For this Focused Note Assignment you will select a patient with common gynecologic
Assignment 2: Episodic Visit: Common Gynecologic Health Conditions Focused Note
For this Focused Note Assignment you will select a patient with common gynecologic health conditions from your clinical experience and construct a patient history, assess and diagnose the patient’s health condition(s), and justify the best treatment option(s) for the patient.
To prepare:
- Use the Focused SOAP Note Template found in this week’s Learning Resources to complete this Assignment.
- Select a patient with common gynecologic health conditions whom you examined during the last three weeks in your practicum experience. With this patient in mind, address the following in your Focused Note Template:
Assignment:
- Subjective: What details did the patient provide regarding her personal and medical history?
- Objective: What observations did you make during the physical assessment?
- Assessment: What were your differential diagnoses? Provide a minimum of three possible diagnoses. List them from highest priority to lowest priority. What was your primary diagnosis and why?
- Plan: What was your plan for diagnostics and primary diagnosis? What was your plan for treatment and management, including alternative therapies? Include pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments, alternative therapies, and follow-up parameters, as well as a rationale for this treatment and management plan.
- Reflection notes: What would you do differently in a similar patient evaluation?
Episodic/Focused SOAP Note Template
Patient Information:
Initials, Age, Sex, Race
S.
CC (chief complaint): This is a brief statement identifying why the patient is here in the patient’s own words, for instance, “headache,” not “bad headache for 3 days.”
HPI: This is the symptom analysis section of your note. Thorough documentation in this section is essential for patient care, coding, and billing analysis. Paint a picture of what is wrong with the patient. Use LOCATES Mnemonic to complete your HPI.
You need to start every HPI with age, race, and gender (e.g., 34-year-old African American male). You must include the seven attributes of each principal symptom in paragraph form, not a list. If the CC was “headache,” the LOCATES for the HPI might look like the following example:
Location: head
Onset: 3 days ago
Character: pounding, pressure around the eyes and temples
Associated signs and symptoms: nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia
Timing: after being on the computer all day at work
Exacerbating/relieving factors: light bothers eyes, Naproxen makes it tolerable but not completely better
Severity: 7/10 pain scale
Current Medications: Include dosage, frequency, length of time used, and reason for use. Also include over-the-counter (OTC) or homeopathic products.
Allergies: Include medication, food, and environmental allergies separately. Provide a description of what the allergy is (e.g., angioedema, anaphylaxis). This will help determine a true reaction versus intolerance.
PMHx: Include immunization status (note date of last tetanus for all adults), past major illnesses, and surgeries. Depending on the CC, more info is sometimes needed.
Soc & Substance Hx: Include occupation and major hobbies, family status, tobacco and alcohol use (previous and current use), and any other pertinent data. Always add some health promotion questions here, such as whether they use seat belts all the time or whether they have working smoke detectors in the house, the condition of the living environment, text/cell phone use while driving, and support systems available.
Fam Hx: Illnesses with possible genetic predisposition, contagious illnesses, or chronic illnesses. The reason for death of any deceased first-degree relatives should be included. Include parents, grandparents, siblings, and children. Include grandchildren if pertinent.
Surgical Hx: Prior surgical procedures.
Mental Hx: Diagnosis and treatment. Current concerns: (Anxiety and/or depression). History of self-harm practices and/or suicidal or homicidal ideation.
Violence Hx: Concern or issues about safety (personal, home, community, sexual—current and historical).
Reproductive Hx: Menstrual history (date of last menstrual period [LMP]), pregnant (yes or no), nursing/lactating (yes or no), contraceptive use (method used), types of intercourse (oral, anal, vaginal, other), and any sexual concerns.
ROS: This covers all body systems that may help you include or rule out a differential diagnosis. You should list each system as follows: General: Head: EENT: and so forth. You should list these in bullet format and document the systems in order from head to toe.
Example of Complete ROS:
GENERAL: No weight loss, fever, chills, weakness, or fatigue.
HEENT: Eyes: No visual loss, blurred vision, double vision, or yellow sclerae. Ears, Nose, Throat: No hearing loss, sneezing, congestion, runny nose, or sore throat.
SKIN: No rash or itching.
CARDIOVASCULAR: No chest pain, chest pressure, or chest discomfort. No palpitations or edema.
RESPIRATORY: No shortness of breath, cough, or sputum.
GASTROINTESTINAL: No anorexia, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. No abdominal pain or blood.
GENITOURINARY: Burning on urination. Pregnancy. LMP: MM/DD/YYYY.
