Question

Jackson meets a new patient, Allison, for the first time. She is suffering from high blood pressure

brought about by high stress from her job as a teacher. Allison suffers from symptoms during the
school year but is fine during vacations, especially summer vacation. That's how she knows her
symptoms are work-related. Allison does not trust the conventional medical establishment. She is fifty-
seven years old and is not currently on any medication and does not intend to start taking blood-
pressure meds. She wants to make a standing appointment with Jackson, every week, to help her
control her symptoms. She has also started an exercise program and is watching her salt intake. She's
also taking oregano and some other herbs that are supposed to lower blood pressure. Jackson tells her
she really needs to go to a doctor to get her blood pressure checked, but she tells him in no uncertain
terms that she has no intention of doing so. Jackson uses massage techniques that promote relaxation.
He tells her to stick to her regimen and also begin yoga classes, and he recommends a book of
relaxation techniques.
• Should Jackson refuse to treat Allison until she agrees to go to a physician to get her blood
pressure checked? Why or why not?
• Even if Jackson disagrees with Allison's approach, would he be doing her more harm than good

Answer 1

Jackson should not refuse to treat Allison if she doesn't want to go to a physician. He can still help her manage her symptoms through relaxation techniques, exercise, and herbal remedies. Even if Jackson disagrees with Allison's approach, he can provide non-invasive strategies that may have a positive impact on her blood pressure levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

Jackson should not refuse to treat Allison just because she is not willing to go to a physician to get her blood pressure checked. As a healthcare professional, it is his responsibility to provide guidance and support to patients, regardless of their personal choices. While it would be ideal for Allison to get her blood pressure checked by a doctor, Jackson can still help her manage her symptoms through relaxation techniques, exercise, and herbal remedies. It is important for him to respect her autonomy and work with her to find a suitable treatment plan.

Even if Jackson disagrees with Allison's approach, he would not be doing her more harm than good by providing her with relaxation techniques, exercise recommendations, and other non-invasive strategies. These interventions can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being, which can have a positive impact on blood pressure levels. Additionally, by building trust and rapport with Allison, Jackson may have a better chance of influencing her to consider medical intervention in the future, if necessary.