Clinical Decision-Making
Clinical Decision Making
A complete medical history was obtained from the patient. Following a discussion of her concerns, a physical exam, including a pelvic and bimanual exam was performed. Swabs of the vaginal area were collected and placed under the microscope. The results were concurrent with the suspected diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. The physician explained the results of the swab samples and offered the patient different treatment options.
Pathophysiology Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is common infection of the vagina that causes discharge and odor due to the changing environment. The vaginal discharge is “characteristically described as a thin, gray, homogenous fluid that is adherent to the vaginal mucosa” (Girerd, 2016, p. 1). Alterations …show more content…
The patient was comfortable in making the decision to treat the infection vaginally. There was also a discussion of the possible effects of cleaning the genital area with diluted apple cider vinegar. The physician also discussed options for hormonal therapy, including varies methods, to help alleviate symptoms related to her monthly cycle. The patient is reconsidering these options, but has not decided to further pursue hormonal treatments. Overall, the physician was able to identify the cause of her symptoms and provide the patient with a variety of options. She took into consideration how the patient felt about her treatment and together an appropriate regimen was established.
Barriers to Care There are no obvious barriers to care for this patient. She has available insurance and was given a discount coupon for the prescribed …show more content…
The preceptor accurately explained her diagnosis of BV and allowed the patient to choose the best treatment method for her preference. Prior to evaluating the research, I would have suggested the patient take a daily probiotic to maintain healthy vaginal flora. However, more research needs to be done to establish the beneficial effects of taking probiotics, with or without antibiotics. I think this patient would have benefited from written information about hormonal therapy that would help improve her symptoms related to her menstrual cycle. Giving her information to take home would allow this patient to opportunity to thoroughly weigh her options and the physician could address any additional questions on her next
A complete medical history was obtained from the patient. Following a discussion of her concerns, a physical exam, including a pelvic and bimanual exam was performed. Swabs of the vaginal area were collected and placed under the microscope. The results were concurrent with the suspected diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. The physician explained the results of the swab samples and offered the patient different treatment options.
Pathophysiology Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is common infection of the vagina that causes discharge and odor due to the changing environment. The vaginal discharge is “characteristically described as a thin, gray, homogenous fluid that is adherent to the vaginal mucosa” (Girerd, 2016, p. 1). Alterations …show more content…
The patient was comfortable in making the decision to treat the infection vaginally. There was also a discussion of the possible effects of cleaning the genital area with diluted apple cider vinegar. The physician also discussed options for hormonal therapy, including varies methods, to help alleviate symptoms related to her monthly cycle. The patient is reconsidering these options, but has not decided to further pursue hormonal treatments. Overall, the physician was able to identify the cause of her symptoms and provide the patient with a variety of options. She took into consideration how the patient felt about her treatment and together an appropriate regimen was established.
Barriers to Care There are no obvious barriers to care for this patient. She has available insurance and was given a discount coupon for the prescribed …show more content…
The preceptor accurately explained her diagnosis of BV and allowed the patient to choose the best treatment method for her preference. Prior to evaluating the research, I would have suggested the patient take a daily probiotic to maintain healthy vaginal flora. However, more research needs to be done to establish the beneficial effects of taking probiotics, with or without antibiotics. I think this patient would have benefited from written information about hormonal therapy that would help improve her symptoms related to her menstrual cycle. Giving her information to take home would allow this patient to opportunity to thoroughly weigh her options and the physician could address any additional questions on her next