Question

You are an intern on a busy medical team looking after Mrs. S, who is 55F admitted with ataxia and blurred vision. A CT scan shows no hemorrhage but a mass is found. The patient and family are upset and want to know what happens next. What do you tell them?

Option 1: Share the details of the CT scan and discuss potential treatment options.
Option 2: Avoid providing too much information to prevent causing further distress.
Option 3: Refer the family to the consulting physician for detailed explanations.
Option 4: Express empathy, explain the findings, and outline the next steps in a clear manner.

Answer 1

If a mass is found on a CT scan and the patient is experiencing symptoms such as ataxia and blurred vision, additional tests should be performed to determine the nature of the mass and its potential impact on the patient. The doctor will then recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on the findings of these tests.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a mass is found on a CT scan and the patient is experiencing symptoms such as ataxia and blurred vision, additional tests should be performed to determine the nature of the mass and its potential impact on the patient.

One common next step would be to perform an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, which provides more detailed images of the brain and can help identify the specific characteristics of the mass.

Based on the findings of these tests, the doctor will recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment options can vary greatly depending on the type and location of the mass, but may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these therapies.