1 of 2 Case Study - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Objectives 1. Explain the risk factors, symptoms, etiology, progression, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. 2. Demonstrate the ability to access and critically evaluate information from a wide variety of sources (such as Library databases and internet sources). Read the case presentation and answer the questions that follow. The Case Study Rubric will be used to assess your work. The Case Study rubric lists the criteria for each question (required resources, word counts and citation requirements). Case Presentation A 35-year-old female, Samantha, complains of a sudden onset of right hand “tingling” and pain. This started 4 weeks ago. She feels the symptoms mainly in the right index finger, especially when working at her laptop at her insurance company. It is also affecting her right thumb and part of the middle finger if she works all day. Samantha states the symptoms are worse during the night and early morning. She also noted that she is having difficulty opening jars and is losing her grip strength. Samantha denies any neck pain or history of previous symptoms. She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes mellitus ten years ago. The physician completes the carpal compression test and has Samantha perform Phalen’s maneuver/test . Both recreate her symptoms. The physician orders an electromyography and nerve conduction study of the median nerve to confirm carpal tunnel syndrome. Photo: [Carpal Tunnel Syndrome]. (n.d.). Retrieved July 8, 2018, from https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/carpal-tunnel-syndrome 2 of 2 Questions 1. Define the bold words. 2. Describe the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. 3. One of the signs of carpal tunnel syndrome is paraesthesia, a pricking, numbing, tingling sensation. Paraesthesia is a symptom of nerve irritation. Samantha was questioned about a history of diabetes mellitus because diabetic neuropathy (nerve disorder) needs to be considered. Compare the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of diabetic neuropathy to carpal tunnel syndrome. 4. Samantha needs to be educated on the treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome. Explain the treatment using terms that Samantha can understand. At minimum this should include any at- home-care, over the counter medications, prescriptions(includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling), alternative or complementary care. 5. Explain the prognosis of the disease to Samantha and preventative measures that can be taken to prevent her condition from worsening. 1 of 2 Case Study - Fibromyalgia Objectives 1. Explain the risk factors, symptoms, etiology, progression, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. 2. Demonstrate the ability to access and critically evaluate information from a wide variety of sources (such as Library databases and internet sources). Read the case presentation and an ...

1. 1 of 2
Case Study - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Objectives
1. Explain the risk factors, symptoms, etiology, progression,
diagnosis, treatment and
prognosis.
2. Demonstrate the ability to access and critically evaluate
information from a wide
variety of sources (such as Library databases and internet
sources).
Read the case presentation and answer the questions that
follow. The Case Study
Rubric will be used to assess your work. The Case Study rubric
lists the criteria for each
question (required resources, word counts and citation
requirements).
Case Presentation
A 35-year-old female, Samantha, complains of a sudden onset
of right hand “tingling”
and pain. This started 4 weeks ago. She feels the symptoms
mainly in the right index
finger, especially when working at her laptop at her insurance
company. It is also
affecting her right thumb and part of the middle finger if she
works all day. Samantha

2. states the symptoms are worse during the night and early
morning. She also noted
that she is having difficulty opening jars and is losing her grip
strength. Samantha
denies any neck pain or history of previous symptoms. She
was diagnosed with Type 1
diabetes mellitus ten years ago.
The physician completes the carpal
compression test and has Samantha perform
Phalen’s maneuver/test . Both recreate her
symptoms. The physician orders an
electromyography and nerve conduction
study of the median nerve to confirm carpal
tunnel syndrome.
Photo: [Carpal Tunnel Syndrome]. (n.d.). Retrieved July 8,
2018, from
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/carpal-tunnel-
syndrome
2 of 2
Questions
1. Define the bold words.
2. Describe the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome.
3. One of the signs of carpal tunnel syndrome is paraesthesia, a
pricking, numbing,
tingling sensation. Paraesthesia is a symptom of nerve
irritation. Samantha was
questioned about a history of diabetes mellitus because diabetic
neuropathy (nerve
disorder) needs to be considered. Compare the etiology,

