OBSERVATION TASK LOG

Date: 09/08/11

Client profile: Male, 57, works part-time as an equine therapist. Previously

worked full time as a teacher in Queensland but has recently moved to a farm
outside of Canberra which is still getting renovated. Has a live-in daughter
with Asperger’s syndrome.

Presenting conditions: Patient reports immediate susceptibility to chest

colds after exercising. If he has a shower straight away they do not occur. He
reports that his stress levels are “okay” but numerous factors would indicate
that his adrenals are working hard.

Causal chain: At first glance it was assumed that high adrenal secretions
were suppressing his immune system, but upon further questioning it was
revealed that at the age of 15 he had a severe chest infection (which included
haemoptysis) and subsequent bronchitis and pneumonia.
It appears as if this early illness has left his lungs susceptible to insult.
He doesn’t smoke and has a healthy diet.

Observations on student practitioner’s general conduct: James was very

professional and thorough. While he didn’t ask every question he could have
(he missed allergies, current medications and family history) he did make a
comprehensive assessment of the patient’s current condition.

Observation of Health assessment procedures and the results: James

measured the patient’s heart rate and BP and while his HR was a bit high (92)
what was more interesting was the fact that it occasionally skipped a beat.
This was assumed to be more of incidental, rather than clinical, interest.

Nutritional advice given - dietary as well as supplements (& your

observations / comments): The patient’s diet was quite complete and the

Jesal Alimchandani, CIT Clinic 3, 2011

 only advice tendered was to increase his fruit intake and to ensure sufficient
protein intake.
Suggested supplements were Meta Zinc + C (to bolster his immunity) and
Tresos B to ensure he was best equipped to deal with stress.

Lifestyle advice given (& your observations / comments): Again the patient
had a healthy lifestyle, and as long as he was sure to shower immediately
after exercise he remained healthy. It was suggested that he keep an eye on
his stress levels but he was, in general, quite a relaxed individual.

Herbal medicine advice and treatments given (& your observations /

comments): A herbal mix was prepared consisting of the following:
Herb Dosage Intended Action
Astragalus 70mL Immune enhancing,
adaptogen
Marshmallow 80mL Demulcent
Licorice 30mL Mucoprotective, adrenal
tonic, demulcent
Goldenseal 30mL Mucous membrane
trophorestorative

This mix was a nice balance of adaptogen, immune enhancing and mucous
membrane protector/restorative.

Observation of practitioner’s overall consultation manner: James’

manner was very professional throughout the consultation and the patient
responded to this. It was evident that he felt quite confident of the
practitioner’s abilities and was receptive to the various information he was
presented with.

Other comments: The patient presented with minimal health problems but
was still open to the idea of preventative medicine.

Jesal Alimchandani, CIT Clinic 3, 2011