You have a patient present to the clinic for heart palpitations. She has a history of hyperthyroid disease. While talking to the patient you discover that she is not sleeping well and does not want to leave her home. You discuss a diagnosis of anxiety with the patient, but she and her husband are resistant to a mental health diagnosis. How would you discuss this with the patient and family to assist the patient in getting the care that she needs?

 

It is important to remain calm and acknow.ledge patient's feelings and concerns. Practice effective communication to have better and positive quality health outcome

As a health advocate it is our responsibility to provide health education to further assist the client in decisions regarding their treatment.

Step-by-step explanation

For this scenario, the patient has a history of hyperthyroid disease. We should discuss this first and know if patient is taking any medications to control symptoms of her disease.

We then discuss about hyperthyroid disease to the patient. Excess thyroid hormone can cause abnormal heart rhythms, insomnia, difficulty in falling asleep and anxiety.

It is best to refer patient to an endocrinologist, a physician who specializes in glands that affects hormones.

However, should the patient insist on a mental health issue, we may also refer client to a psychiatrist for further evaluation as requested by the client.