Situation: Laura has
not been feeling well lately. Today she goes to see her doctor for a physical checkup.
Laura: Good morning, I
have an appointment with Doctor Clark at 8:30.
Clerk: Let me pull your
record. In the meantime, please sign-in and have a seat.
Nurse: Laura Nicholson.
Laura: Here.
Nurse: Follow me to Room
A please.
Nurse: Here we are. What
are your reasons for seeing Doctor Clark today?
Laura: Well, lately I have
been feeling tired, and occasionally I have had really bad headaches and an
upset stomach. On top of that, I have had this persistent cough for the last
two weeks.
Nurse: When did you start
having these symptoms?
Laura: I started feeling
tired about two months ago; then, a little bit after that the headaches came. I
got the upset stomach long before feeling tired.
Nurse: Are you taking any
medications?
Laura: Only my vitamins.
Nurse: What vitamins are
you taking?
Laura: I am taking a
multi-vitamin tablet and extra Vitamin C every day.
Nurse: OK, let me take
your vital signs.
Laura: How am I doing?
Nurse: Everything is
good—normal blood pressure and no high temperature. Please wait here for a
minute. Doctor Clark will be with you in a moment.
Laura: Thank you.
Doctor: Good morning,
Laura.
Laura: Good morning,
Doctor.
Doctor: I see here that you
started feeling tired two months ago, and then you started having bad headaches.
You also have had an upset stomach and a persistent cough. Did you run a fever
too?
Laura: No, doctor.
Doctor: Let me do a quick
physical check up.
Doctor: Please take a deep
breath, hold your breath, and exhale. Do it again please.
Doctor: Were there any
changes in your diet or your weight lately?
Laura: I ate the usual
things, but I lost five pounds recently.
Doctor: Did you suffer
from insomnia?
Laura: Well, it is pretty
hard for me to fall asleep when I go to bed. I also woke up many times during
the night.
Doctor: Do you drink? Do
you smoke?
Laura: No.
Doctor: How are things at
work?
Laura: There was a change
of ownership three months ago, and I had to work a lot of overtime, even during
the weekend.
Doctor: It looks like you
have pneumonia. Other than that, I do not see any problems. You are probably
under stress from changes at work, and the stress causes headaches, upset
stomach, and sleeplessness. For now, try to relax and exercise. It may solve
your problems. Come back to see me again if the symptoms persist, and I will do
further tests. I am going to give you a prescription for your pneumonia. Are
you allergic to any medications?
Laura: Not to my
knowledge.
Doctor: OK, take this
medication three times a day after you eat. Also, I want you to have some blood
tests. Stop by the laboratory on your way out and have the nurse draw your
blood.
Laura: I am anxious to
know my cholesterol level. When will I get the results of the blood test?
Doctor: The results will be
available in two weeks. Don’t stress yourself. I think everything will be
Laura: Thank you, Doctor.
Doctor: You are welcome.
