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A Case of Respiratory Distress

By Brahmadeo Dewprashad, Geraldine S. Vaz, Sharon A. Vaz (rr)

A Case of Respiratory Distress


 

Abstract

This clinical case study was developed to engage students by making connections between core concepts in chemistry and physiological processes in the body. The case pertains to medication-induced methemoglobinemia, its etiology, diagnosis, and treatments. Concepts taught by the case include the use of conversion factors, pH, buffering, Le Chatelier's principle, blood chemistry, and respiratory and metabolic acidosis and alkalosis. The case is suitable for use in a General, Organic, and Biological (GOB) Chemistry course or other introductory general chemistry course as well as undergraduate physiology courses. The case also could be adapted for use in undergraduate pharmacology and medicinal chemistry courses.

   

Date Posted

01/12/2011

Overview

Objectives

  • Use conversion factors in determining possibility of pneumonia and dosage of medication.
  • Apply pH, buffering, and Le Chatelier's principle to blood chemistry.
  • Understand the principles underlying respiratory and metabolic acidosis and alkalosis.
  • Understand the etiology, manifestation, diagnosis, and treatment of methemoglobinemia.

Keywords

Acidosis; alkalosis; blood chemistry; buffering; conversion factors; Le Chatelier’s principle; methemoglobinemia; methylene blue; oxygen therapy; pH; pulse oximetry; respiratory distress

  

Subject Headings

Biochemistry
Chemistry (General)
Medicinal Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Pharmacy / Pharmacology
Physiology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Directed

 

 

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