Description
Please respond to discussion below using current APA edition and 2 scholarly references. Must be atleast 150 words.
The 41-Year-Old Patient Evaluation & Management Plan
A 41-year-old male patient presents to the neighborhood walk-in clinic with significant elbow discomfort spreading into the forearm in this complicated medical case. The patient’s inability to communicate in English forces him to rely heavily on his 13-year-old daughter, who serves as his interpreter. The pain is thought to be caused by repetitive motions, which may indicate lateral epicondylitis, a disease frequently linked to jobs that require repetitive strain on the elbow (Johns & Shridhar, 2020). However, the family’s improbable position as undocumented workers, which is clear from their reluctance to provide work-related information, makes it difficult to understand the entire extent of the patient’s condition and its repercussions. This instance emphasizes the need of taking a cautious approach to both medical diagnosis and addressing sociocultural issues that might affect a patient’s experience receiving treatment.
Confirming the Diagnosis
A complete physical examination and diagnostic testing are necessary to establish the suspected diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis as the source of the observed elbow and forearm discomfort. The lateral epicondyle can be made painful and tender during the examination by performing particular motions like the Cozen’s test and Mill’s test (Johns & Shridhar, 2020). Additionally, imaging tests like X-rays or an MRI can offer a more in-depth look of the injured region, aiding in the confirmation of the diagnosis and determining the severity of the injury.
Cause of Daughter’s Distress and Hesitancy
The daughter’s worry and reluctance to disclose that the injury could have existed prior to the patient’s present work indicate that she was worried about repercussions from the employer. If the injury is listed as work-related, there may be concern about job instability, discrimination, or even complications with immigration (Lenoir et al., 2019). The daughter could be concerned that making this declaration could endanger their employment or immigration status.
Other Assessments to Perform
Beyond visual inspection, further evaluations include palpation of the afflicted region, range-of-motion tests, and muscular strength evaluations are critical. Additionally, neurological evaluations to test forearm and hand reflexes and feeling might assist exclude nerve involvement (Lenoir et al., 2019). For a thorough examination, it’s critical to assess functional limits and find out about any everyday activities or job-related duties that exacerbate them.
Treatment for Lateral Epicondylitis
Physical therapy, rest, ice application, and pain management are frequently used in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. To relieve pressure on the injured region, immobilization using a brace or splint may be advised. Stretching and strengthening activities might benefit from physical therapy (Wolf, 2023). Pain and inflammation can be controlled with the use of NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections. If the damage is severe, surgery to remove the tissue can be an option.
Helping Patient and Daughter Feel Comfortable to Stay for Treatment
Reassuring the patient and his daughter of their privacy and secrecy regarding their immigration status is crucial if you want them to feel comfortable staying for treatment. Stress the need of receiving medical care for the patient’s health and wellbeing, irrespective of their immigration status (Wolf, 2023). To foster confidence and give assurance that their best interests are the first priority in the medical environment, present information regarding patient confidentiality regulations and how their information will be kept private. Their anxieties can be reduced by addressing them and empathetically emphasizing the value of adequate medical treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the process of diagnosing and treating a patient becomes more challenging when dealing with language limitations and potential legal issues. A comprehensive examination and the proper diagnostic tests are required for confirmation of the suspected lateral epicondylitis, which may have developed as a result of work stress. In order to foster trust and provide the family the confidence they need to undertake the appropriate medical measures, sensitivity and empathy to their particular situation are essential. The key to creating an environment where the patient and his daughter can comfortably get the treatment they require is to reassure them of their privacy and stress that their health and well-being are the main priorities. Care that is thorough and compassionate must address both the medical and social components of the patient’s circumstance.
