Hi, I have a case study and I could use some help. Consider it like playing Dr House, the goal is trying to make a logic diagnosis and the procedures to make. Mr Jones is an 86-year-old male who was recently widowed. He lives alone in a single story house with two steps at the entrance. He usually mobilises independently without the assistance of any mobility aids. He has 3 adult children who all live close by but do not visit regularly. Mr Jones was a businessman who used to work long hours and was often away from home travelling with his job.
Mr Jones was brought into hospital by an ambulance after being found wandering up and down his street by the neighbour. Mr Jones was noted to be limping, favouring his left side. He has blood stains on his pants and socks and he has a skin tear to his left shin. Mr Jones thinks he fell over but he can’t remember. He is to remain on bedrest whilst awaiting X-rays to see if he has sustained any fractures from the fall. He has been complaining of pain in the left hip and leg where he has a wound (laceration from the fall).
Whilst talking to Mr Jones he mentions that he has not been eating well since his wife passed away two months ago. He tells you that he mainly eats frozen meals or take away meals. He stays at home and is reluctant to go out as he feels sad most of the time.
Comorbidities:
• Hypertension
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Asthma
• Arthritis
Observations:
• BP 165/95 mmHg
• T 37.9C
• P 105 bpm
• R 24 breathes per minute
• He is 177cm tall and weighs 125kgs
• BMI 43
• Pain score – 7/10, location – left hip and leg
• Category 3 Skin tear (STAR Skin Tear Classification System)
• High falls risk – score 17
• Waterlow score 16
• GCS 14 with normal power in the right leg, mild weakness in left leg, pupils equal and reacting (sluggish)
• Bowels not open for 2 days (BNO x Day 2)
Prescription:
• Irbesarten 150mg PO Daily
• Paracetamol 1gm PRN 6/24
• Metformin 1000mg PO Daily
• Salbutamol metered dose inhaler 1-2 puffs every 4-6 hours
• Symbicort Turbuhaler 160/4.5mcg 2 inhalations BD
Dear Rupert,
Here's an idea, do the work yourself. Ask your tutor to help you if you are unsure. Read the tutorial prep work and textbooks about Clinical Reasoning Cycle. Good luck!