NEUROLOGICAL: No headache, dizziness, syncope, paralysis, ataxia, numbness, or tingling in the extremities. No change in bowel or bladder control.
MUSCULOSKELETAL: No muscle pain, back pain, joint pain, or stiffness.
HEMATOLOGIC: No anemia, bleeding, or bruising.
LYMPHATICS: No enlarged nodes. No history of splenectomy.
PSYCHIATRIC: No history of depression or anxiety.
ENDOCRINOLOGIC: No reports of sweating or cold or heat intolerance. No polyuria or polydipsia.
REPRODUCTIVE: Not pregnant and no recent pregnancy. No reports of vaginal or penile discharge. Not sexually active.
ALLERGIES: No history of asthma, hives, eczema, or rhinitis.
O.
Physical exam: From head to toe, include what you see, hear, and feel when conducting your physical exam. You only need to examine the systems that are pertinent to the CC, HPI, and history. Do not use “WNL” or “normal.” You must describe what you see. Always document in head-to-toe format (i.e., General: Head: EENT:).
Diagnostic results: Include any labs, x-rays, or other diagnostics that are needed to develop the differential diagnoses (support with evidenced and guidelines).
A.
Differential Diagnoses (list a minimum of 3 differential diagnoses). Your primary or presumptive diagnosis should be at the top of the list. For each diagnosis, provide supportive documentation with evidence-based guidelines.
P
Includes documentation of diagnostic studies that will be obtained, referrals to other health care providers, therapeutic interventions, education, disposition of the patient, and any planned follow-up visits. Each diagnosis or condition documented in the assessment should be addressed in the plan. The details of the plan should follow an orderly manner.
Also included in this section is the reflection. The student should reflect on this case and discuss whether or not they agree with their preceptor’s treatment of the patient and why or why not. What did they learn from this case? What would they do differently?
Also include in your reflection a discussion related to health promotion and disease prevention, taking into consideration patient factors (e.g., age, ethnic group), PMH, and other risk factors (e.g., socioeconomic, cultural background).
References
You are required to include at least three evidence-based, peer-reviewed journal articles or evidenced-based guidelines that relate to this case to support your diagnostics and differentials diagnoses. Be sure to use correct APA 7th edition formatting.
Expert Answer and Explanation
Endometriosis Focused SOAP Note
Patient Information:
Ms. Mika, a 34-years-old, female of Caucasian origin.
S.
CC: “Pelvic pain for last four days.”
HPI: Ms. Mika, a 34-years-old female of Caucasian origin working as a saleswoman in one of the local companies came to my office this morning complaining of pelvic pain for the last four days. She notes that the pain radiates from the lower back.
Associated signs include painful urination, painful and excessive bleeding during periods, and nausea for two days. She started feeling pain during her last menstrual cycle and often increases when she engages in sex. She has tried OTC ibuprofen but the pain persists. She rates the severity of the pain in 7/10.
Current Medications: OTC ibuprofen.
Allergies: No allergies.
PMHx: No history of major health problems. Received Covid-19 vaccine on January.
Soc & Substance Hx: Denies drugs, alcohol, and tobacco use.
Fam Hx: Father has hypertension, type two diabetes, and HIV/AIDs. Mother died from heart attack. No children
Surgical Hx: Two cervical procedures.
Mental Hx: No history of mental illness.
Violence Hx: No history of violence.
Reproductive Hx: Positive for heavy menstrual bleeding.
ROS:
GENERAL: Positive for nausea, tiredness, fatigue, and dizziness.
HEENT: Unremarkable
CARDIOVASCULAR: No chest pressure or pain.
RESPIRATORY: No cough, sputum, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath.
GASTROINTESTINAL: Reports nausea.
GENITOURINARY: Reports pain during urination.
NEUROLOGICAL: Reports dizziness.
MUSCULOSKELETAL: Reports pelvic pain.
O.
Physical exam:
Vitals: BP 116/87, HR 67, T36.8, Ht. 5’5’’, Wt. 140lbs, RR 17.
General: The patient is well groomed and looked distressed and is O*3.
Cardiovascular: No gallops. Regular heart rate and rhythm.
Regular rhythm and heart rate (78beats/min), capillary refill <3 seconds, no gallops.
Respiratory: No chest cracks, lungs clear.
Genitourinary: Responds well to temperature extremes
Pelvic: cysts to palpation.
Diagnostic results:
- Laparoscopy: Pending
- Pap smear: Pending
- Pregnancy test: Negative
A.
