Empathy Interview With Mrs. V's Arthritis

During my junior year of high school, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Arthritis walk in Philadelphia. Volunteering at the event allowed me to gain deeper intellectual engagement and also influenced my future career. At the event, I had the opportunity to meet several people who suffered with Arthritis. When observing the many effects that Arthritis had on people it widened my eyes to the lack of healthcare in society. By the end of the day a lightbulb went off in my head and I knew for sure that I wanted a career in medicine. I was certain that a career in health services was for me because each person with arthritis warmed my heart and my mind began wondering about endless ways to better their situation. Since I was a young girl I was sensitive, caring, and always trying to find a way to help someone out of a bad situation. There are

The author read Mrs. X’s medical notes prior to their initial consultation to afford herself the knowledge she required should she need to prescribe for her when fully qualified. It was evident from reading her medical notes that there were a few considerations to take note of before commencing any treatment, such as her medical history, drug history and allergies. Her past medical history consisted of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, which was diet controlled, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis and raynauds syndrome.

The initial diagnosis was made by her oncologist who was monitoring any changes over a six-month period after surgery and throughout radiation via physical examinations. Increased swelling became visibly obvious as did decreased range of motion and restricted normal functioning of the right arm. An occupational therapist and lymphedema specialist determined a follow up diagnosis after implementing a test using an electric current, which measures fluid volume in the arm and right trunk. (Physical Therapy and Rehab Medicine 2010) Also, comparisons in range of motion were made to the normal side on the left. Once the actual assessment of the problem was made, a plan was

Mrs. Jones has a medical history of hypothyroidism, macular degeneration and rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, resulting in joint stiffness and increased pain.

As we grow older our bodies begin to degenerate, and stop working. There are many different kinds of diseases that we are subject to as we age, cancers, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, and many others. All have a negative affect on our lives, making it difficult to function. Arthritis is the second leading chronic disease in the United States.

The importance of empathy in any helping profession, medical or social, cannot be overstated. The workers that exemplified it in their practice did the best that they could with their limited resources.

D.W. is a 23-year-old married woman with 3 children under 5 years old. She came to her physician 2

“Bonnie Bowser, eighty-two years old, fell and severely injured her elbow. She was examined at the Emergency Department of the Miraculous Regional Health System and diagnosed with a fractured olecranon process, and referred to an orthopedic surgeon. The surgeon who examined Mrs. Bowser scheduled her for corrective surgery the next day. He noted in his examination that she had a past medical history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, two myocardial infarctions with quadruple bypass surgery, and a cerebrovascular accident affecting her left side. She was taking several medications including Lasix (a diuretic), Vasotec (for treatment of hypertension and symptomatic congestive heart failure), Kylotrix (potassium supplement),

Ms. Heigle testified that she suffers from carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back pain, and facial numbness. Ms. Heigle stated that she is still under the care of her chemotherapy doctor, Further, Ms. Heigle stated that on November 2, 2017, she has an appointment Dr. Adam Lewis and would like to submit a copy of his report for review.

Shirley Caretaker is a 56 year-old widow who spent the last twenty-five (25) years working in the health care field as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant and Licensed Practical Nurse. Ms. Caretaker’s job-related knee pain was worsened by a work related accident, which also injured her hip and back. She cannot sit or stand for more than 30 minutes at a time, or walk for more than 10 minutes. Pain in her upper back radiates up her neck and through her fingers, which causes her arms and fingers to periodically feel

The nurse will assist Mrs. Thomas in achieving optimal pain control. The nurse will interact with Mrs. Thomas more than any other practitioner. The nurse will have to continuously assess Mrs. Thomas pain control. Due to Mrs. Thomas’s advance stage in her illness her pain control needs will vary depending on her level of conscious and the disease process. Keeping Mrs. Thomas’s level of pain to a level where Mrs. Thomas can still maintain her functional ability will be an ongoing struggle. Too little or too much pain medicine will prevent Mrs. Thomas in participating in activities.

Sarah Jennings is a 45 years old female, 5 feet 6inches tall, 130lbs. Today she came in to see Dr. Wallace for 3-month appointment. She has been diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol. Due her cholesterol medication she was asked to come in to get her liver function checked. During her visit today she mentioned to the doctor she has had knee pain for the past few days. It started after she tripped while hiking last week. Sarah also suffers with bipolar disorder, but she has been doing well with the anti-depressant she is on. She is a very sweet, tiny, determined lady who is trying her best to keep up with all her health issues. She has changed her diet and has been good with exercising daily.

She reports a history of back pain, ovarian cysts excision, and breast tumor. She denies chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations. Patient reports that her immunizations and preventive care are up to

Musculoskeletal System (joint pain; stiffness; swelling, heat, redness in joints; limitation of movement; muscle pain or cramping; deformity of bone or joint; accidents or trauma to bones; back pain; difficulty with activity of daily living, medications):Denies pain or stiffness in joints. Denies swelling, heat, or redness in her joints. Denies deformity of bones or joints. States no self or family history of arthritis. Complains of “achy fatigue” in lower legs at the end of the day. Uses a walker for increased stability. States she is “afraid of falling” so uses a walker at all times. States she fell in her kitchen late one night and bumped her head on the laundry room door. States she did not feel dizzy, just tripped over a kitchen chair with her walker. Called 911 for assistance but refused to go to the hospital for evaluation. Denies fractures or traumas to bones. States she has mild back pain when standing for prolonged periods of time. States she uses a shower chair to avoid fatigue in shower. States she bathes, grooms and dresses herself without assistance. Grandson assists with

Rheumatoid Arthritis or (RA) is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints and connective tissue. The result is inflammation that produces permanent damage in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic syndrome that tends to be progressive and destructive as compared to Osteoarthritis or (OA), which is more of an age related disease caused by “wear and tear” of the joints. In contrast to (OA), rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by inflammation mostly of the joints, but is a general body disease.