The Tired Swimmer:
A Case Study on the Nervous System
by: Allison Russo, Morgan Falk, and Phil Stephens
Biology Department, Villanova University
The Tired Swimmer Final Report
Type your answers to the following questions.
Questions
1. ____/2pts What vital signs or symptoms does Annie exhibit?
Fatigue, weakness in hands, blurred vision, shortness of breath
2. ____/2pts
How could a decline in muscle function contribute to eye strain, blurred vision, and
problems breathing?
Eye movement and breathing are both muscle controlled.
3. ____/1pts
According to the conduction test, was Annie’s nerve function normal?
Yes, the nerve conduction test showed normal results.
4. ____/1pts
According to Annie’s emg test, was Annie’s skeletal muscle function normal in the
beginning?
Yes, Annie’s muscle function was normal in the beginning but declined with repeated nerve
stimulation.
5. ____/2pts What is Annie's diagnosis?
Myasthenia gravis
6.
____/2pts Why did activity in Annie’s motor nerves produce a skeletal muscle response that
fatigued during repetitive stimulation?
Myasthenia gravis causes your immune system to attack acetylcholine receptors in your muscles.
As your muscles decline, they fatigue easily
