Case Study: Kyle Boulard, a 35 year-old male, is believed to be one of the primary causes of the accident on Route 91. Passengers on the bus reported that Mr Boulard was clearly intoxicated when he boarded the bus. According to these reports, Mr. Boulard behaved erratically, appeared disoriented, and left his seat and staggered down the aisle. Just prior to the accident, he stumbled into the driverâ²s compartment. Paramedics found Mr. Boulard in a disoriented state when they arrived on the scene, but noted only minor injuries. A â³fruity acetone combined with alcoholâ³ smell was noted on his breath. What follows is a summary of the notable test results.
General Blood Urine
BP: 95/58 pH: 7.1 Odor: â³fruity acetoneâ³
HR: 110 bpm Glucose: 345 mg/dl pH: 4.3
Ketone bodies: 22 mg/dl Glucose: Strongly positive
Blood alcohol: 110 mg/dl
Questions to Answer
1. Look up the normal values for the each of the test results (see below) and identify whether each test result is normal or abnormal. If there is a medical term for the elevated/lowered test value, indicate its name. (Example: Excess blood calcium is referred to as hypercalcemia.)
2. Which substance is producing the â³fruity acetoneâ³ smell in Mr. Bouchardâ²s urine?
3. Why is his body producing ketones in the presence of such large amounts of glucose?
4. Explain how the pH of Mr. Bouchardâ²s blood and urine is related to the ketone bodies measured in each of these fluids.
5. Provide a possible â³alternativeâ³ explanation for Mr. Bouchardâ²s erratic behavior and high blood alcohol concentration. Think outside the box.
6. What metabolic disease do you suspect Mr. Bouchard suffers from?
Resource: https://doctorlib.info/physiology/textbook-medical-physiology/70.html
https://doctorlib.info/physiology/textbook-medical-physiology/70.html