Biology Experts, Help!

[SuGrad]

I have always respected science majors because this stuff is so confusing! As a degree requirement, I am forced to take a biology class. My teacher asked us to talk to experts in the field to answer these questions. I would really appreciate it if you can help me out with these questions.


1. Tom has just been exposed to the measles virus, and since he cant remember if he has had the measles before, he wonders if he is going to come down with the disease or not. He asks you if there is any way he can tell if he has been previously exposed or if he is going to get sick before it actually happens. What would you tell him?


2. Ralph is taking a scuba diving class and is confused as to why he should not hold his breath under water while breathing from an air tank. What should you tell him.


3. Barb has Crohan's disease, a regional inflammation of the intestine. The disease is thought to have some genetic basis, but the actual cause is as yet unknown. When the disease flares up, she experiences abdominal pain, weight loss, and anemia. Which part(s) of the intestine is probaly involved, and what is the cause of barbs symptoms.

4. Beth Wood tells her nursing students that it is important to monitor patients' blood pressure when they are receiving verapamil (a calcium channel blocker). Why?

Any help is appreciated. I understand if your too busy. Thanks in advance!

[mcar]

For the question number 4, it's the responsibility of the nurse to determine the BP before giving the verapamil because it's not supposed to be given if the client's BP is low. It would remarkably affect the client's status definitely. It's helpful that you check/search further on the drug's action too and why it is prescribed to clients having trouble in their cardiovascular system.

[MrMistery]

1. Look for antibodies to the virus already in his blood (for example, by affinity chromatography)
2. I don't understand the question. How can you hold your breath while breathing? Makes no sense
3. small intestine. stuff doesn't get absorbed into her body. No water -> weight loss. No iron etc -> anemia.
4. blocking calcium channels inhibits muscle contraction. If the patient is too sensitive to the drug or the dose is too big then his heart can start contracting too rarely.

[SuGrad]

Thanks guys! that helped alot.

[Jesse2504]

For number 2:

pneumomediastinum
Ruptured bronchus or alveoli in the lungs from excessive pressure. May be caused by holding breath while ascending.

lung expansion injury
It can be caused by holding breath while ascending.

Basically if you hold your breath and then ascend the air inside you lungs expands and can rupture them.

[cnmuthana]

2. Ralph is taking a scuba diving class and is confused as to why he should not hold his breath under water while breathing from an air tank. What should you tell him.

This pertains to Boyle's Law, which states that volume and pressure are inversely proportional. If he holds his breath and ascends, the lower pressure will increase the volume in his lungs, eventually causing severe lung damage