Below is a summary of Stewart’s electronic health record (EHR) activity during his 10-day stay in the hospital. As a physician, you are responsible for examining Stewart, ordering tests and procedures and diagnosing his condition. Using his EHR and Internet research, answer the questions and be prepared to discuss the responses with the rest of Stewart’s healthcare team.


  1. Review Stewart’s Inpatient EHR: You review the results of Stewart’s complete blood count (CBC) and notice that his white blood cell (WBC) count is high. What are his results?

    Internet Research: What causes high WBC counts?


  2. Internet Research: You need to determine how much damage the ulcer on his leg has caused. You order an arteriogram and a CT scan of the leg. What is the purpose of these tests?

    Review Stewart’s Inpatient EHR: What do Stewart’s results indicate?


  3. Internet Research: Stewart’s culture wound test is positive for a Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. Why is it important to know these results in trying to treat the wound?


  4. Internet Research: Based on the radiology tests and results of the culture wound, you determine that Stewart’s wound has progressed to wet gangrene; the underlying cause is diabetic neuropathy. What is wet gangrene?

View Stewart’s EHR – Inpatient Chart