In all the chapters the Case Studies represent situations similar to those that the medical assistant may encounter in daily practice. Students are encouraged to consider the case study as they read each chapter.

A few days ago a 17-year-old female came to the doctor's office convinced that she had AIDS. She had been running a slight fever for the past week, had been very tired, had tender lymph nodes in her neck, and had been losing weight without dieting. Her chart indicated that she had never been sexually active, had never used intravenous drugs, and had never received a blood transfusion.

As you read this chapter, consider the following questions:

1. Why is the 17-year-old female not likely to have AIDS?

2. What test can be done to assure the patient that she does not have AIDS?

3. What other diseases can cause the signs and symptoms of AIDS?

4. Based on her symptoms, what disease—beside AIDS—is this patient least likely to have?