Information overload and "medspeak": Emergency Room Example 4
Mrs. Irene Shafer is a 50 year old female who was
brought in by the paramedics after her husband called 911 as found
her down in the bathroom. In the Emergency Room, she is found to
be hypotensive, bradycardic with a large antero lateral STEMI.
Dr. Robinson stabilizes her and then goes to the waiting room to
discuss her status with her husband.
Mr. Shafer: “Doctor, how is my wife doing?”
Dr. Robinson: “She had a heart attack?”
Mr. Shafer: “Heart attack?” But she is only 50. How
big is it?”
Dr. Robinson:“Pretty big according to the EKG. I am running
some enzymes on her. Already gave her an aspirin. Problem is that
she is hypotensive right now. Also the blood work is a little off
. Anyway…., I have ordered a fluid bolus. The Cards folks
are coming. They will probably cath her. Don’t worry!”
Mr. Shafer: (thinking can-you-talk-to-me-in-English?): “Doc
will she make it? I am so worried….”
What was not addressed: "Your wife has had a heart attack. We are treating
her already and we are running a few more tests."
Click on icon below for a better version of this interaction
