This past week, I had a clinical experience at an internal medicine clinic where I treated acute and chronic adult patients. I developed my abilities in conducting thorough evaluations and creating personalized treatment plans for each patient. One of my accomplishments for the week was correctly identifying and treating a patient with Influenza (flu). Oseltamivir was prescribed for the patient, and within a few days of beginning the medicine, the patient’s symptoms started to improve noticeably. Managing patients with various comorbidities, however, posed unique difficulties. It requires careful assessment and coordination with other medical specialists.
Assessment:
I encountered a 68-year-old male patient who had been identified as having Influenza while conducting my assessment. His symptoms, which included chills, body aches, a sore throat, and a fever of 101.2°F, led to the prescription of oseltamivir (Tamiflu). The patient admitted to having headaches and exhaustion after a closer look. Fortunately, he showed no respiratory problems, and his oxygen saturation levels were normal. Considering the patient’s medical background, we identified his diabetes, coronary artery disease, and hypertension.
Possible Diagnosis:
Considering the symptoms presented by the patient, it is highly probable that they are dealing with one of three conditions: Influenza (commonly known as flu), pneumonia, or even a common cold.
- Influenza: This viral infection primarily affects the respiratory system and is transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or conversation. It takes hold in the lungs and triggers symptoms such as fever, coughing fits, sore throat discomforts, body aches that seem to engulf one’s entire being, and profound fatigue (Keilman, 2019). An immune system that has been somewhat compromised increases vulnerability to bacterial infections.
- Common cold: The rhinovirus is responsible for this pesky ailment that targets our upper respiratory system via direct contact with infected individuals or through respiratory droplets. It provokes irritation and inflammation in our precious airways, leading to perpetual runny noses, incessant sneezes, sore throats, and coughing (Schapowal et al., 2019).
- Pneumonia: The primary culprit is Streptococcus pneumoniae, which instigates an infection resulting in inflammation within our delicate air sacs deep within our lungs and initially presenting itself as a regular respiratory infection before aggressively spreading its influence over our pulmonary domain, leading sufferers down an arduous path rife with exhaustion-inducing fevers accompanied by intense bouts of coughing-induced chest pains, all while experiencing significant breathing challenges (Ebell et al., 2020). If left untreated, pneumonia can prove to be a fatal adversary.
Plan of Care:
Our esteemed patient was administered the medication oseltamivir (known as Tamiflu) to combat the above ailments. Additionally, it was strongly advised that they embark on a journey of rest and remain confined to their cozy bed chambers to expedite their recovery and minimize the potential for complications. Proper hydration is paramount in this endeavor and can be achieved by consuming ample liquids. Over-the-counter remedies such as pain relievers and cough suppressants may also aid in alleviating symptoms (if necessary). Additionally, it was emphasized how important it is to take preventative measures like regular hand washing, avoiding ill people, and obtaining an annual flu shot. Monitoring the patient’s development and altering the treatment plan will be feasible by setting up frequent follow-up appointments.
Health Promotion Intervention:
The patient was given information on methods to stop the virus from spreading. These precautions include stressing the value of routine hand washing, masking coughs and sneezes, and avoiding contact with sick people. A crucial component of health promotion is encouraging flu vaccination. Targeted outreach activities and educational materials might be used to reach high-risk groups like kids, seniors, and people with chronic illnesses. Additionally, a healthy lifestyle incorporating appropriate nutrition, exercise, and downtime can boost immunity and safeguard against Influenza. The spread of the flu can be stopped by raising awareness and promoting healthy behaviors, which will improve the general health and well-being of the population.
What I learned:
In my clinical this week, I have learned to value the importance of thorough analysis and accurate diagnosis. Additionally, I now better understand the numerous strategies for treating acute and long-term illnesses in adults. My experience has also highlighted the need to inform patients about preventive measures and motivate them to adopt healthy lifestyle choices. In conclusion, this worthwhile experience has strengthened my conviction that patient education and health promotion are critical to enhancing the general well-being of a community and have also improved my abilities and knowledge as a future healthcare practitioner.
References
Ebell, M. H., Bentivegna, M., Cai, X., Hulme, C., & Kearney, M. (2020). Accuracy of biomarkers for the diagnosis of adult community‐acquired pneumonia: A meta‐analysis. Academic Emergency Medicine, 27(3), 195–206. https://doi.org/10.1111/acem.13889
Keilman, L. J. (2019). Seasonal Influenza (flu). Nursing Clinics of North America, 54(2), 227–243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cnur.2019.02.009
Schapowal, A., Dobos, G., Cramer, H., Ong, K. C., Adler, M., Zimmermann, A., Brandes-Schramm, J., & Lehmacher, W. (2019). Treatment of signs and symptoms of the common cold using EPS 7630 – meta-analysis results. Heliyon, 5(11). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02904
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