Ch.3 Case Study-Follow up

                                         
Patient Assessment:
Your general impression of the patient is that he is conscious but disoriented and experiencing abdominal pain. His wife is unsure of his age so you approximate he is in his 80's.His airway is open; breathing and circulation appears normal. Trying to obtain a complete history is impossible so you do a head-to-toe assessment. After palpation of his stomach he reaches his hand to go away. This could be a sign of refusal for treatment. However, because of his disorientation, you continue care.Mrs. Schuman is completely distracted and disorientated.

AN ETHICAL OBLIGATION:
After transferring the patient to hospital care, you contact the hospital's social services department. as you are required to do in a case of elderly abuse or neglect.You believe that the Schuman's are not capable of caring for themselves. Two weeks later you see the social worker you tells you that Mr. Schuman was diagnosed with a gastric ulcer and organic brain syndrome. Additionally, Mrs. Schuman was diagnosed with Alzheimer disease. Both are now in local extended care nursing homes, under 24 hour supervision. The social worker thanks you for your attention in this matter.