3. diagnosis and treatment of
diabetic neuropathy to carpal tunnel syndrome.
4. Samantha needs to be educated on the treatment options for
carpal tunnel
syndrome. Explain the treatment using terms that Samantha can
understand. At
minimum this should include any at- home-care, over the
counter medications,
prescriptions(includes physical therapy, occupational therapy,
counseling), alternative or
complementary care.
5. Explain the prognosis of the disease to Samantha and
preventative measures that
can be taken to prevent her condition from worsening.
1 of 2
Case Study - Fibromyalgia
Objectives
1. Explain the risk factors, symptoms, etiology, progression,
diagnosis, treatment and
prognosis.
2. Demonstrate the ability to access and critically evaluate
information from a wide
variety of sources (such as Library databases and internet
sources).
Read the case presentation and answer the questions that
follow. The Case Study
Rubric will be used to assess your work. The Case Study rubric

4. lists the criteria for each
question (required resources, word counts and citation
requirements).
Case Presentation
Rachel is a new patient at your family practice. She is a 38-
year-old mother of four
and a registered nurse. She quit working two years ago due to
disabling pain. “If I
told you about all of my aches and pains, you would think I
was crazy,” she told the
physician. “I have had a million tests for my pain, fatigue,
bowel problems and
numbness. I have difficulty remembering things and have
restless sleep. Everything
comes back normal and doctors tell me that I am stressed and
just need to relax. I
do not want to to talk about any of these problems. I am only
here to get a
prescription for my migraines.”
The physician could see that Rachel
was frustrated with her previous
care. She reviews her lab results
obtained in the last 6 months
ordered from Rachel’s last
physician. Her complete blood
count, chemistry screen,
t hyroid-stimulating hormone
(TSH), antinuclear antibody (ANA)
and erythrocyte sedimentation
rate (ESR) a re within normal limits.
The physician performs a physical examination, palpating
various points on her back,
shoulders, upper and lower extremities. Rachel states these

5. areas are very tender.
The physician completes a widespread pain inde x (WPI) and
a symptom severity
2 of 2
scale (SSS). The physician explains to Rachel that she most
likely has fibromyalgia
based on the WPI, SSS, chronic symptoms and no other
disorders to explain her
symptoms. Rachel is relieved that she has a diagnoses and asks
the physician if
there is a cure.
Questions
1. Define the bold words.
2. Describe the cause of fibromyalgia.
3. Fibromyalgia is typically a disorder that is diagnosed
because other conditions have
been ruled out. Her previous physician ordered several labs,
including TSH and ANA to
rule out the autoimmune thyroid condition, Hashimoto’s
disease. Compare the etiology,
signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment for Hashimoto’s
disease to fibromyalgia.
4. Rachel needs to be educated on the treatment for
fibromyalgia. Explain the treatment
using terms that Rachel can understand. At minimum this
should include any at-
home-care, over the counter medications, prescriptions
(includes physical therapy,
occupational therapy, counseling), alternative or
complementary care.

6. 5. Explain the prognosis of the disease to Rachel and
preventative measures that can
be taken to prevent her condition from worsening.
Discussion Rubric
Criteria Exemplary Proficient Competent Novice
Initial Post
Content
14 to 15 points
All of the following criteria
are met:
At least 1 substantial post
that covers required topic
completely using original
thought that demonstrates
advanced knowledge of the
topic.
Post includes at least two
secondary sources. At least
one source is from
University Library. (Course
Textbook and related
materials do NOT qualify
as secondary sources.)
Length at least 300 words.
Initial post submitted by

7. Day 3.
12 to 13 points
Any of the following criteria
are met:
At least 1 substantial post
that covers required topic
using original thought that
demonstrates proficient
knowledge of the topic.
Post includes at least one
secondary source from the
University Library.
Length at least 300 words.
Initial post submitted by Day
3.
7 to 11 points
Any of the following criteria
are met:
At least 1 substantial post
that covers required topic
using original thought that
demonstrates general
knowledge of the topic.
Post includes cited textbook
only, or sources cited, but
they are not from the

8. University Library and/or the
sources used are written at a
basic level for consumers
and/or they are of
questionable credibility.
Length 250-300 words.
Initial post submitted on Day
4.
0 to 6 points
Any of the following criteria
are met:
One post that doesn't cover
the material in a substantial
way.
Topic covered, but
over-reliance on sources,
and not much original
thought.
No sources or unreliable
sources such as wikipedia.
Length fewer than 250
words.
Initial post submitted on
Days 5-7.
No initial post submitted or
contribution does not comply

9. with the principles of
academic honesty or other
University policies related to
student conduct.
Replies
Content
9 to 10 points
All of the following criteria
are met:
7 to 8 points
Any of the following criteria
are met:
5 to 6 points
Any of the following criteria
are met:
0 to 4 points
Any of the following criteria
are met:
At least 2 substantive
replies that support,
challenge or answer a
question from a previous
post by: (1)Providing an
example (personal or

