Project 8.1.4 Mystery Illness
Introduction
Medical professionals such as emergency room doctors and primary care physicians often act as medical detectives when identifying the cause of a patient's illness, injury, or death. One of the most common sources of illness in the United States is food borne pathogens.
A pathogen is any disease-producing agent such as a virus, bacteria, or parasite. These tiny organisms can make their way into the food supply and cause illness and even death in humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), each year 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths in the United States can be traced to food borne pathogens. Many of these illnesses have similar symptoms. The correct pathogen must be identified to ensure the patient undergoes the correct treatment.
As a result of this activity, you will be able to answer the following questions:
· What is a pathogen?
· How can medical professionals diagnose the cause of a patient's mystery illness?
Equipment
· Laboratory Journal
· Pencil
· Computer with Internet access
· Concept Mapping software such as Lucid Chart
· Presentation software such as PowerPoint
Procedure
Part 1
According to the CDC, 1 out of every 6 Americans will get sick from food poisoning this year. Food poisoning, or food borne illness, is caused by pathogens that enter the body through foods you eat every day.
1. Use the following website to learn more about the four key steps in preventing food borne illness: http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/basics/index.html
2. Take notes in your laboratory journal. Highlight the top tips for each of the food safety steps (Clean, Separate, Cook, Chill).
3. Test your knowledge by playing the Food Safety Mobile Game at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/foodsafetymobile/mobilegame.swf
4. Answer Conclusion questions 1 - 2.
Part 2
5. Use the following website to read about the least wanted pathogens as listed by the U.S. Public Health Service.
http://www.fightbac.org/about-foodborne-illness/least-wanted-pathogens
6. Take notes on the following pathogens: E. coli O 157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Shingella.
7. Create a flow chart using concept mapping software that details:
· Time to onset of symptoms
· Symptoms
· Common foods responsible
8. Print and turn in your flow chart for approval by your instructor.
Part 3
9. Form a group of 4 students and share your flow charts. Discuss similarities and differences and clarify any conflicting information before you move on to the next step.
10. Once you have created your flow chart, your teacher will assign your group a patient with a mystery illness. Use Activities 8.1.1 and 8.1.2 to review Vital Signs to help you diagnose your patient.
11. Utilize your flow chart to identify which pathogen has infected your patient. Use the listed Internet sources to research a treatment plan.
12. Once you have identified the pathogen, create a presentation of no more than 6 slides detailing:
· Patient history
· Vital signs
· Probable pathogen (include an image and mode of infection)
· Is the pathogen contagious or infectious?
· How does the pathogen enter the body? Ingested, inhaled, absorbed, etc.
· Common treatment plan
· Prevention
12. Present this slide show to your class as directed by your teacher.
Conclusion
1. What is a pathogen?
2. What are the four main steps in maintaining food safety?
3. Explain the process of how medical professionals diagnose and treat patients.
4. What are three medical interventions used to treat the patients in this activity?
© 2013 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
PLTW Gateway – Medical Detectives Activity 8.1.4 Mystery Illness– Page 2