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?
