Most Memorable Patient

Medical Lessons Learned

By

Ruth Brouwer, PA-C

It is amazing to think of how much medicine has evolved as I’ve watched.

Celebrating life at the end of life

By

Jeffrey Douglass, Sr, FNP, NP-C

We walked the tightrope daily trying to keep her comfortable

A patient with a bone marrow transplant shows how short and precious life is

By

Valerie Armstrong, NP

I will never forget the intent of his teaching as he knew the prognosis was grim for him.

Neck and chest pain in a student

By

Nicolle Gale, PA-C

A PA reflects on a time when a patient complained of left-sided neck pain and was diagnosed with a 12-cm mass.

Signs of physical abuse in a patient

By

Linda New, PA-C

A PA reflects on a time when a patient arrived for an annual check-up and showed curious signs of abuse.

Screening stroke patients for signs of depression

By

Adrienne Clements, APRN, ACNP-BC

More aggressive depression screening for patients with stroke will help detect and treat symptoms sooner.

Transcending the emotional barriers between provider and patient

By

Reeger Cortell, FNP-C

Transcending the emotional barriers between clinician and patient can lead to a stronger, more balanced professional life.

Diagnosing a pulmonary embolism and saving a life

By

Deborah Underwood Brown, FNP-C

A Divine guidance helps a nurse practitioner make a diagnosis that saved a patient’s life.

Fulfilling a dying patient’s request: A trip to the Renaissance Festival

By

Michele Landry, MSN, APRN, ANP-BC, CHPN

A dying man’s wish to attend a Renaissance Festival taught a valuable lesson to a palliative care nurse practitioner.

A young girl with Kawasaki disease: Diagnosing a rare disorder

By

Rennie Rhodes, APRN-BC, DNP-candidate

A girl presented to a small town hospital symptoms including fever, bloodshot eyes, red lips, and rash on the palms of her hands.

An electrocution victim overcomes a poor prognosis

By

Judith Macintosh, ANP-BC

A nurse’s antics prompt an unexpected recovery in a pediatric patient, who sustained injuries after riding his bike over a downed power line.

A pitchfork to the head

By

Vicky Mabry, APN

A young patient sustains a serious injury while playing with his brother.

Recognizing stroke warning signs in an ESL patient

By

Lucy Judson, PA-C

Listening beyond a nonnative English speaker’s words helped diagnose and treat a medical emergency.

An unexpected finding during a routine Pap smear

By

Jeanne Holtzman, PA

I tried to keep my voice steady, as I described what looked like an inch-long piece of cooked linguine attached to the patient’s buttock.

Diagnosing mysterious recurring painful blisters

By

Kathleen Haycraft, DNP, FNP/PNP-BC, DCNP

A patient’s deep appreciation for a quick diagnosis reminds me why I chose my profession.

A patient’s bruises prompt closer attention

By

Linda New, PA-C

Sometimes it is hard to ask our patients personal questions. But if we don’t, who is?

Clinicians often cross professional boundaries when they become patients

By

Lenora Brown, FNP, BC

Next time you become a patient remember to show professional courtesy and acknowledge the competency of the staff that is providing your care.

A centarian survives a complicated surgery

By

JoAnn Coleman, DNP, ACNP, AOCN

A geriatric patient undergoes a complex procedure for gastric outlet obstruction and causes a medical team to question their stance on geriatric surgery.

Severe hemorrhaging after eclampsia and stroke

By

Michelle Mantel, GNP, BC

A family faces a life and death decision when a patient is given a poor prognosis after experiencing a major stroke from eclampsia.

A trampoline accident paralyzes a young patient

By

Diane Barbara, ANP

Short of banning trampoline sales, installing a protective net can help reduce the risk for devastating neck injuries.