Discussion Board

Scenario #3 – Peripheral Vascular System:

Mrs. L., a 35-year-old African American, reports having pain and tenderness in her right leg. She describes the pain in the back of her leg as dull and throbbing and says that it gets worse when she stands and walks and gets better with rest and elevation. She has noticed swelling in the right leg with an ulcer that won’t heal for the past three weeks. She denies numbness and tingling or loss of mobility in both extremities. She has smoked one pack of cigarettes daily for the past 12 years and has a history of diabetes mellitus type 2 and has high blood pressure. Mrs. L is single and has three children. She is currently unemployed; she was laid off three months ago. She is 5 feet 3 inches and weighs 190 lbs. She denies use of recreational drugs. Her mother is alive at age 68 and has a history of hypertension and diabetes. Her father died at age 63 of a heart attack. She does not exercise routinely. Her last physical exam was 5 years ago.

1. Based on her presenting signs, what other questions would you elicit?
2. How would you demonstrate knowledge of cultural sensitivity/humility in approach to this patient?
3. What would you assess?
4. What could be the problem?

APA Format please