Unit V Case Study
Instructions
Review the following case study:Mr. Smith is 70 years old and is brought to the hospital by his family because he cannot move his left arm or leg. In addition, he is lethargic, confused, and cannot speak well. The family notes Mr. Smith had an episode 2 weeks ago where he could not get his words out right. They did not think much of it because the spell lasted only 15 minutes.Based on this case study, provide complete and detailed responses to each item listed below:
- Discuss what is happening to Mr. Smith.
- Explain what happened to him 2 weeks ago.
- Review the cerebral circulation, and tell which part you think is affected.
- How does protected health information impact the type of information that the doctor may provide to Mr. Smith’s family about his condition?
You are required to use at least your textbook as source material for your response.Your assignment must be two pages in length.Adhere to APA Style when creating citations and references for this assignment. APA Style document formatting, however, is not necessary.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor, it is essential to provide detailed and accurate answers to case studies that medical college students encounter during their studies. In this case study, Mr. Smith is presented with symptoms related to his brain. The following responses to the listed items will provide a better understanding of the case study.
1. Discuss what is happening to Mr. Smith.
Mr. Smith is experiencing multiple symptoms that indicate a stroke, a severe medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced. The inability to move his left arm and leg along with lethargy, confusion, and speech difficulties are common signs of a stroke. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention and treatment.
2. Explain what happened to him 2 weeks ago.
Two weeks ago, Mr. Smith experienced a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), commonly known as a mini-stroke. It occurs when there is a temporary disruption in the blood supply to the brain, causing a brief episode of neurological dysfunction. Though the episode was brief, it is an indication of a high risk of a fatal stroke in the future.
3. Review the cerebral circulation, and tell which part you think is affected.
The cerebrum, the largest part of the brain, is responsible for controlling voluntary activities, including movement, sensation, and thoughts. It is divided into two hemispheres, each with four lobes. The symptoms in Mr. Smith indicate that the area affected is the left hemisphere, responsible for controlling the right side of the body.
4. How does protected health information impact the type of information that the doctor may provide to Mr. Smith’s family about his condition?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandates the protection of individuals’ health information. The doctor cannot disclose any information related to Mr. Smith’s condition without his consent or the permission of the person authorized to make medical decisions on his behalf. Any disclosure of protected health information can lead to severe legal or ethical consequences for the medical professional.
In conclusion, the case study illustrates the severity of strokes and the importance of prompt medical attention. Medical students need to understand the signs and symptoms of a stroke to diagnose and treat patients effectively. Moreover, healthcare professionals must be aware of the regulations concerning the disclosure of protected health information.
