Case 1 – History

 

Click Case Number to view all parts

Case 1

Recent pneumonia


Preview:


Please login, activate your subscription,
or explore access solutions.

 

Brief History

 
The patient was an active, elderly Caucasian woman on hypertensive medication, recently hospitalized for pneumonia.

She lost 10 pounds in the hospital.

She completed her antibiotic course at home and was recovering, with a residual cough.

She was found dead facedown on the floor after an unwitnessed cardiopulmonary arrest approximately two weeks after discharge.

The history is obtained from the family.

 

Next: External exam

Discussion Questions

1. What is the differential diagnosis for the patient’s cause of death based on the history?
 
2. Do you think the patient fully recovered from her pneumonia?
 
3. How would your answer change if the patient had died one day after discharge from the hospital?
 
4. What are appropriate discharge instructions after hospitalization from a pneumonia?