10. researched) that explains
and illustrates the key
points and/or (2) providing
a link to an associated
article with a summary of
the key points from the link
that addresses the previous
post and/or a detailed
explanation that
demonstrate insight into the
key points.
Both replies contain a
credible secondary
reference. (Course
Textbook and related
materials do NOT qualify
as secondary sources.)
Length at least 150 words.
At least 2 substantive replies
that support, challenge or
answer a question from a
previous post by: (1)
Providing an example
(personal or researched)
that explains and illustrates
the key points and/or (2)
providing a link to an
associated article with a
summary of the key points
from the link that addresses
the previous post and/or a
detailed explanation that
demonstrate insight into the

11. key points.
One reply contains a
credible secondary
reference.
Length at least 150 words
At least 2 replies, but one or
more does not contain
sufficient detail.
OR
only 1 substantive reply.
One or more replies include
cited textbook only, or
sources cited, but they are
not from the University
Library and/or the sources
used are written at a basic
level for consumers and/or
they are of questionable
credibility.
Length 75-150 words.
No substantive posts -
nothing new added to the
discussion or inappropriate
response.
No replies submitted or
contribution(s) do not comply
with the principles of
academic honesty or other
University policies related to

12. student conduct.
Length fewer than 75 words.
Writing,
Formatting
, and
Citations
5 points
All of the following criteria
are met:
All posts are well written
and demonstrate advanced
college-level writing and
critical thinking.
4 points
Any of the following criteria
are met:
All posts are well written and
demonstrate proficiency in
college-level writing and
critical thinking.
2 to 3 points
Any of the following criteria
are met:
All posts are well written and
demonstrate general

13. proficiency in college-level
writing and critical thinking.
0 to 1 points
Any of the following criteria
are met:
More than 5 errors in
grammar, punctuation, or
spelling.
Instructions were not
followed.
Work is free of errors in
grammar, punctuation, and
spelling.
All instructions are
followed, and proper
formatting is used that
meets APA requirements,
including the use of in-text
citations.
1-2 errors in grammar,
punctuation, or spelling.
All instructions are followed,
and proper formatting is
used that meets APA
requirements, including the
use of in-text citations, with

14. the exception of 1-2 minor
errors.
3-4 errors in grammar,
punctuation, or spelling.
Instructions are not
completely followed.
Obvious attempt to use APA
formatting, but significant or
multiple errors are present.
Several or significant APA
errors are noted.
In-text citations were not
used.
Case Study Rubric
Criteria 3 points 2 points 1 point 0 points
Terminology N/A All of the following criteria
are met:
All bold words are correctly
defined.
Accurately covered
required topic and required
points using original
thought, not just the words

15. from sources.
At least one
professional-level source
cited. Source is from the
DU Library, text, or a
credible medical dictionary.
APA formatting is used to
cite sources
Any of the following criteria
are met (all points must be
met to advance to the next
level of achievement):
All bold words are correctly
defined.
Topic covered accurately,
but over-reliance on
sources, and not much
original thought.
AND/OR
Minor errors related to
accuracy.
At least one
professional-level source
cited.
APA formatting is used to
cite sources

16. Any of the following criteria
are met:
Answer does not
demonstrate accurate
knowledge of the
terminology
No work submitted or
contribution(s) do not
comply with the principles
of academic honesty or
other University policies
related to student conduct.
3 points 2 points 1 point 0 points
Cause All of the following criteria
are met:
Accurately covered
required topic and required
points using original
thought, not just the words
from sources.
Any of the following criteria
are met (all points must be
met to advance to the next
level of achievement):
Accurately covered
required topic and required
points using original
Any of the following criteria
are met (all points must be

17. met to advance to the next
level of achievement):
Topic covered accurately,
but over-reliance on
Any of the following criteria
are met:
Answer is incorrect or does
not demonstrate sufficient
depth of knowledge
Length at least 50 words
At least one peer-reviewed,
professional-level source
cited. Source is from the
DU Library.
APA formatting is used to
cite sources.
thought, not just the words
from sources
Length at least 40 words
At least one peer-reviewed,
professional-level source
cited.
APA formatting is used to
cite sources.

