Week 3 Assignment 1: Virtual Patient
Virtual Patient: Risks of Covid-19 among older adults with asthma
Asthma is a long-term inflammatory disease characterized by spasm attacks in the lung bronchi, making it hard to breathe. The condition is mainly associated with a slow and continuous impaired lung function over time. It is also quite common among older adults from age 65, and the condition is correlated with high death and disability rates; therefore, careful monitoring is imperative, especially during the Covid-19 period (Zein et al., 2019). Covid-19 is a virus that attacks the respiratory system, leading to potential respiratory failure. Older adults with unmanaged or moderate/severe asthma have a higher risk of hospitalization and death than younger adults (Lee et al., 2020).
I managed to identify comorbid factors for asthma, such as COPD, their similarities and differences, and the high risk of contracting Covid-19 (Lee et al., 2020). This was crucial to develop strategies for reliable asthma management for older adults during the pandemic. Furthermore, I also managed to elect suitable long-term treatment options, immunotherapy treatment, and asthma action plans according to published guidelines and considering age-based impacts on safety and efficacy to reduce the risks of Covid-19 or influence effective asthma control if one has the virus.
My experience with the module was remarkable as it improved clinical decision-making, and the findings I acquired enhanced learning. I acquired strategies I could implement in asthma management for older adults during the pandemic. The practical or mechanistic comprehension of how various components resulting in the heterogeneity and severity of asthma in older adults interact across spatial scales is essential, which I feel I achieved through experimental virtual learning and prepared me to address the progressive rise of asthma among older adults (Kononowicz et al., 2019).
References
Kononowicz, A.A., et al. (2019). Virtual Patient Simulations in Health Professions Education: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by the Digital Health Education Collaboration. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 21(7), p.e14676. 10.2196/14676.
Lee, S.C., et al. (2020). Impact of comorbid asthma on severity of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Scientific Reports, 10(1). 10.1038/s41598-020-77791-8.
Zein, J.G., et al. (2019). Asthma over the adult life course: Gender and Hormonal Influences. Clinics in Chest Medicine, [online] 40(1), pp.149–161. 10.1016/j.ccm.2018.10.009.
HPI: A 75-year-old patient of Hispanic descent arrives in an immigrant healthcare clinic with fever, chills, a sore throat, and a nonproductive cough. She speaks some English. The patient appears very ill, with dry mucous membranes, dark circles under the eyes, and pale skin. The patient appears anxious and is reluctant to make eye contact or speak. The health history reveals that the patient lives with extended family in a home setting, including infants and elderly. All of the family members are undocumented residents of the United States.
Past Medical History: Hypertension, Asthma.
1. I would like to remind you that all the information discussed here today is confidential. I am here to listen and help you in every way I can. Do you need an interpreter for today’s visit?
2. When did you started having fevers, chills, sore throat, and nonproductive cough?
3. How high are your fevers?
4. How often are the fevers coming?
5. Are you taking any over-the-counter medications to help manage the fevers? If yes, when was the last time you took it?
6. Are you having any headaches or any other pain? If yes, where are you having pain and how would you describe it?
7. Have you had recent contact with anyone who is sick?
8. Is there anything you do that makes your symptoms better or worse?
9. Are you taking any medications to make you feel better?
10. How has your appetite been?
11. Have you had any changes to your taste or smell? (Dolin et al., 2022)
12. Are you having difficulty swallowing?
13. Have you experienced any recent malaise, weakness, confusion, or dizziness? (Dolin et al., 2022)
14. How would you describe your sleeping pattern? Have you had any changes since you became ill?
15. What are the medications you use to control your asthma? (Fanta et al., 2022)
16. Since you moved to the United States, have you established a report with a provider to help with managing you hypertension and asthma?
17. Have you received the COVID-19 vaccines and influenza vaccine? (Fanta et al., 2022)
18. How is everything at home?
19. Do you feel safe at home? (Halphen et al., 2021).
20. Have you been denied basic needs such as food, clothing, or medical care? (Halphen et al., 2021)
References
Dolin, R., Hirsch, M. S., & Baron, E. L. (2022). Seasonal influenza in adults: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis. UpToDate. https://www-uptodate-com.regiscollege.idm.oclc.org/contents/seasonal-influenza-in-adults-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis?search=influenza&source=search_result&selectedTitle=3~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=3
Fanta, C. H., Cahill, K. N., Dixon, A. E., Dieffenbach, P. (2022). Acute exacerbations of asthma in adults: Home and office management. UpToDate. https://www-uptodate-com.regiscollege.idm.oclc.org/contents/acute-exacerbations-of-asthma-in-adults-home-and-office-management?search=asthma%20exacerbation%20adult&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1