Differential Diagnoses
Primary Diagnosis
- Endometriosis:
Secondary Diagnosis
- Uterine Malformation
- Pelvic Adhesions
- Serositis
- Neoplastic Ovarian Cyst
Endometriosis is the primary diagnosis. The symptoms of the disease include painful periods, painful sexual intercourse, excessive bleeding, and pelvic pain (Rolla, 2019). The patient reports all these symptoms, making the disease a primary diagnosis. The diagnosis is also confirmed by cyst in the patient’s pelvic region (Soliman et al., 2017). One of the risk factors of endometriosis is never giving birth (Rogers et al., 2017). The patient has never given birth.
Treatment
The patient can be prescribed a combination of alpha lipoic acid, N-acetyl cysteine, and bromelain for pain management (Lete et al., 2018).
She can be urged to exercise regularly to avoid weight gain (Lete et al., 2018).
Follow-Up
The patient should come for check-up after six months and if the medication has worked, surgery will be recommended.
Reflection
I have learned that endometriosis treatment should focus on pain management. there is no medication to reduce the growth. I have also learned that follow-up treatment is vital because it can provide healthcare professionals with a chance to evaluate the initial treatment and make changes if necessary (Cardoso et al., 2020).
I have also learned that diagnosis of endometriosis be made best after lab tests because the disease highly mimics other conditions. If I was to be assigned the case again, I would have recommended MRI.
References
Cardoso, C. R., Salles, G. C., & Salles, G. F. (2020). Prognostic importance of on-treatment clinic and ambulatory blood pressures in resistant hypertension: a cohort study. Hypertension, 75(5), 1184-1194. https://doi.org/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.120.14782
Lete, I., Mendoza, N., de la Viuda, E., & Carmona, F. (2018). Effectiveness of an antioxidant preparation with N-acetyl cysteine, alpha lipoic acid and bromelain in the treatment of endometriosis-associated pelvic pain: LEAP study. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 228, 221-224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2018.07.002
Rogers, P. A., Adamson, G. D., Al-Jefout, M., Becker, C. M., D’Hooghe, T. M., Dunselman, G. A., Fazleabas, A., Giudice, L. C., Horne, A. W., Hull, M. L., Hummelshoj, L., Missmer, S. A., Montgomery, G. W., Stratton, P., Taylor, R. N., Rombauts, L., Saunders, P. T., Vincent, K., Zondervan, K. T., & WES/WERF Consortium for Research Priorities in Endometriosis (2017). Research Priorities for Endometriosis. Reproductive sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), 24(2), 202–226. https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719116654991
Rolla E. (2019). Endometriosis: advances and controversies in classification, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. F1000Research, 8, F1000 Faculty Rev-529. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.14817.1
Soliman, A. M., Coyne, K. S., Gries, K. S., Castelli-Haley, J., Snabes, M. C., & Surrey, E. S. (2017). The effect of endometriosis symptoms on absenteeism and presenteeism in the workplace and at home. Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy, 23(7), 745-754. https://www.jmcp.org/doi/abs/10.18553/jmcp.2017.23.7.745
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FAQs
Can you live with endometriosis without treatment?
Yes, it is possible to live with endometriosis without undergoing specific treatment. However, the experience of living with untreated endometriosis can vary greatly among individuals. Some women may have mild symptoms or may be asymptomatic, while others may experience more severe pain and complications.
It’s important to note that endometriosis is a chronic condition, and without treatment, it may progress over time. In some cases, symptoms may worsen, and the condition can potentially lead to complications such as fertility issues.
For those with mild symptoms, lifestyle modifications, pain management strategies, and monitoring of symptoms may be sufficient. However, many individuals with endometriosis find relief and improved quality of life through various treatment options, including medication, hormonal therapies, or surgical interventions.
If someone suspects they have endometriosis or is experiencing symptoms, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional. A healthcare provider can evaluate the severity of the condition, discuss available treatment options, and help develop a personalized management plan based on the individual’s specific needs and circumstances.
What age does endometriosis start?
Endometriosis can start at any age after the onset of menstruation. However, it most commonly affects individuals during their reproductive years, typically beginning in the late teens or early 20s.
It is rare for endometriosis to develop after menopause unless a woman is using hormone replacement therapy.
It’s important to note that the exact cause of endometriosis is not well understood, and its onset can vary. Some women may experience symptoms soon after they start menstruating, while others may develop endometriosis later in life.
If a person experiences symptoms such as pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during intercourse, or fertility issues, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Early detection and management can help in controlling symptoms and preventing potential complications associated with endometriosis.
How do you stop endometriosis from spreading?
