Communicating Effectively with Healthcare Professionals
Hello, I desperately seek guidance! My father, aged 56, underwent brain surgery last October due to a subdural hematoma that was discovered when he visited the emergency room. Prior to that, he had seen his family physician three times after a box struck his head, suffering from severe headaches. Additionally, there were moments when he coughed intensely to the point of losing consciousness, which he reported to his doctor. Unfortunately, he was advised that his symptoms were merely due to anxiety. A few days later, his coworker had to call an ambulance as he showed signs of unusual gait and weakness on his left side. As a first-year nursing student, I hold immense admiration for healthcare professionals. I've heard numerous accounts of mistreatment by patients and the overwhelming burnout faced by many in the field. My experience is limited at this stage, so I apologize if my thoughts offend anyone; that’s not my aim. However, I cannot shake the feeling that my father is not being taken seriously by his family doctor. In such circumstances, wouldn't it be prudent for him to have been recommended to seek urgent medical attention? My father struggles with English and tends to be non-assertive in these situations. Currently, he's once again dealing with severe coughing spells, and I can see that it exhausts him. He visited the same family physician just yesterday, receiving reassurance that there is nothing alarming about his symptoms. Yet, this cough seems grave—it doesn't resemble a typical cold. After his coughing episodes, he visibly turns red, and his surgeon indicated that his fainting episodes were associated with the subdural hematoma. What steps should we take next? Should I genuinely be concerned about this situation?
Answers (1)
6/15/2025, 2:00:56 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about your father's health, especially given his recent history of serious medical issues. Based on your description, it's important to prioritize his symptoms and ensure he receives an appropriate evaluation.
Main Points:
- Ongoing Symptoms: Your father's persistent cough and previous fainting episodes may warrant further investigation.
- Communication Barriers: His difficulty expressing his symptoms and needs due to language and assertiveness issues can impede his care.
- Advocacy: It's vital to advocate for him to ensure he receives the necessary attention and treatment.
Explanation:
Your father's severe coughing that causes exhaustion and turning red is concerning, particularly given his history of a subdural hematoma. While his physician may not see immediate alarm, symptoms like these can sometimes indicate an underlying issue that requires a more thorough evaluation. Patients often struggle to communicate their symptoms clearly, especially when there's a language barrier and non-assertiveness.
Next Steps:
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Document Symptoms: Keep a diary of your father's coughing spells, noting their frequency, duration, and any accompanying symptoms (like breathlessness or fainting). This can provide a clearer picture for healthcare providers.
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Seek a Second Opinion: If possible, arrange for your father to see a different healthcare professional, perhaps a pulmonologist or a neurologist, who can assess his symptoms with fresh eyes. Bring along the symptom diary to aid in the discussion.
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Involve an Advocate: Accompany him to appointments if you can, as your presence might encourage him to express his concerns more clearly. Consider a bilingual advocate if language remains a barrier.
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Emergency Attention: If his coughing worsens, especially with fainting or difficulty breathing, do not hesitate to seek emergency care. This could involve calling an ambulance or visiting an emergency room (ER).
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Education and Empowerment: As a nursing student, continue to learn about patient advocacy and communication techniques. This will empower you and others in similar situations to ensure that important symptoms are taken seriously.
Your father's well-being and your family's peace of mind are paramount, so taking these steps can help lead to a better understanding of his health issues. A strong advocate can make a significant difference in the quality of care patients receive, especially when they struggle to communicate their needs.
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