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The Case of the Jamaican Fisherman

By Joyce A. Shaw

The Case of the Jamaican Fisherman


 

Abstract

Designed for a first- or second-semester Anatomy & Physiology course, this directed case study involves a 48-year-old Jamaican fisherman who suffered a cerebrovascular accident.  He was taken to a hospital, where he stayed for three days before he was discharged to his one-room home in a rural fishing village. His limited access to the healthcare system and his lack of understanding about his condition led him to spend the next month in bed. A physical therapist was the first clinician to see him at home. The case describes her findings and asks students to explain the anatomy, physiology, and cultural conditions that led to his present situation. The case consists of five sections that ask questions related to cultural competence, the nervous system, cardiovascular system, muscular system, and respiratory system. Sections can be used altogether, alone, or in any order or combination to help students apply their knowledge of body systems to this practical case.

   

Date Posted

06/18/2012

Overview

Objectives

  • Understand changes in function of the nervous, cardiovascular, muscular, and respiratory systems that occur in a patient who has suffered a cerebrovascular accident.
  • Learn about cultural differences in healthcare in rural Jamaica versus the United States.

Keywords

Cerebrovascular accident; CVA; cardiovascular system; muscular system; respiratory system; nervous system; high blood pressure; cultural competence; Jamaica

  

Subject Headings

Anatomy
Biology (General)
Medicine (General)
Physiology
Sociology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

Social issues, Social justice issues

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Directed, Discussion

 

 

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