BIOS 252 Week 5 Case Study

Student Name

Chamberlain University

BIOS-252: Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab

Prof. Name:

Date

Week 5 Case Study: Special Senses

1. Testing for Cribriform Plate Damage

Non-Invasive Testing and Rationale

The CT scan suggests potential issues with the cribriform plate, though the image lacks clarity. To confirm severe damage, a non-invasive test involves checking for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. A CSF leak from the cribriform plate indicates significant trauma or fracture. Fractures in this region can result in anosmia (olfactory dysfunction), CSF leaks, septal hematomas, or infections such as meningitis (Gomez & Pickup, 2021). As a nurse, I would conduct a q-tip swab test of the nasal cavity while using the sound of crunching leaves to assess the severity of the fracture and olfactory function.

2. Visual Distortions and Associated Eye Structures

Affected Structures and Verification Methods

The patient reports constant blind spots and distorted lines in both eyes after the explosion. Such visual disturbances may result from damage to the lens or the macula, particularly the macula lutea. The macula, situated directly posterior to the lens, is responsible for central vision. Within it lies the fovea centralis, which enables detailed visual imaging (Saladin, 2019). Testing for macular or lens damage can involve visual acuity tests and retinal imaging to confirm structural integrity and functional performance.

3. Impact of Explosion on Lungs and Ears

Explosive Trauma and Its Effects

The explosion caused bilateral tympanic membrane ruptures and lung damage. The tympanic membranes burst due to the pressure wave from the blast, which tears the thin tissue separating the ear canal from the middle ear. Additionally, inhalation of smoke and chemicals likely caused chemical pneumonitis. The ruptured eardrums and smoke exposure created multiple entry points for bacteria and harmful substances into the body, exacerbating the patient’s condition (Jorolemon et al., 2021).

Table: Summary of Case Study Findings

Case Study Aspect	Key Findings	Supporting Evidence
Cribriform Plate Damage	CSF leakage indicative of severe damage or fracture.	“Fractures to the cribriform plate can result in anosmia, CSF leak, septal hematoma, or meningitis” (Gomez & Pickup, 2021).
Eye Damage	Distortions linked to the lens or macula lutea.	“The macula lutea, with its central fovea, produces the most finely detailed images” (Saladin, 2019).
Effects of Explosion	Tympanic membrane rupture and chemical pneumonitis.	“Tympanic membrane ruptures tear the thin tissue separating the ear canal from the middle ear” (Jorolemon et al., 2021).

References

Gomez, J., & Pickup, S. (2021). Cribriform Plate Fractures. NCBI. Retrieved April 2, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562192/

Jorolemon, M., Lopez, R., & Krywko, D. (2021). Blast Injuries. NCBI. Retrieved April 2, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430914/