While there is no definitive way to prevent endometriosis, there are some strategies that may help manage the condition and potentially reduce the risk of its progression. Keep in mind that individual responses may vary, and these measures are not guaranteed to stop the spread of endometriosis.
Here are some general suggestions:
- Early Diagnosis and Treatment: Seeking medical attention and getting an accurate diagnosis as early as possible can be crucial. Early intervention and appropriate treatment may help manage symptoms and prevent the progression of the condition.
- Hormonal Therapy: Certain hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills, hormonal IUDs, or other medications that regulate hormonal fluctuations, may help control the growth and spread of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and managing stress, may contribute to overall well-being. Some women with endometriosis find that lifestyle changes help in alleviating symptoms.
- Surgery: In cases where endometriosis is severe or causing significant pain, surgery may be recommended. Surgical options can include laparoscopic excision to remove endometrial tissue or, in more extreme cases, a hysterectomy.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Some studies suggest that pregnancy and breastfeeding may have a protective effect against the development or progression of endometriosis. However, this is not a guaranteed prevention method, and individual responses may vary.
What are 3 symptoms of endometriosis?
The 3 common symptoms of endometriosis include:
- Pelvic Pain: Women with endometriosis often experience pelvic pain that may range from mild to severe. The pain can occur before, during, or after menstruation and may also be present during sexual intercourse.
- Menstrual Irregularities: Endometriosis can cause changes in the menstrual cycle, including heavy or irregular periods. Some women with endometriosis may also experience spotting between periods.
- Painful Intercourse: Painful intercourse, known as dyspareunia, is a common symptom of endometriosis. The pain may occur during or after sexual activity and can be felt deep within the pelvis.
How do they test for endometriosis?
Diagnosing endometriosis typically involves a combination of medical history assessment, pelvic examination, imaging studies, and in many cases, a surgical procedure.
Here are the common methods used to test for endometriosis:
- Medical History and Symptom Assessment:
- Healthcare providers will discuss your medical history, including a detailed account of your symptoms, menstrual cycle, and any family history of endometriosis.
- Symptoms such as pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during intercourse, and fertility issues are important indicators.
- Pelvic Examination:
- During a pelvic exam, the healthcare provider may manually palpate the pelvic area to check for abnormalities, such as the presence of cysts or nodules.
- However, it’s important to note that endometriosis lesions can be microscopic and may not always be detectable through a pelvic exam.
- Imaging Studies:
- Ultrasound: A transvaginal ultrasound may be performed to visualize the pelvic organs. While it can identify large endometriotic cysts (endometriomas), it may not effectively detect smaller lesions.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI scans may be used to provide more detailed images of the pelvic region, helping to identify the extent and location of endometriosis.
- Laparoscopy:
- The most definitive method for diagnosing endometriosis is through a surgical procedure called laparoscopy. This is a minimally invasive surgery where a thin, lighted tube (laparoscope) is inserted through small incisions in the abdomen to directly visualize and biopsy endometrial tissue.
- Laparoscopy allows for the identification, location, and removal of endometriotic lesions, providing both a diagnostic and potentially therapeutic benefit.
How to know if you have endometriosis
Diagnosing endometriosis requires a medical evaluation by a healthcare professional. If you suspect you may have endometriosis or are experiencing symptoms associated with the condition, consider taking the following steps:
- Document Your Symptoms:
- Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including the type, duration, and intensity of pain, as well as any other issues such as irregular periods or pain during intercourse.
- Consult with a Healthcare Provider:
- Schedule an appointment with a gynecologist or healthcare provider who can assess your symptoms and medical history.
- Be prepared to discuss your menstrual cycle, any family history of endometriosis, and the specific symptoms you are experiencing.
- Physical Examination:
- The healthcare provider may perform a pelvic examination to check for any abnormalities, tenderness, or masses in the pelvic area. However, it’s important to note that endometriosis lesions may not always be detectable through a pelvic exam.
- Imaging Studies:
- Your healthcare provider may recommend imaging studies, such as a transvaginal ultrasound or MRI, to visualize the pelvic organs and identify any potential abnormalities.
- Laparoscopy:
- In many cases, the most definitive way to diagnose endometriosis is through a surgical procedure called laparoscopy. This involves the insertion of a thin, lighted tube (laparoscope) through small incisions in the abdomen to directly visualize and biopsy endometrial tissue.
- Collaborative Decision-Making:
- Work closely with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms, concerns, and any potential treatment options. The decision to proceed with laparoscopy or other diagnostic tests will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the healthcare provider’s clinical judgment.