Question

Imagine that you are an attending hearing the case below. What questions do you have that might help you better understand the situation? What would you do for the patient immediately? What is the patient's 6 month plan and why? In the case of structural vulnerability, how would you attempt to resolve this to improve the health of the patient. How would you make sure to address potential racial health disparities?

Patient is a 48 year old Mexican male found with acute loss of consciousness. Smell of alcohol on breath was noted by first responders, and was found on a bench with empty bottles of liquor. Patient has a history of heavy alcohol use and seizures and previous diagnosis of hypertension. Patient is apparently homeless.

Answer 1

Some of the questions which can be helpful to better understand the situation are

• Factors which contributed to his drinking
• Whether employed or unemployed to rule out the source to buy alcohol
• Family ,friends, partners ,etc. , to assess for any support if admitted or for further treatment

The immediate thing which has to be done to the patient is to provide first aide and medical treatment on the basis of emergency care .This can protect his health from any fatal complications. The alcohol has to be detoxified from the body to help him gain consciousness .

The patient's six month plan will be

• To enroll him in a de-addiction center and help him to stop drinking
• SAMHSA or resource center can be introduced to get rid of homelessness
• Psychological support and counselling to put for a good life

Structural vulnerability can be over come by providing an optimistic approach to the client to handle various situations and persons when he comes across

The potential racial discrimination can be addressed by providing a culturally competent care.