Unit 8: Communication and Health

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Kaplan University School of Arts and Science

PS370 Case Study

Unit 8 Assignment: Case Study John goes to his doctor because he is having severe stomach problems. John has a long history of

other health issues that his doctor has not been able to explain from a physical point of view. John's

doctor has decided that it is time for him to have a complete physical. His doctor asks him if there is

anything else he should know. John tells his doctor that all is fine.

John's doctor is aware that about 8 years ago, John attended and successfully completed an inpatient

rehab for intravenous heroin use. Sensing that John might be resistant to opening up with him, his

doctor asks him how his recovery is progressing. The doctor wonders if John is eating OK and

exercising, since he has lost a lot of weight. John finally tells his doctor that his wife is ready to leave

him, his job is on the line, and he feels depressed. John admits that, as a result of his personal

problems, about six weeks ago, he relapsed with alcohol, then with heroin, and he has used heroin on

3 other occasions since then. He is also experiencing some flu-like symptoms and swollen glands and

worries that they have not gone away as he expected they would.

In reviewing the test results, the doctor determines that John has alcoholic hepatitis. He tells John that he knows that there is a major problem with the relapse, and he needs help; if he does not change his lifestyle, he will die. The doctor makes an appointment at the local Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, which John agrees to keep, however the doctor is concerned that John may not go.