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Feel the Burn

Biochemical Testing and the Integumentary System

By Holly A. Basta, Sheela Vemu

Feel the Burn


 

Abstract

This PowerPoint-driven case study follows a young woman who acquires a third-degree burn and receives a skin graft. As the graft becomes inflamed and infected, students interpret results from diagnostic tests (gram stain, MSA plates, etc.) to diagnose a Staphylococcus infection. The patient is prescribed antibiotics, but the inflammation worsens; she develops an abscess, and acquires bacteremia. Students then interpret tests for antibiotic resistance (latex agglutination and disc diffusion tests) and diagnose the patient with a methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. Students discuss in groups the appropriate treatment of MRSA infections and the mechanisms behind such treatments. The case is designed to integrate a broad range of anatomy topics (integumentary system, immunity, etc.) with microbiology themes (antibiotic resistance, culturing, etc.) and data interpretation. It is appropriate for use in undergraduate courses in medicine, anatomy and physiology, immunology, and microbiology.

   

Date Posted

07/06/2020

Overview

Objectives

  • Describe the structure and function of features of the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis.
  • Describe the classification of burns and the types of skin grafts.
  • Outline the process of tissue repair involved in normal healing of a superficial wound.
  • Apply knowledge of bacteria and prokaryotic cells to real-world decisions on antibiotic usage.
  • Analyze data and make appropriate conclusions.

Keywords

Skin; burn; MRSA; healing; microbiology; inflammation; graft; integumentary; immunology; antibiotic resistance;

  

Subject Headings

Anatomy
Biology (General)
Medicine (General)
Microbiology
Nursing

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division, Professional (degree program), Clinical education

  

FORMAT

PDF, PowerPoint

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Directed, Discussion

 

 

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