Case Study Part 1: Homeostasis Nick, a 30-something self-confirmed couch potato

Case Study Part 1: Homeostasis
Nick, a 30-something self-confirmed couch potato who loved to watch sports, eat snacks, and relax as much as possible on the weekends, was shocked when his father was rushed to the ER with a heart attack.
“I’ve got to make some changes,” declared Nick to his wife, Ashley. “This could be me in the near future!”
Nick’s dad pulled through and began a post heart attack regimen of controlled exercise, diet, and stress reduction. Nick decided to follow suit and make healthy changes as well. He substituted his fatty, salty snacks with healthy alternatives, reduced his meal portions, and began walking every day. The walking gradually evolved into running and before long, Nick lost a good deal of weight and was ready to run his first 5K race.
Nick arrived about an hour before the race on a sunny, summer Saturday morning. The temperature was 82℉ and the air was dry. Nick felt relaxed and began his planned pre-race stretches. Nick’s heart rate was 70 beats per minute, his breathing rate was 12 breaths per minute, and he felt that he had consumed a good amount of fluid.
As race time grew near, Nick began to join the crowd of runners near the starting line. Serious runners jockeyed for position near the starting line, but since this was Nick’s first race, he decided to choose a position near the middle of the pack.
“I hope I can make it and don’t make a complete fool of myself,” thought Nick. Ashely along with some of Nick’s friends was gathered on the side cheering Nick. Nick’s heart rate had increased to 90 beats per minute and his breathing rate increased to 18 breaths per minute. His mouth was dry.
The starting gun signaled the start of the race and Nick was off. Surrounded by more experienced runners, Nick found he was running at an extremely fast pace in an attempt to keep up.
About 2K into the race, Nick’s heart rate had increased to 190 beats per minute and his breathing had increased to rhythm of 30 breaths per minute and he was beginning to gasp for breath. His body temperature had increased to 100℉ and he began to sweat.
“I have to slow down!” thought Nick. “I have to remind myself that I have nothing to prove here, and this is just my first race.”
Nick slowed his pace to almost a walk and fell back with the slower runners. After a few minutes of walking, he caught his breath and began jogging at his usual training pace. Nick’s heart rate was now a more comfortable 140 beats per minute and his breathing rate was a rhythmic 20 breaths per minute. Nick wiped the sweat out of his eyes and continued at this pace for the remainder of the race. After the race, Nick’s body temperature returned to normal, and he was very thirsty.

Case Study Questions: Homeostasis
Describe how homeostasis and feedback mechanisms work to control Nick’s heart rate (Nervous System), breathing rate (Respiratory System), and body temperature (Integument and Nervous System) before the race, just before the start of the race, after the first 2K and at the end of the race.
What could Nick do to reduce the stress on his body for the next race? Explain your answer.
Case Study Part 2: Chemistry
Angel was driving through the mountains to see her grandmother who had recently taken ill. At one point, high in the mountains, she lost her navigation, but she found a map on her phone and decided to take a shortcut that should save her close to 30 minutes of time.
The snow began first as flurries and then developed into a blizzard. Angela had to pull off the narrow, isolated road as she decided to wait out the storm. Unfortunately, the mountain pass became snowed in, and Angela had to survive in her car for 10 days before she was rescued.
Angela was able to stay somewhat warm in her car and melt enough snow to stay hydrated. However, she had no food. Angela’s body was deprived of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins for 10 days.

Case Study Questions: Chemistry
Describe what would happen to Angela’s body in response to being deprived of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Include the roles of each in the human body.
In addition to weight loss, what other problems could occur in Angela’s body?