A 50 years old homeless male visits a community clinic complaining of body aches

Question

A 50 years old homeless male visits a community clinic complaining of body aches and pains. The man has a history of alcoholism and has been homeless for the past 2 years. An initial assessment of the patient finds his body to be wasted with severe edema, petechiae, and ecchymosis. The medical team at the community clinic does a more detailed assessment and concludes the patient is suffering from scurvy. What changes in the diet could have prevented scurvy?

Grading rubric: Case Study Week 4: Supplements and Medications Criteria Content Excellent 3pts Needs Improvement 1pt Pts Good Identifies dietary -Incomplete, nonspecific answers to questions Addresses dietary deficiency that caused the I deficiency in general, man's symptoms. -Identifies specific foods but lacks specificity. Lists diet categories prevent scurvy or to relieve -Lacks dietary changes to that would have prevented that prevent scurvy diuretic symptoms. -Does not advise patient on scurvy -Identifies cause of Suggests possible causes of symptoms in question about quitting symptoms in the patient on patient on diuretics meds. diuretics -Lists general food -Correctly advises patient groups to relieve on specific foods to include in diet daily to relieve symptoms. symptoms -Incorrectly advises patient on whether to -Correctly answers patient stop taking his meds. question.on whether to stop taking his meds. -Somewhat organized. -Disorganized -Main points are clear. -Main points are unclear -Occasional issues with flow and ganization -Well organized into separate headings. -Main points are clearly -Difficuit to follow or illogical identified. -Paragraphs transition well. transitions -Many spelling or grammar errors ing/grammar/-No spelling or grammar Some spelling or errors grammar errors. -Appropriate iength Appropriate length.-Inappropriate len Total score ctor: Percentage score* rmine percentage points: Divide total points by 9 and multiple by 100. Apply this percentage to available points listed on syllabus.

Explanation / Answer

Scurvy is a disease which is mainly caused by deficiency of vitamin C. The scurvy is caused when the diet has a deficiency of citrus fruits, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, raw bell peppers, strawberries etc. Early symptoms include weakness, feeling tired, and sore arms and legs. The common symptoms of lack of vitamin C include  the formation of brown spots on the skin, spongy gums, and bleeding from all mucous membranes. The spots are most abundant on the thighs and legs, and a person with the ailment looks pale, feels depressed, and is partially immobilized.

The specific food that could have prevented the scurvy are broccoli, chilepers, guava, kiwifruit, and parsley etc.  Also eating vegetables, such as brussels sprouts, cabbage, potatoes, and spinach prevents scurvy.

When taking vitamin C supplements it can have a diuretic effect. This means that your rate of urination or the total amount you eliminate is increased thus when taking vitamin C supplemtents then plenty of water should be taken.

The patient should include  broccoli, chilepers, guava, kiwifruit, and parsley etc in his daily diet. He should also have fruits which are rich in ascorbic content. The patient should quit meds as prolonged supplements of vitamin can have adverse effects on the body.

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