Unit Three Workbook Assignment

Chapter 4: Diseases and Conditions of the Endocrine

System

Assignment: For each scenario that follows, explain how

and why you would schedule an appointment or suggest a
referral based on the patient’s reported symptoms. Be
sure to first review the “Guidelines for Patient-Screening
Exercises” found on page iii in the Introduction section of
your Workbook.

1. A male patient calls for an appointment. He reports

experiencing the sudden onset of excessive thirst and
urination. He says that he is thirsty all the time and
cannot seem to get enough to drink. How do you
respond to this phone call?

The patient is complaining of a sudden urge to drink a lot of fluids and

urinating too much, the excessive thirst is an indication of polydipsia
increased amounts of urine is Polyuria these two symptoms indicates
Diabetes Insipidus. This tells me the patient needs prompt medical attention
I tell him to come right in, and the physician will see him.

2. A female patient calls the office and says she thinks

she has swelling in her neck and is beginning to
experience difficulty swallowing. How do you respond
to this phone call?

3. An individual calls the office stating he is

experiencing periods of rapid heartbeat and
palpitations, insomnia, nervousness, and excitability.
He states that despite excessive appetite and food
ingestion, he is losing weight. How do you respond to
 this call?

4. A woman calls the office stating that her husband,

who has been diagnosed with diabetes, is
experiencing excessive thirst, nausea, drowsiness,
and abdominal pain. She just noticed a fruity odor on
his breath. She wants to know what to do. How do
you respond to this call?

5. A patient calls the office saying she has started

experiencing weight loss, excessive thirst, excessive
hunger, and frequent urination. She also tells you
her mother and aunt have diabetes. She says she just
does not feel right. How do you respond to this call?