Problem-Based Physiology

The 88 clinical cases presented in this book are
grouped into 10 sections, each loosely tied to an organ
system. Each section has an introduction and concept
map to help emphasize the interrelatedness of the cases
related to that organ system. The integrative nature of
physiology and medicine, however, results in complex
clinical cases that often extend across multiple organ
systems. The advantage of this complexity is that students
interpret information across multiple organ systems,
as is appropriate for each clinical case.
The individual cases follow a typical clinical scenario.Each case begins with the presenting complaint,
followed by a medical history that is limited to events
pertinent to the complaint. The physical examination
reports vital signs and key physical findings, which is
followed by the results from subsequent diagnostic
tests. The pathophysiology section expands on the
patient presentation and laboratory results, outlining
the physiological mechanisms of both the symptom
development and the progression of the disease.
When appropriate, the pathophysiology section ends
with a discussion of the logic that underlies the treatment
options and the therapeutic outcomes.
Although medical students are anticipated to be the
main benefactors of this book, the format of patient
presentation allows the book to be useful to a variety
of advanced undergraduate, graduate, and professional
students in the health-related professions. The health
profession team deals with the same patient, and the
clinical scenarios provide useful starting points for discussion
by all members of the team.