Reference no: EM133658314

Case: Jose Garcia is a 28 yo Hispanic male who presents to family practice clinic for abdominal pain and weight loss. He has been evaluated previously at this clinic for a pre-employment physical which revealed no acute or chronic health problems.
During the interview the nurse learns that he has had abdominal pains on and off for a couple of months and that the pain is getting worse. The pain is in the middle of his stomach and is like an "ache". He reports he has no appetite, feels gassy, and has lost about 10 pounds over the last 2 months."
When asked about losing weights he reports "I just don't feel hungry and food doesn't appeal to me". He reports he is feeling nervous about weight loss and never feeling like eating, "I'm worried something is really wrong with me".  The nurse continues the interview with questions about the patients' past and family history.  No acute or chronic problems revealed during interview. He uses Tylenol occasionally for headaches and denies smoking, uses alcohol socially, mostly on weekends.

Vital Signs: B/P 132/84, P88, RR 22. Skin is cool, dry, and pale. Abdomen soft, non-distended, + bowel sounds all four quadrants, and non tenderness on palpation.

The plan for this patient is to begin antacids three times a day, after meals and at bedtime; endoscopy scheduled, obtain cultures for H. Pylori, and follow up in 1 week.

Questions

1. What data suggest the need for H. Pylori cultures?
2. What could be included in the education plan for this patient?
3. What psychosocial considerations would be important to evaluate?