Texts: For this case study, analyze the following case:
Harry wakes in the night with abdominal pain. He feels nauseated and experiences some relief when he finally vomits. His problem continues for a week, and he develops a fever. He wants to stay home and rest, to see if he can recover from what he calls "stomach flu." His wife insists that he visit his doctor. The doctor examines Harry and finds that the pain is primarily located in the middle of his abdomen, but that there are especially tender spots. Blood tests reveal leukocytosis. Patient history reveals that no one else in the family is ill and that Harry has not traveled or eaten food not shared by the entire family.
o Are these signs and symptoms characteristic of a specific disease, or are they typical of many different types of illness? What types of illness might be indicated?
o What is the meaning of the leukocytosis and fever?
o What diagnostic tests might help reveal the cause of Harry's problem?
o What danger is there in Harry's plan to stay home and rest rather than to see a doctor?
o The patient history helps in the diagnosis by eliminating what types of GI disease as probable causes of Harry's illness?
