Abstract
Six-month-old "Henry" is suffering from increasing gastrointestinal bleeding. Students first explore the effect of the bleeding on common blood tests such as hematocrit and hemoglobin and explain their relationship to anemia and erythropoiesis. Students also predict the effect of the blood loss on blood volume and blood pressure. They then use Henry’s clinical signs and work backwards to review and apply feedback loops used by the cardiovascular system in an attempt to maintain homeostasis. The case is designed for use at the end of a unit on the cardiovascular system and is written at a level appropriate for a two-semester anatomy and physiology (A&P) course taken by nursing, nutrition, athletic training, pre-occupational therapy, and other health-related majors in their first or second year. It could also be adapted for use in an advanced high school A&P course.