Your 24-Year-Old Patient Reports She Is Losing A Lot
Your 24 Year Old Patient Reports That She Is Losing A Lot
Your 24-year-old patient reports that she is losing "a lot" of hair. After considering your assigned patient, answer the following questions: Describe the key assessments you will perform. What findings would you consider worrisome? How do we communicate with patients if we find a worrisome finding? What referrals would you consider important write this in APA format 7 edition. need this is 300 words . Two to three reference.
Paper For Above instruction
Hair loss, or alopecia, can be a distressing symptom for young women, often indicating underlying medical issues that require thorough assessment. The key assessments I would perform begin with a comprehensive patient history focused on the onset, duration, pattern, and extent of hair loss. I would inquire about associated symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, menstrual irregularities, recent illnesses, medication use, stress levels, and nutritional status, as these factors can influence hair health (Kumar & Clark, 2021). Physical examinations would involve evaluating the scalp for signs of inflammation, scaling, or scarring, and assessing hair pull test results to determine active shedding. Additionally, examining for signs of systemic illness, such as pallor or lymphadenopathy, could help identify causes like anemia or autoimmune conditions (Dellavalle et al., 2018).
Key findings considered worrisome include diffuse hair thinning suggesting telogen effluvium, patchy hair loss indicating alopecia areata, or signs of scalp inflammation pointing to dermatological conditions like psoriasis or fungal infections. Evidence of systemic illness, such as anemia or thyroid dysfunction, would also be concerning. If physical findings or history suggest a serious underlying condition, further investigations like laboratory tests (e.g., thyroid function tests, iron studies, autoimmune panels) should be ordered.
Effective communication of worrisome findings involves empathetic dialogue, providing clear information about potential causes, and discussing the need for further testing or specialist referral. It is critical to reassure the patient while emphasizing that diagnosis and management are ongoing processes. Referral to a dermatologist for specialized assessment and treatment is often necessary, especially if a dermatological or autoimmune etiology is suspected (Shapiro et al., 2019). In cases of systemic disease, collaboration with primary care providers or endocrinologists may be required to ensure comprehensive care.
References:
Dellavalle, R. P., et al. (2018). Hair loss: diagnosis and management. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(2), 183–192.
Kumar, P., & Clark, M. (2021). Kumar & Clark's Clinical Medicine (10th ed.). Elsevier.
Shapiro, J., et al. (2019). Approach to the patient with hair loss. Dermatologic Therapy, 32(6), e13163.