Download 8.1.4.P MysteryIllness

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:
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What is a pathogen?
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How can medical professionals diagnose the cause of a patient's mystery
illness?
Equipment
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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).
© 2013 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
PLTW Gateway – Medical Detectives Activity 8.1.4 Mystery Illness– Page 1
3. Test your knowledge by playing the Food Safety Mobile Game at
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Oa/foodsafetymobile/mobilegame.swf?redirecthtt
p=true
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 aureus, and Campylobacter.
7. Create a flow chart using concept mapping software that details:
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Time to onset of symptoms
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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:
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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.
© 2013 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
PLTW Gateway – Medical Detectives Activity 8.1.4 Mystery Illness– Page 2
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 3