Reference no: EM133690108
Assignment:
Leslie, a 34-year-old female presents to the emergency room with complaints of a severe headache, shortness of breath, and swollen ankles. Leslie's medical workup reveals that her blood pressure is elevated and she's at risk of a stroke. The Doctor diagnosis Leslie with hypertension, prescribes her an oral blood pressure medication, and advises her to take the medication as prescribed and explains to Leslie that her hypertension is related to obesity, and that she needs to lose at least 50 pounds. The Doctor also refers Leslie to you because she is concerned that Leslie is not taking her diagnosis seriously, and has a low motivation to change.
You, as the assigned medical social worker in this case, meet with Leslie in her hospital room. Her husband Jonathan is present. They both are very inviting and present with a cheerful demeanor. Leslie is a property manager for a large chain of commercial properties and her husband is a local businessman. Leslie and Jonathan have two children, six and four years old. Leslie is college educated and actively involved in her community and church.
Leslie expresses that she does not consider herself overweight, and that she is just big-boned and that all the women in her family are big-boned. Leslie recounts being overweight since she was a child. Leslie says that she was always the big girl with the cute face, and she was always the largest girl in the group, although her weight has never stopped her from doing anything. Leslie explains that she has tried several weight loss programs and that none of them worked. Leslie jokes that she has stopped focusing on losing weight because she does not want to lose her curves and that she started to accept her body as it is. Leslie admits to having some interest in being active and going to the gym, although not having time due to work and her family responsibilities.
At this point, Jonathan chimes in and makes it known that he needs Leslie home to cook and that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Jonathan further insinuates that if Leslie wants to keep him happy, she needs to continue to cook her famous fried pork chops and gourmet lasagna. Leslie reinforces the need to keep her husband happy and tells the social worker that she will try to figure something out because she really does not want to have to take blood pressure medication
What basic medical knowledge about hypertension and its risk factors should the medical social worker know?
Assuming that Leslie will be discharged from the ER soon after your meeting with her, what strategy/invention would you use to reach this patient in such a short time frame? (refer to chapter 6 of your textbook)
- As a member of the interdisciplinary team, what information is important for you to take back to the team that will be provide assistance in developing Leslie's plan of care?
- Do you think your biopsychosocial-spritiual insight regarding Leslie and her lifestyle will change the ER doctor's perception of Leslie having a low motivation to change? Explain why or why not.
- Would telehealth be helpful for Leslie? Explain why or why not?