Assignment—Case Study for Chronic Condition
For this Assignment, you are answer the questions regarding this case study. Please make sure to support your answers using evidence based practice.
56 y/o Caucasian male presents to the primary care clinic with complains of dizziness and nausea x 4 days. The patient reports he has not been able to get out of bed since the symptoms started. The patient reports symptoms are worse when he tries to get out of bed to stand. He denies any headaches or blurry vision. He states he is urinating more over the last few days and he has noticed increase in thirst. He reports he just drank a large sweet tea before he came into the clinic.
The patient reports that he is out of his Lantus and metformin because he cannot afford the refill until he gets his disability check. He is disabled after his second CVA that left his with generalized weakness. His medical history includes DM, HTN, CAD.
Upon arrival at the clinic, the patient’s vital signs are as follows- Blood sugar 405, B/P 190/101, HR 102, R-20, T- 98.5.
Using Evidence Based practice, answer the following questions thoroughly. Be sure to use APA formatting.
- What is the pertinent positive and negative findings in this patient assessment?
- Create a list of differentials with rationales for this patient?
- Discuss a medication regimen for this patient considering his financial status?
- What is the priority concern for this patient?
- How does this patient’s comorbid diagnosis impact his current symptoms?
- Discuss how the patient’s’ health beliefs, culture and behaviors impact the potential outcomes for the patient.
Assignment Requirements
Before finalizing your work, you should:
- be sure to read the Assignment description carefully (as displayed above);
- consult the Grading Rubric (under the Course Resources) to make sure you have included everything necessary; and
- utilize spelling and grammar check to minimize errors.
Your writing Assignment should:
- follow the conventions of Standard English (correct grammar, punctuation, etc.);
- be well ordered, logical, and unified, as well as original and insightful;
- display superior content, organization, style, and mechanics; and
- use APA 6th Edition format.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
This case study presents a 56-year-old male patient with a history of multiple comorbidities presenting with dizziness, nausea, and high blood sugar. The patient is unable to afford medication for his chronic conditions due to financial issues. As a medical student, it is crucial to consider evidence-based practice and provide the best possible medication regimen for this patient, keeping in mind his financial situation.
1. What is the pertinent positive and negative findings in this patient assessment?
Pertinent positive findings in this patient assessment are dizziness, nausea, increased urination, and thirst. The patient is also unable to stand without worsening of symptoms. Pertinent negative findings in this patient assessment are the absence of headaches and blurry vision.
2. Create a list of differentials with rationales for this patient?
The differentials for this patient include:
a) Hyperglycemia: The patient’s blood sugar level is high, which could be due to hyperglycemia.
b) Hypotension: The patient has dizziness, which could be due to low blood pressure.
c) Anemia: The patient has generalized weakness, which could be due to anemia.
d) Dehydration: The patient has increased urination and thirst, which could be due to dehydration.
3. Discuss a medication regimen for this patient considering his financial status?
Since the patient cannot afford to refill his medication, a cost-effective medication regimen must be considered. The patient’s uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension require immediate attention, and medication compliance is crucial. Affordable generic options for diabetes such as metformin and for hypertension such as Losartan could be suggested. Insulin options could also be discussed with the patient based on his affordability.
4. What is the priority concern for this patient?
The priority concern for this patient is to control his hypertension and diabetes to prevent further complications such as stroke and heart disease.
5. How does this patient’s comorbid diagnosis impact his current symptoms?
The patient’s comorbid diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension, and CAD could be responsible for his current symptoms. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to hyperglycemia, which can present with symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. Hypertension can cause dizziness, and CAD can lead to generalized weakness.
6. Discuss how the patient’s health beliefs, culture, and behaviors impact the potential outcomes for the patient.
The patient’s health beliefs, culture, and behaviors can play a crucial role in their health outcomes. Understanding their beliefs, culture, and behaviors can help in medication adherence, lifestyle modifications, and reducing barriers in accessing healthcare. Encouraging the patient to follow up with regular visits and providing education on their chronic conditions can improve their overall health outcomes.
