Post Concussive Syndrome and Traumatic Brain Injury

Week 2: Case Discussion: Pulmonary Part One

Setting: A free medical clinic that provides health care for the under-insured.

Your next patient, Michelle G., age 40, is a regular of the clinic and the last patient of the day. The chart states she is here for recent episodes of shortness of breath.

You enter the room and Michelle G is dressed in work clothes, standing up looking at a health poster on the wall. You introduce yourself and ask her what brings her to the clinic today. “I think I may have a cold. I’ve been having a hard time breathing on and off lately.”

HPI: “I notice I’m short of breath mostly at work but by the time I get home feel fine. No episodes of shortness of breath on the weekends that I can recall. But a few hours back at work and I start to feel like I cannot catch my breath again. A few months ago this happened and it was so bad I left work and went to urgent care where they gave me a breathing treatment of some kind and sent me home on an antibiotic. I would like you to give me another antibiotic. She denies sputum. No new allergy triggers noted. She denies heartburn.

PMHx: Michelle G. reports her overall health as good.

Childhood/previous illnesses: eczema as a child

Chronic illnesses: Has seasonal allergies, spring is her worst season. Was seen by an allergy specialist ten years ago, Took allergy shots for five years with great results, now only takes Zyrtec when needed.

Surgeries: Cholecystectomy

Hospitalizations: childbirth x 3.

Immunizations: up-to-date on all vaccinations.

Allergies: Strawberries-Rash; erythromycin- severe GI upset.

Blood transfusions: none

Drinks alcohol socially, smoked 1 pack per week for 3 years in her 20’s. Denies illicit drug use.

Sleeps 6 to 7 hours a night. Exercises four to five days per week.

Current medications: Multivitamin, Zyrtec

Social History: Married, lives with husband and 3 children. Worked in advertising up until 18 months ago when she got laid off. In order to help with the household finances she took a job as a Baker’s assistant at an Artisan Bread Bakery. She arrives at 4 a.m. every morning to begin baking breads/pastries for the day. Discussion Part 1