The Human Body

Part 1 You are dispatched to 340 Tulip Lane for a 45-year-old man complaining of back pain. You arrive to find an alert and oriented man who is unable to sit still and appears to be in severe pain. He states that he thinks he hurt his back, but he’s not sure how. He states, “This is the worst pain I’ve ever had in my life!” When you ask him where it hurts, he points to his right lower back.

Part 1 1. Why is knowledge of anatomy important in determining potential sources of pain?

Part 2 You determine that this patient’s origin of pain is most likely his right kidney. Further questioning of his medical history points to an increased risk for kidney stones. The paramedic agrees with your assessment, starts an IV, and administers morphine per local protocol.

Part 2 2. Where are the kidneys located in the body? Are there any other organs in the same area? 3. Given the location of the kidneys and other components of the urinary system, what other complaints might this patient express?

Part 3 The patient can now sit relatively still and appears to be more comfortable. You feel that your knowledge of human anatomy helped in determining the source of his pain.

Part 3 4. If you are unfamiliar with human anatomy, how could your lack of knowledge significantly affect the quality and the timeliness of your patient care?

Part 4 You arrive at the hospital and listen to the paramedic provide information to the emergency department physician on the patient’s initial presentation. She explains that although the original chief complaint could have led to an incorrect differential diagnosis, your knowledge of anatomy assisted in the appropriate care of this patient. The physician seems to have gained some trust in your knowledge and skills.

Part 4 5. How can your knowledge of anatomy and correct use of medical terminology when speaking to other professional health care providers affect their opinion of you, your agency, and emergency service professionals in general?

Part 5 Your partner asks you to complete the documentation for this response. You have never written the narrative portion for an actual patient care report. You feel slightly nervous because these documents become part of the patient’s official record. Your partner explains that she will assist you in the process and will author the portions directly related to ALS care.

Part 5 6. How can your documentation skills and use of correct anatomic terminology assist medical professionals reading your report who were not on the call? 7. What clues were available to you from the scene, history, signs, symptoms, and serial vital signs (reassessment) that may have helped you determine what was wrong with your patient?

Part 5 8. Did you treat her appropriately? 9. Had you realized the cause of her condition, would it have altered your treatment?

Summary Having an understanding of human anatomy can assist you in determining the source of patient illness and injury and therefore can affect the quality of patient care. Using correct anatomic terminology, your communication with other medical professionals will be clear and also aid in the continuity of care. Extending this level of professionalism to your documentation will contribute to your professional image as a knowledgeable and capable provider.

Summary Frequently, a patient’s medications and chief complaint provide valuable clues to the underlying condition. This information will greatly aid you in understanding the source and the severity of the patient’s condition(s). You may be unable to obtain information from the patient’s medical history either because there is no significant medical history or because the patient is unable to tell you.

Summary Women who are 35 years of age and older who are taking birth control medication and smoke cigarettes are at especially high risk of experiencing embolisms. Becoming familiar with commonly prescribed medications and over-the-counter medications can provide important information about a patient’s medical history.

Summary Sometimes patients will not know why they are taking certain medications, so it would be helpful for you to have a pocket guide on medications for quick and easy reference. Being able to sort through the clues from the emergency scene itself, from the patient’s complaints, and from the patient’s signs and symptoms and past medical history will all assist you in understanding the cause of your patient’s problem and enable you to make appropriate, timely decisions about your patient’s care.