Unit One Workbook Assignment

Chapter 2: Developmental, Congenital, and Childhood Diseases and Disorders

Assignment: For each scenario that follows, explain how and why you would schedule an appointment or suggest a referral based on the patient’s reported symptoms. Be sure to first review the “Guidelines for Patient-Screening Exercises” found on page iii in the Introduction section of your Workbook.

The mother of a 6-month-old infant calls the office requesting an appointment for her child. She advises that she thinks the child’s head appears swollen and that there are areas that appear to be bulging. What is your response regarding the appointment.

Due to her explanation of the symptoms of the infant child it sounds as if the child may have Robinow Syndrome. I'd advise her to make an appointment with the physician when possible so that her child can be diagnosed properly before a proper treatment can be performed, if possible.

The mother of a 3-year-old boy calls to report her child had the onset of vomiting and abdominal pain during the night and is now experiencing blood in his urine. She says she just noticed a swelling on his left side toward his back. She requests and appointment. What is your response regarding the appointment?

Given the onset of symptoms I'd advise this mother to take her child to the hospital. It seems like the child may have Wilms' Tumor and promptly taking care of this will help in the child's survival.

The mother of a 15-day-old infant son reports that he started having episodes of vomiting with the emesis “shooting out of his mouth” after feeding. She also reports the infant appears hungry, continues to feed, and has not gained any weight. How do you respond to this call?

I respond by letting this mother know that she should take her baby to the ER to be diagnosed and treated properly and promptly. Her son may have Pyloric Stenosis and will end up having surgery to help get better.

Just as the office is closing for the day, a mother calls about her child who just started experiencing signs and symptoms of respiratory distress including hoarseness; fever; a harsh, high-pitched cough; and a funny, high-pitched sound during inspiration. The physician has already left the office for the day. How do you handle this call?

I would apologize to this mother for the physician not being in because of the close proximity of the closing down of the office for the day. The child sounds distressed and the symptoms seem serious so I'd advise her to take her child to the hospital as soon as possible for further diagnosis and treatment.

A mother calls to report that her three children have been complaining of being fatigued, having headaches, and stomach, muscle, and joint pain for the last 2 weeks. She also states there has been a significant change in their behavior. How do you handle this call?

I'd tell her to make an appointment when it's convenient to her schedule of course and also advise her to keep track of her children's temperature until their appointment. It sounds as if they're all suffering simply from the flu or a cold and will need to be looked upon by the physician to get well soon.