18. sources, and not much
original thought.
Minor error(s) related to
accuracy.
No sources cited AND/OR
questionable source used.
Errors in APA formatting
are present.
No work submitted or
contribution(s) do not
comply with the principles
of academic honesty or
other University policies
related to student conduct.
.
3.5 to 4 points 2.5 to 3 points 1.5 to 2 points 0 to 1 points
Differential
Diagnosis
All of the following points
are covered accurately and
in sufficient detail for
diagnosed disease and
disease to rule out:
Cause/Etiology
Signs & Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

19. Accurately covered
required topic and required
points using original
thought, not just the words
from sources
Length at least 200 words
At least one peer-reviewed,
professional-level source
cited. Source is from the
DU Library.
Any of the following criteria
are met (all points must be
met to advance to the next
level of achievement):
Two or three of the
following points are
covered accurately and in
sufficient detail for
diagnosed disease and
disease to rule out:
Cause/Etiology
Signs & Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Accurately covered
required topic and required
points using original
thought, not just the words
from sources

20. Length at least 150 words
Any of the following criteria
are met (all points must be
met to advance to the next
level of achievement):
One of the following points
is covered accurately and
in sufficient detail
diagnosed disease and
disease to rule out:
Cause/Etiology
Signs & Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Topic covered accurately,
but over-reliance on
sources, and not much
original thought.
OR
Any of the following criteria
are met:
Answer is incorrect or does
not demonstrate sufficient
depth of knowledge
No work submitted or
contribution(s) do not
comply with the principles
of academic honesty or

21. other University policies
related to student conduct.
APA formatting is used to
cite sources. At least one peer-reviewed,
professional-level source
cited.
APA formatting is used to
cite sources.
Topic covered accurately,
but answer(s) are too short
to demonstrate complete
knowledge.
Length less than 100
words.
No sources cited AND/OR
questionable source used.
Errors in APA formatting
are present.
3 points 2 points 1 point 0 points
Patient
Education -
General
All of the following criteria
are met:

22. All of the following points
are covered accurately and
in sufficient detail:
:
At home care
Over the counter
medications
Prescriptions (includes
pharmacological, therapy)
Alternative or
complementary care
Accurately covered
required topic and required
points using original
thought, not just the words
from sources
Length at least 200 words
Any of the following criteria
are met(all points must be
met to advance to the next
level of achievement):
Two or three of the
following points are
covered accurately and in
sufficient detail:
At home care
Over the counter
medications
Prescriptions (includes
pharmacological, therapy)
Alternative or
complementary care

23. Accurately covered
required topic and required
points using original
Any of the following criteria
are met(all points must be
met to advance to the next
level of achievement):
One of the following points
is covered accurately and
in sufficient detail:
At home care
Over the counter
medications
Prescriptions (includes
pharmacological, therapy)
Alternative or
complementary care
Topic covered accurately,
but over-reliance on
sources, and not much
original thought.
Any of the following criteria
are met:
Answer is incorrect or does
not demonstrate sufficient
depth of knowledge
No work submitted or
contribution(s) do not

24. comply with the principles
of academic honesty or
other University policies
related to student conduct.
At least one peer-reviewed,
professional-level source
cited. Source is from the
DU Library.
APA formatting is used to
cite sources.
thought, not just the words
from sources
Length at least 150 words
At least one peer-reviewed,
professional-level source
cited.
APA formatting is used to
cite sources.
OR
Topic covered accurately,
but answer(s) are too short
to demonstrate complete
knowledge.
Length less than 100
words.

25. No sources cited AND/OR
questionable source used.
Errors in APA formatting
are present.
3 points 2 points 1 point 0 points
Patient
Education -
Prevention
and/or
Prognosis
All of the following criteria
are met:
Accurately covered
required topic and required
points using original
thought, not just the words
from sources
Length at least 150 words
APA formatting is used to
cite sources.
Any of the following criteria
are met (all points must be
met to advance to the next
level of achievement):
Accurately covered
required topic and required
points using original

26. thought, not just the words
from sources
APA formatting is used to
cite sources.
Length at least 100 words.
Any of the following criteria
are met (all points must be
met to advance to the next
level of achievement):
Topic covered accurately,
but over-reliance on
sources, and not much
original thought.
OR
Topic covered accurately,
but answer(s) are too short
to demonstrate complete
knowledge.
Length less than 75 words.
Any of the following criteria
are met:
Answer is incorrect or does
not demonstrate sufficient
depth of knowledge
No work submitted or
contribution(s) do not

27. comply with the principles
of academic honesty or
other University policies
related to student conduct.
No sources cited AND/OR
questionable source used.
Errors in APA formatting
are present.