Question

Consider the following scenario: Patient Joan Anthony calls the office and says, "This is Mrs. Anthony. I am having trouble breathing and I need to see the doctor immediately! I am very anxious and have used my inhaler three times, but it doesn’t seem to help." How do you handle this situation? What do you say to the patient?

a. Advise her to wait and see if the symptoms improve on their own.

b. Instruct her to come to the office immediately for a medical assessment.

c. Suggest taking over-the-counter pain relievers.

d. Schedule a routine appointment for the next available slot.

Answer 1

Instruct Mrs. Anthony to come to the office immediately for a medical assessment.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this scenario, given the urgency and severity of Mrs. Anthony's symptoms indicating respiratory distress, the appropriate response is:

b. Instruct her to come to the office immediately for a medical assessment.

Responding with urgency and concern for Mrs. Anthony's well-being is crucial. Advising her to seek immediate medical attention ensures prompt evaluation and appropriate treatment for her breathing difficulties. It's essential to prioritize her health and safety by urging her to come to the office for a thorough assessment by a healthcare professional, as her symptoms indicate a potential emergency that requires immediate attention.