Scenario: 70 year old Male, No fixed abode, currently living in a hostel. Complaint: Feeling hot, Productive Cough (Green) for a duration of 5 days.
When a patient first presents to any point of care within the healthcare system, a number of key steps must be undertaken. As the patient enters into the GP’s room, one would introduce oneself by name and their role. This brief introduction would allow the patient, to begin to build rapport within the patient doctor relationship, this is vital as the patient has presented in often highly stressed circumstances. Following on from this a number of important checks must be carried out: (Appendix 1). To begin the process of examining the patient, one must always establish the presenting complaint using open questions; this allows the patient to expand on why they have decided to seek medical help. One must listen attentively to all of the information that is given, to allow a full understanding of all aspects they have experienced. For each symptom, additional questions must be asked, to full appreciate the complexity of the illness (Appendix 2). Pain will also be a key tool in assisting the diagnosis, remembering to ensure to enquire in further detail such as onset, duration and if the pain radiates.
Prior to physically examining the patient, …show more content…
Fever with a cough is a common symptom of flu. Patients over 65 years old, are at a greater risk for serious complications of the flu, for instance leading to pneumonia. The patient’s immune system may have also been further weakened due to improper diet, or exposure to poor
When a patient first presents to any point of care within the healthcare system, a number of key steps must be undertaken. As the patient enters into the GP’s room, one would introduce oneself by name and their role. This brief introduction would allow the patient, to begin to build rapport within the patient doctor relationship, this is vital as the patient has presented in often highly stressed circumstances. Following on from this a number of important checks must be carried out: (Appendix 1). To begin the process of examining the patient, one must always establish the presenting complaint using open questions; this allows the patient to expand on why they have decided to seek medical help. One must listen attentively to all of the information that is given, to allow a full understanding of all aspects they have experienced. For each symptom, additional questions must be asked, to full appreciate the complexity of the illness (Appendix 2). Pain will also be a key tool in assisting the diagnosis, remembering to ensure to enquire in further detail such as onset, duration and if the pain radiates.
Prior to physically examining the patient, …show more content…
Fever with a cough is a common symptom of flu. Patients over 65 years old, are at a greater risk for serious complications of the flu, for instance leading to pneumonia. The patient’s immune system may have also been further weakened due to improper diet, or exposure to poor