Week 1 Case Study Case Study Scenario A 35-year old woman presents to the primary care office with a history of nasal congestion that has worsened over time and recurrent sinus infections.

 Week 1 Case Study Case Study Scenario A 35-year old woman presents to the primary care office with a history of nasal congestion that has worsened over time and recurrent sinus infections. She considered herself healthy until about 12 months ago when she began experiencing rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal stiffness that "seems to never go away". She noticed that her rhinorrhea greatly improved when she attended her family reunion on a two-week Carribean cruise but returned after being home a few days. She lives with her husband and 5 year-old child. They have two household pets: a dog that has lived with them for the last 4 years and a cat who joined the family 1 year ago. Upon exam, the NP observed eyelid redness and swelling, conjunctival swelling and erythema, allergic shiners (lower lid venous swelling), Allergic crease (lateral crease on the nose) and inflamed nares. Case Study Questions Pathophysiology & Clinical Findings of the Disease 1. Identify the correct hypersensitivity reaction. The client is having Type 1 hypersensitivity referred to as allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is often referred to as hay fever. Hay fever is an allergic response that occurs when exposed to specific allergens found in the environment. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis are runny, stuffy and itchy nose with sneezing and coughing, sore throat with itchy and watery eyes, often resulting in a headache, excessive fatigue, dry red skin and hives. The client is exhibiting chronic nasal stuffiness, rhinorrhea, and sneezing. A diagnosis of Allergic Rhinitis can be given by looking a client's past medical history and gathering environmental factors. A conclusive diagnosis could occur by having the client sent to an allergist to perform a skin prick test o