Louella Mesina’s Assignment 6.3: Shadow Health Assignment
Focused Exam: Pediatric GAS Pharyngitis
Synopsis of the Shadow Health Assignment Pediatric GAS Pharyngitis
This paper is to discuss the Shadow Health ass
...
Louella Mesina’s Assignment 6.3: Shadow Health Assignment
Focused Exam: Pediatric GAS Pharyngitis
Synopsis of the Shadow Health Assignment Pediatric GAS Pharyngitis
This paper is to discuss the Shadow Health assignment regarding Pediatric GAS Pharyngitis. This assignment helped to provide an opportunity to conduct a focused exam on a pediatric patient, named Sophia Haddad and her father, Omar, who presents to the clinic with Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis. I interviewed Sophia and her father, Omar, utilizing therapeutic communication techniques. I was able to obtain enough subjective data to determine appropriate pharmacological therapy of Amoxicillin 8.8 ml by mouth every 12 hours for her GAS Pharyngitis. I was able to examine the patient used critical thinking to select the most appropriate medication for Sophia. Then, I spent time to educate her father on how to safely administer it and care for Sophia while she is sick at home. Lastly, I was able to practice pediatric medication calculations to prescribe and write a prescription.
Reflection of Experience Learned
I learned in this assignment and lesson a great deal of balancing my need to assess versus when to be empathetic. I found it difficult to know who and when to ask for specific assessment criteria. It seemed simple at first but when I needed to ask Sophia more specific question I needed to make sure I was asking in the most simple and direct ways. With her father, Omar, I noticed many of the questions I asked did not apply or I had to rephrase my question many times to communicate my assessment effectively. I also learned to asses the social context of the situation and any cultural barriers that could interfere with my assessment and interview. It is important to take into account social norms, religion, personal preferences. I found it essential to be sensitive to Omar and make sure my education was tailored to his learning and needs to promote compliance. Overall, it was more challenging and time-consuming to make sure I performed a thorough assessment. I enjoyed this experience as dealing with what seemed like two patients were challenging at the same time rewarding when I was able to find out what Sophia’s thoughts and perspective were on taking medications and what seemed to help promote compliance.
Principles Applied of Prescribing Antibacterial Medications
This assignment helped me realize that there are so many important considerations and principles when prescribing antimicrobial therapy in children. The most import aspect of prescribing any antibiotic is obtaining an accurate diagnosis of infection. In this case, Sophia did have a positive RADT which concluded her infection was bacterial. However, providers should not treat viral
pharyngitis with antibiotics. We should understand the difference between a viral versus a bacterial cause of infection and to be able to identify situations when antimicrobial therapy is not needed.
We should know how to weigh the benefits against the harms of antibiotics according to the patient's needs, signs and symptoms. More specifically, in children, we need to make a plan with the guardian and the child to promote compliance and understanding of the importance of finishing the treatment. Another principle to keep in mind is tailoring the drug, dosage, and quantity prescribed according to the child. In Sophia case, I choose the least amount to be taken twice a day and reminded her father to let her take it with cold water as her preferences suggested to promote compliance. Lastly, an important principle of antimicrobial stewardship; knowing when to consult an infectious disease specialist for guidance. In this case, it would be important to follow-up on Sophia’s rash and fevers. Good education planning with Omar can help prevent mistakes, and promote trust and compliance.
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