Lost in the Desert!
This case study was about a 35 year old man who suffered from a heat stroke because he was lost in a desert on a 105° F day. The man was delirious, weak, nauseous, and had a very high body temperature. He also suffered from first degree burns on his face and back. This case study relates to homeostasis because his body went back to homeostasis eventually after he was rehydrated and recovered in the hospital.
Case Study Questions:
1. Define the terms in the case study highlighted in boldface.
heat stroke - A condition marked by fever and often by unconsciousness, caused by failure of the body's temperature-regulating mechanism when exposed to excessively high temperatures.
first degree burns - Burns that affect only the outer layer of the skin. They cause pain, redness, and swelling.
electrolytes - A liquid or gel that contains ions and can be decomposed by electrolysis.
glucose - A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms and is a component of many carbohydrates.
melanin - A dark brown to black pigment occurring in the hair, skin, and iris of the eye in people and animals. It is responsible for tanning of skin exposed to sunlight.
2. Assuming that Mark lost around 4 liters of water, what percentage of his body water did he lose? Would you expect his urinary volume to decrease or increase during his trek? Please explain
your answer.
Mark lost around 10% of his body water. His urinary volume would decrease because his body is trying to retain water, although he is already dehydrated.
3.Why was Mark’s blood pressure so low? Would his pulse rate decrease or increase? Please explain. Why was Mark dizzy and disoriented?
His blood pressure was low because he was dehydrated. His pulse would increase because his body is trying harder to remain cool. He was dizzy and disoriented because his blood pressure was very low.
4. Assume that Mark had an unopened six-pack of beer in his car. Would it have been a good idea for Mark to bring the beer along in case he got thirsty? Why or why not?
It wouldn't have been a good idea because the beer would have made him urinate more, which would make him lose even more of his body's water.
5. What vitamin would Mark have in greater amounts in his body after that day?
Vitamin D because he was exposed more to sunlight.
6. What did Mark do that increased his chance of burns?
He took off his shirt and hat, so his skin was exposed to sunlight.
7. Why would Mark’s skin have looked red within the first few hours of his adventure rather than edness developing hours and days later as a result of “sunburn?"
His body would have responded by increasing his blood flow to start the healing process.
