complaining of severe, steady pain in the upper right quadrant of her abdomen. The pain began shortly after she ate a meal of fried chicken, chips and peas. Lab tests and an ultrasound reveal the presence of gallstones in the common bile duct. i) Why was Mary’s pain precipitated by the meal she ate? ii) Digestion of which nutrient(s) will be directly affected by the gall stones – fats, proteins or carbohydrates? Explain your reasoning iii) Would any of the other nutrients digestion also be affected? Case 2 In clinical settings, patients who need to have their bowels cleaned out before surgery or other procedures are often required to drink four litres of an isotonic solution of polyethylene glycol and electrolytes. Polyethylene glycol cannot be absorbed by the small intestine. Explain what will happen when the polyethylene glycol passes into the colon Case 3 Tonya’s doctor has just informed her that he thinks she has a peptic ulcer, located in her duodenum. He explains that a peptic ulcer is a raw, inflamed area that extends from a break in the surface epithelium to the deeper, muscular layers. Why are peptic ulcers found in the duodenum rather than the jejunum or ileum? What protective mechanisms are normally in place to prevent duodenal ulcers forming? Case 4 Recently, more people have turned to surgery to help them lose weight. One of the more radical weight control surgeries involves stapling a portion of the stomach shut, creating a smaller volume. What effects might this procedure have on the physiology of the entire digestive system? Case 5 Scott is a bodybuilder who consumes large amounts of amino acid supplements in the belief that they will increase his muscle mass. He believes that the amino acids he consumes are stored in his body until he needs them. Scott's mate Tom said he is wasting his money on this supplement and should instead be buying the one he is getting, which is only essential amino acids. What would you say to Scott and Tom to resolve this argument? Case 6 Mali has been reading on the internet about a hunger suppressing supplement she can take to assist with weightloss. She said it claims to interfere with the hormonal control of appetite. What effect would this supplement be trying to achieve in this regard? Case 7 Dharius has severe hepatitis, what metabolic and digestive effects might this result in?