Medical Diagnosis for Patient E.A., Essay Example

E.A. is a patient who presents with myriad symptoms, most notably a foot infection which is ruborous, without fever and with significant purulent discharge. This infection has been chronic with duration of approximately two months. The infection is distributed over the two most lateral toes on the right foot. This chronic infection has fluctuated over the last two months depending on treatment. The patient has a BMI of 24, non-insulin dependent diabetes and hypertension. The physician prescribes antibiotics to alleviate the infection, which is temporarily successful although not completely successful in combating the infection.

This constellation of symptoms – the noticeable red, itchy infected area on the foot – is highly suggestive of an acute localized case of Tinea pedis, commonly known as Athlete’s Foot.

Given the chronic nature of the infection along with the presence of purulent discharge, it is likely that the infection has resulted in a bacterial infection (Habif, 2009). Dermatological tests should be ordered to determine the possible presence of gangrene or advanced bacterial infection in the infected area; however, it is unlikely that the infection has accumulated to form gangrene given the treatment history and prescribed medications from the patient’s physician.

Moving forward, the patient should continue to follow the treatment prescribed by the physician without any disruption until after the symptoms of the infection have been reversed. Furthermore, the patient should schedule immediate testing on the infected area to ascertain the severity of the area where the pus is emanating. It is also highly recommended that the patient E.A. should return for weekly visits with a physician or medical professional to review the progress of the treatment on the infection (Weber and Kelly, 2010).

References

Habif, T.P., ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009.

Weber, J. & Kelly, J. (2010). Health assessment in nursing (4^th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.