Case Studies

Latoya and the Physical Therapy Patient

Decrease the sympathy and become more aggressive. Latoya is training to be a P. T. Dr. B. the head of P. T. department, told Latoya that she "helps her patients too much" and that she needs to prepare them for independence. One of Latoya's older woman patients is recovering from a stroke and insist that she stay in a wheelchair due to her fear of falling while using a walker or cane. Latoya remembers when another one of her patients fell and how long it took for them to recover. She doesn't want to force her patient to do something she doesn't want to do.

Jeanette M and the Phone Call

Ethical Problem. Woman call doctor's office complaining about shortness of breath. Doctor was not notified by receptionist in a timely manner. Jeanette was rushed to the E. R. she was diagnosed with pneumonia and congestive heart failure. Jeanette died.

Jacob and the Diseased Leg

HIPAA violation and communication from patient's parents. Boy had to have surgery on his fractured fibula. After 6 weeks, he went to get his cast taken off and his leg seemed to be healing. D. R. went to go examine another patient who had a serious bone infection and did not replace gloves before examining Jacob's leg again. Jacob was infected by disease.

David Z and ALS

Law and Patient Concern. David is hospitalized after suffering from ALS for 20 years. Prior to become incapacitated, he asked to die if he his doctor to let him die if the suffering becomes too much. The doctor agreed to discontinue David's respirator when he asked. The health administrator tells the doctor that this is against hospital policies and the family must send in a court order to be removed from life support. After consulting with David's family, the doctor turns off the life support and sends David home.

John F. and the HMO

There must always be a doctor present. John is a member of HMO. He finds bleeding in his bowel movements. He takes large amounts of aspirin which he is unaware that it causes internal bleeding. The physician assistant that John sees doesn't ask him about taking OTC medicine nor did John mention it. The physician assistant tells John to take a antacid to control the bleeding. Two days later John is rushed to the E. R.