DIAGNOSING JACK O. LANTORN

If you’ve explored my other case studies, you already know I love tying medical science to the fun of the season! This fall-inspired case follows Jack O’Lantern, a pumpkin-headed patient with a mysterious series of medical complaints that will have your students investigating everything from yellowed skin to wrist pain — all while learning medical-based curriculum.  

Throughout the case, students act as healthcare providers—researching, interpreting, and diagnosing Jack’s puzzling symptoms using clues, charts, and medical reasoning. This case integrates multiple body systems and cross-curricular skills including measurement, interpretation of lab results, anatomy, and charting.

Topics include:

Integumentary & Digestive Systems – Compare carotinemia and jaundice, interpret lab values, and analyze a food diary for contributing factors.

Dental Health – Identify tooth structures, stages of caries, and use an x-ray to determine affected teeth.

Respiratory & Immune Systems – Evaluate allergy test results, measure wheal reactions, and research allergens to determine a diagnosis.

Musculoskeletal & Nervous Systems – Explore wrist anatomy, perform and interpret diagnostic tests, and determine the cause of Jack’s tingling symptoms.

Pharmacology & Medical Decision-Making – Identify appropriate over-the-counter medications and specialists for each condition.

Also included:

• Mysterious eyes peeking from the shadows ? (find the secret letters to reveal Jack’s favorite movie!)

• 6-page printable case study PDF

• Answer key for instructors

• Resource page for student access

• Works perfectly for Anatomy, Medical Terminology, or Health Science classes

 No prior knowledge is required but students will need access to do internet research as well as colored pencils, markers or highlighters for color coding.  

Document is a printable PDF.