Reflection: In a Microsoft Word document, respond to the self-reflection questions below. Include a title page in APA format using the title iHuman Reflection Week 6. In 2-3 paragraphs, respond substantively to all required reflection questions. Analyze your personal strengths and areas for growth.
One rule is to always include “the worst-case scenario” in your differential diagnosis and make sure you have ruled out this possibility based on your findings and patient assessment. Your goal is to minimize the risk of missing unusual or infrequent conditions such as meningococcal meningitis, bacterial endocarditis, pulmonary embolus, or subdural hematoma that are particularly ominous. Reflect on your performance during this virtual patient encounter. What are the “red flags” in this case? Based on your pertinent key findings, what is “the worst-case scenario”? What lessons did you learn from this case that you can apply to your future professional practice?
This is what the virtual patient encounter was based on HPI: Carlotta Russe is a 65 yo Caucasian female presenting to the clinic with complaints of moderate low back pain that began 2 days ago after moving heavy tables at work. She reports that the pain radiates into her R buttocks and down her R leg. She reports sharp, constant pain at 7/10. She reports that the pain is made worse with activity, not relieved by anything and awakens her from her sleep. She denies taking medications to treat the pain. She denies bowel or bladder dysfunction or numbness/tingling. Physical exam reveals inability to bend at the waist as well as limited ROM in RLE with slightly diminished sensation and hypo reflexive patellar DTR. PMH significant for osteoporosis with last bone density test over 1 year ago, score -2.5; chronic asthma with recent attack, currently being managed with prednisone taper; hx of surgical menopause at age 42 and HTN.
