Melissa returns to Dr. Smith’s office, where they review the results of her tests and her signs and symptoms. Dr. Smith then diagnoses Melissa with mononucleosis (mono), a highly contagious viral infection. Melissa asks if she can play in the state championship game and Dr. Smith explains that it wouldn’t be safe. Dr. Smith tells Melissa that in addition to her sore throat, fever and rash, her spleen may be enlarged. If she sustained a blow to her spleen during the soccer game, it could rupture and she could bleed to death. Melissa is surprised that the “kissing disease” is so serious. Dr. Smith also tells her not to take aspirin for pain because mono has been associated with a serious illness called Reye’s syndrome. Melissa asks if a prescription for an antibiotic would help her get better. Dr. Smith says that it won’t help at all and, in fact, could cause her current rash to worsen.

  1. Review Melissa’s Story: The physician is responsible for all of the following EXCEPT:
    1. Diagnosing Melissa’s illness
    2. Filling a prescription
    3. Performing a physical exam
    4. Ordering laboratory tests

  2. Discussion Question: Melissa tells her soccer coach that she cannot play in the championship game. He decides to call Dr. Smith to confirm that Melissa has mononucleosis. What do you think Dr. Smith will tell Melissa’s soccer coach?
    1. Dr. Smith will confirm Melissa’s diagnosis
    2. Dr. Smith is unable to tell her soccer coach anything because of the HIPAA rule
    3. Dr. Smith will tell her soccer coach that Melissa cannot play in the state championship because she could rupture her spleen
    4. Dr. Smith will tell her soccer coach that Melissa’s condition is not serious and she is able to play in the game

  3. Review Melissa’s Story: Why is an antibiotic not going to help cure Melissa’s mono?