Eye Spy: Mrs. Jackson's Vision
Mrs. Jackson reports blurry vision when trying to read. This measurement would be one of the first things an optometrist would assess.
What is visual acuity?
Mrs. Jackson has a history of type 2 diabetes. What blood test can help determine how well her blood sugar has been controlled over the past two to three months?
What is Hemoglobin A1c?
Mrs. Jackson needs an eye examination to evaluate her blurry vision. Which healthcare professional is best suited to perform a comprehensive eye examination?
What is an optometrist?
Mrs. Jackson cannot attend follow-up appointments because she has no reliable transportation. Which social determinant of health is affecting her care?
Mrs. Jackson was forced to leave New Orleans after this devastating 2005 natural disaster.
What is Hurricane Katrina?
During her eye examination, the optometrist notices that Mrs. Jackson has difficulty seeing objects clearly at a distance. This type of vision problem is called what?
What is myopia (nearsightedness)?
Mrs. Jackson has been without her blood pressure medication since evacuating. What vital sign should the medical team prioritize checking?
What is blood pressure?
The optometrist notices possible diabetic changes in Mrs. Jackson's retina. Which healthcare professional should help evaluate and manage her underlying diabetes?
What is a primary care physician?
Mrs. Jackson lost her home and belongings during Hurricane Katrina. Which basic social determinant of health is most directly affected?
What is housing stability?
During evacuation, Mrs. Jackson lost her medication bottles and does not remember all the medications she takes. What document would have been particularly helpful to have prepared in advance?
What is an updated medication list?
The optometrist examines the back of Mrs. Jackson's eye to look for changes caused by diabetes. What structure is being examined?
What is the retina?
The physician explains that uncontrolled diabetes can damage the small blood vessels supplying the retina. What other two major organ systems are commonly affected by diabetes?
What are kidneys and nervous system?
The optometrist finds retinal abnormalities and wants to communicate them to Mrs. Jackson's physician. What is this type of professional communication called?
What is interprofessional collaboration?
Mrs. Jackson cannot afford to replace her medications or eyeglasses. Which social determinant is most directly involved?
What is economic stability?
Mrs. Jackson's community clinic is closed because of hurricane damage. What type of healthcare resource could help provide care to displaced patients?
What is a temporary clinic, mobile health clinic, or community health center?
The optometrist notices small areas of bleeding and abnormal blood vessels in Mrs. Jackson's retina. What diabetes-related eye condition might this indicate?
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Mrs. Jackson reports frequent headaches and blurry vision. What important measurement should be obtained to evaluate a possible medical contributor to these symptoms?
What is blood pressure?
Mrs. Jackson has uncontrolled diabetes and possible diabetic retinopathy. Why is it important for the physician and optometrist to communicate rather than treating her independently?
What is diabetes management and eye health are interconnected?
Mrs. Jackson is overwhelmed, anxious, and worried about her family's future after losing her home. What aspect of health should the healthcare team consider in addition to her physical health?
What is mental and emotional health?
Mrs. Jackson has diabetes and hypertension but has been unable to access routine medical care since evacuating. What important concept of healthcare has been disrupted?
What is continuity of care?
Mrs. Jackson suddenly reports a dark curtain covering part of her vision. What potentially sight-threatening condition must be ruled out immediately?
What is retinal detachment?
Mrs. Jackson has been without her diabetes medication for two weeks. Before simply restarting her previous regimen, what should the physician do?
What is medication reconciliation and assessment of current clinical status?
The optometrist suspects a sight-threatening retinal problem. The medical student believes the patient needs further evaluation. What should the team do rather than simply scheduling a routine follow-up?
What is coordinate prompt eye-care evaluation and referral?
The physician tells Mrs. Jackson to monitor her blood glucose and take her medications, but she has no medication supply, stable housing, or transportation. What is wrong with this approach?
The medical and optometry teams want to help prevent similar problems in future disasters. Name one preparedness strategy that could help patients maintain access to chronic disease treatment and eye care.
What is emergency medication planning, portable medical records, emergency clinics, pharmacy coordination, or disaster continuity-of-care planning?