Medicine · Explanation & counselling

Will he wake up?

Medium

10 min station · 2 min reading · Recommended for Curtin Year 4 students

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N W T J

2 min reading · 10 min station · reminders at 2 min

Instructions

You are a medical student on placement on the stroke unit. Desmond Keogh, 79, was admitted yesterday and remains unconscious; the consultant has asked you to speak with his wife, Maureen, who is waiting in the family room.

  1. Take a focused history from Mrs Keogh

  2. Explain his condition and your management plan to Mrs Keogh

  • You do not need to examine Mr Keogh; you will speak with his wife in the family room
  • You do not need to summarise to the examiner

Consultant's note, 10 am today

CT on arrival: a large bleed deep in the left brain, into the ventricles. CT at 7 am: grown despite reversing his blood thinner, with severe swelling pushing the brain to the right. Neurosurgery and I agree he will not survive this bleed; an operation would not help. Please talk with his wife.

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