The case study is based on an American Heart Association example. The patient hurries into the ambulatory care clinic for a 0900 appointment arriving about 10 minutes late due to heavy traffic. The patient had been drinking coffee while driving to the ambulatory clinic and had 2 cups of coffee at breakfast after a heavy weightlifting routine. The patient informs the Receptionist of arrival. The Receptionist reminds the patient of the late arrival. The receptionist instructs the patient to take a seat. The patient makes a cup of coffee from the pod coffee machine. The receptionist calls the patient to the check-in desk to verify insurance, address, and payment. The patient returns to the chair, and immediately, the Medical Assistant calls the patient’s name. The Medical Assistant hurriedly walks the patient to the examination room while the patient is sipping coffee and chatting. At the designated examination room, the Medical Assistant instructs the patient to enter the examination room and sit on the tall examination table. The patient sits on the edge of an exam table with feet dangling inches above the floor and back unsupported. The Medical Assistant who seconds ago instructed the patient to sit immediately asks the patient a series of questions about the reason for the visit – all while taking the blood pressure. The arm is unsupported. In fact, the arm is dangling. It should be noted the blood pressure measurement was taken with the blood pressure cuff on top of a shirt sleeve. It should be noted that the Medical Assistant grappled with the blood pressure cuff to secure around the patient’s upper arm. The Medical Assistant took three readings in rapid succession and recorded the average in the electronic medical record (EHR) and then informed the patient the physician would examine the patient in about 5 minutes.
Sample Solution