A 75-year-old patient of Hispanic descent arrives in an immigrant healthcare clinic with fever, chills, a sore throat, and a nonproductive cough. She speaks some English. The patient appears very ill, with dry mucous membranes, dark circles under the eyes, and pale skin. The patient appears anxious and is reluctant to make eye contact or speak. The health history reveals that the patient lives with extended family in a home setting, including infants and elderly. All of the family members are undocumented residents of the United States. Further workup reveals the patient has influenza.
Please post your responses to the following questions in Unit 7 Discussion Board.
Case Questions
- What method should be used to ensure full communication with the patient?
- Because the patient is an undocumented resident of the United States, what factors should you consider in the care and treatment of the patient?
- Because influenza vaccination has been recommended, how will you suggest the family access influenza vaccinations?
- What test was likely used to confirm the diagnosis of influenza?
- What differential diagnoses need to be ruled out for the patient?
- What self-care management should be explained to the patient?
- The patient should report the development of what symptoms to the practitioner?
Full Answer Section
If a language interpreter is not available, it is still important to try to communicate with the patient as best as possible. This could involve using simple language, gestures, and pictures. It is also important to be patient and understanding, and to ask the patient to repeat themselves if you do not understand something.
Because the patient is an undocumented resident of the United States, what factors should you consider in the care and treatment of the patient?
There are a number of factors to consider when caring for an undocumented immigrant patient. These include:
- The patient's legal status: Undocumented immigrants may be hesitant to seek medical care for fear of deportation. It is important to assure the patient that their immigration status will not affect their care.
- The patient's access to insurance: Undocumented immigrants may not have health insurance. This can make it difficult for them to afford care. There are a number of resources available to help undocumented immigrants access care, such as community health centers and sliding-scale clinics.
- The patient's language barrier: Undocumented immigrants may not speak English. This can make it difficult for them to communicate with their healthcare providers. It is important to have a language interpreter available to facilitate communication.
Because influenza vaccination has been recommended, how will you suggest the family access influenza vaccinations?
There are a number of ways to suggest the family access influenza vaccinations. One way is to provide them with information about the benefits of vaccination and the risks of not being vaccinated. Another way is to connect them with resources that can help them get vaccinated, such as community health centers and public health departments.
What test was likely used to confirm the diagnosis of influenza?
The most likely test used to confirm the diagnosis of influenza is a rapid influenza test (RIT). RITs are rapid, easy-to-use tests that can be performed in the doctor's office. They are not as accurate as other tests, such as a viral culture, but they are often used because they are quick and convenient.
What differential diagnoses need to be ruled out for the patient?
The differential diagnoses for a patient with fever, chills, a sore throat, and a nonproductive cough include:
- Strep throat
- Sinus infection
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Mononucleosis
- COVID-19
It is important to rule out these other diagnoses in order to provide the patient with the most appropriate care.
I hope this helps!