I-HUMAN PATIENTS CASE STUDY: ASSESSING THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

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This course requires you to complete a series of case studies using the i-Human Patients software application. The i-Human Patients (IHP) Case Player enables you to interact with virtual patients for the purpose of learning patient-assessment and diagnostic-reasoning skills. With IHP, you will be able to independently interview, examine, diagnose, and treat virtual patients and receive expert feedback on your performance.
In order to adequately assess the chest region of a patient, advanced practice nurses need to be aware of a patient’s history, potential abnormal findings, and what physical exams and diagnostic tests should be conducted to determine the causes and severity of abnormalities.
Take a moment to observe your breathing. Notice the sensation of your chest expanding as air flows into your lungs. Feel your chest contract as you exhale. How might this experience be different for someone with chronic lung disease or someone experiencing an asthma attack?

• Review this week’s Learning Resources and consider the insights they provide related to the cardiovascular system.
• Access and review the assigned i-Human Patients case study. Based on the provided patient information, think about the health history you would need to collect from the patient.
• Consider what physical exams and diagnostic tests would be most appropriate to gather more information about the patient’s condition.
• Reflect on how the results would be used to make a diagnosis.
• Identify three to five (3–5) possible conditions that may be considered in a differential diagnosis for the patient.
• Consider the patient’s diagnosis. Think about clinical guidelines that might support this diagnosis.
• Develop a treatment plan for the patient that includes health promotion and patient education strategies for patients with cardiovascular conditions.

 

Sample Solution

 

 

 

 

Before diving into the i-Human Patients case study, let’s explore chest assessment in patients with potential respiratory issues:

Understanding Normal Breathing:

You observed your chest expanding and contracting with each breath. This is normal breathing mechanics.

Changes in Respiratory Function:

  • Chronic Lung Disease: Conditions like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) can make breathing difficult. Patients may experience shortness of breath (dyspnea) at rest or with exertion, chest tightness, and prolonged exhalation.
  • Asthma Attack: During an asthma attack, the airways narrow due to inflammation, causing wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

Preparing for the i-Human Patients Case Study:

Here’s how to approach the assigned case study:

  1. Review Learning Resources: Review the provided materials on the cardiovascular system. While the focus might be on the chest, some cardiovascular issues can manifest as respiratory symptoms.
  2. Patient History: Based on the patient information, consider what questions you would ask to gather a comprehensive health history. This could include:
    • Current symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath, chest pain, cough)
    • Past medical history (e.g., respiratory infections, smoking history)
    • Family history (e.g., lung disease)
    • Lifestyle habits (e.g., smoking, exposure to pollutants)
  3. Physical Exams: Identify appropriate physical exams for chest assessment, such as:
    • Inspection (observing chest wall movement, symmetry)
    • Palpation (feeling for chest wall tenderness or masses)
    • Percussion (tapping the chest to assess lung sounds)
    • Auscultation (listening to breath sounds with a stethoscope)
  4. Diagnostic Tests: Consider potential diagnostic tests based on the patient’s presentation, such as:
    • Chest X-ray
    • Pulmonary function tests (PFTs)
    • Sputum culture (if coughing up mucus)
  5. Diagnosis & Guidelines: Reflect on how the results might be used to form a diagnosis. Consider relevant clinical guidelines for diagnosing and managing the suspected condition.
  6. Differential Diagnosis: List 3-5 possible diagnoses based on the patient’s symptoms and history.
  7. Treatment Plan: Develop a treatment plan that includes medication, lifestyle modifications (e.g., smoking cessation), and patient education strategies for managing their cardiovascular condition.

Remember: This is a general framework. The specific details will depend on the assigned i-Human Patients case study.

 

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