Reflect on the patient’s symptoms and aspects of the disorder presented in the interactive media piece.
Consider how you might assess and treat patients presenting with the symptoms of the patient case study you were assigned.
You will be asked to make three decisions concerning the diagnosis and treatment for this patient. Reflect on potential co-morbid physical as well as patient factors that might impact the patient’s diagnosis and treatment.
Write a 1- to 2-page summary paper that addresses the following:
Briefly summarize the patient case study you were assigned, including each of the three decisions you took for the patient presented.
Based on the decisions you recommended for the patient case study, explain whether you believe the decisions provided were supported by the evidence-based literature. Be specific and provide examples. Be sure to support your response with evidence and references from outside resources.
What were you hoping to achieve with the decisions you recommended for the patient case study you were assigned? Support your response with evidence and references from outside resources.
Explain any difference between what you expected to achieve with each of the decisions and the results of the decision in the exercise. Describe whether they were different
Full Answer Section
- Referral: The patient should be referred to a cardiologist for further evaluation and management.
Evidence-Based Literature
The decisions made for this patient are supported by the evidence-based literature. Diuretics are a first-line treatment for heart failure. They help to reduce fluid overload by increasing urination. ACE inhibitors are also a first-line treatment for heart failure. They help to improve heart function by blocking the production of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict.
Goals of Treatment
The goals of treatment for this patient are to:
- Reduce fluid overload
- Improve heart function
- Prevent further complications of heart failure
Expected and Actual Outcomes
The expected outcomes of treatment for this patient are that his symptoms will improve, his heart function will improve, and he will be able to live a longer and healthier life. The actual outcomes of treatment will depend on a number of factors, such as the severity of the patient's heart failure and his adherence to treatment.
Differences Between Expected and Actual Outcomes
In some cases, the actual outcomes of treatment may be different from the expected outcomes. For example, the patient may not respond as well to treatment as expected. This may be due to a number of factors, such as the presence of co-morbid conditions or the patient's non-adherence to treatment.
Co-Morbid Conditions
Co-morbid conditions are other medical conditions that the patient may have in addition to heart failure. These conditions can impact the patient's diagnosis and treatment. For example, the patient's diabetes mellitus can increase his risk of developing heart failure. Additionally, the patient's hypertension can make it more difficult to control his blood pressure.
Patient Factors
Patient factors are other factors that can impact the patient's diagnosis and treatment. These factors can include the patient's age, sex, race, and ethnicity. Additionally, the patient's lifestyle can impact his diagnosis and treatment. For example, the patient's smoking can increase his risk of developing heart failure.
Conclusion
The decisions made for this patient are supported by the evidence-based literature. The goals of treatment are to reduce fluid overload, improve heart function, and prevent further complications of heart failure. The expected outcomes of treatment are that the patient's symptoms will improve, his heart function will improve, and he will be able to live a longer and healthier life. The actual outcomes of treatment will depend on a number of factors, such as the severity of the patient's heart failure and his adherence to treatment.
Sample Answer
The patient is a 55-year-old male with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. He presents with a chief complaint of fatigue, shortness of breath, and orthopnea. He has been experiencing these symptoms for the past several weeks.
Decisions Made
- Diagnosis: The patient is likely suffering from heart failure. This is based on his symptoms, history of cardiovascular risk factors, and physical examination findings.
- Treatment: The patient should be started on diuretics to help reduce fluid overload. He should also be started on an ACE inhibitor to help improve heart function.