Interactive Case Studies and the Human Body (1-10) The Female Body Case Study 1 Hematology AIDS Answers: 1. This individual has Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). 2. The hematocrit abnormality is caused by the dehydration. 3. Some current treatments include: AZT (Zidovudine) and ddI (Didanosine), both antiretroviral agents which slow the replication of the virus, prevent occurrence or recurrence of opportunistic infections, and boost the immune system. 4. The individual is experiencing hypokalemia prior to treatment. 5. This abnormal potassium level could cause cardiac arrhythmias due to the hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential. Case Study 2 Gastrointestinal Hiatal Hernia Answers: 1. The disorder is a hiatal hernia. This is a structural defect in which a weakened diaphragm allows a portion of the stomach to pass through the esophageal diaphragmatic opening into the chest when intra-abdominal pressure increases. 2. Adequate lower esophageal pressure at the lower esophageal sphincter normally prevents gastric