Chapter 19, Problem 6CCS

Summary Introduction

Case summary:

An astronaut Captain Fallowell is a 62-year-old male. He spent the last 8 months in the international space station. The captain passed out in the middle of the speech during his first speaking engagement. He is very alert and oriented man. The captain noticed that his pulse rate was racing down during the speech and his blood pressure was different when he was lying down and standing. The reflexes of the Captain were normal and he showed no sign of any kind of trauma.

Characters in the case:

Captain Fallowell.

Adequate information:

The Captain’s heart rate was 85 beats per minute. His pulse was very weak and his blood pressure was recorded at 116/66 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) when he was lying down. His heart beats and blood pressure was 112 beats per minute and 94/52 mm Hg, respectively, in the standing position.

To determine:

The effect of more circulating blood on the following:

a. renin levels, b. aldosterone levels, c. ADH (Antidiuretic hormone) levels, d. thirst, e. atrial natriuretic peptide, f. urine volume, and g. the blood volume.