Respiratory Responding to Symptoms workshop

Scenario 1:

• Patricia, a middle aged lady, asks for a dry cough bottle for her children.
• After gathering information you find out the following information-

• - children are age 4, age 8 and age 10

• - Symptoms are Dry Cough, Had a runny nose but this has cleared up, now just dry cough
• - Had this for three days
• - the 4 year old – isn’t taking other medication or medical conditions
• - 8 year old is asthmatic
• - 10 year – No other medication or medical conditions

What questions did you need to ask to gather the information above
Who is it for?
What ages are the children?
What are their symptoms?
Can you describe their cough?
Do they have any allergies?
How long have they had the symptoms?
Are they taking any other medications or do they have any other medical conditions? Are they
experiencing any symptoms like fever, difficulty breathing, wheezing?
Is the cough worse at any particular time of the day/ at night?
Who is the patient and what do you know about them

Consider Age/Sex of patient/ General appearance (patient look well/unwell)

Gathering Information – Consider how you will phrase the questions below and note what
questions you will ask the patient to gather information
Epidemiology – What is the most likely diagnosis (from initial scenario presented)
Based on the initial presenting symptoms what is the most likely diagnosis? Cough caused by viral
infection

What other conditions may it be? Asthma

Croup
Post nasal drip

Acute bronchitis
Specific questions to aid differential diagnosis – what specific question you will ask patient
and how will you phrase them and why are you asking them?
Specific questions to ask patient
Describe the symptoms? (what questions would you ask to get more information about the
symptoms)

Does the patient have any other symptoms?

Have they tried anything yet?

Are they taking any other medicines?

Respiratory Responding to Symptoms workshop

Have they any other medical conditions?

Are they pregnant/breastfeeding(if relevant)?
What red flags symptoms do you need to rule out?
Differential diagnosis and treatment options

What condition do you think the patient is suffering from?

Cough caused by viral infection. It is a self-limiting.
Treatment options and Explanation
What treatment option have you chosen and why? Include directions for product Consider
patient preferences for treatment options
Glycerine, honey and lemon for the four year old as the Benylin Children’s Dry Cough syrup is for
children >6 years old (There are no cough bottles suitable for children under 6). Also, for the eight
year old as the Benylin dry cough syrup should not be used in asthma (asthmatics should not take
cough suppressants)

Can give the 10 year old a Benylin dry cough bottle but the cough bottle will cause drowsiness. The
10 year old can also take the honey and lemon to soothe the back of the throat.
Explaining treatment option to patient
Note here counselling points you will cover with patient to discuss treatment option
Advise patient on condition they may be suffering
If recommending product -Advise name of medication and how it will help patient. Lifestyle advice
Advise directions

Glycerine, honey and lemon is a demulcent which will line and soothe the throat.

For 1-5 years, one teaspoon should be administered up to 4 times daily

For 5+ years , 1-2 teaspoons up to four times daily
Benylin dry cough syrup, 10mLs 3 or 4 times a daily, max dose 40mLs a day. May cause drowsiness.
If there is a fever, paracetamol or ibupofren can be given, but ibuprofen must be used in caution in
asthmatics/ asthmatics can be sensitivie to it, so must ask patient about this.
Cough may take 7-10 days to clear up.
Fluids and rest.
If they develop nocturnal symptoms, chest pain, wheezing, get in touch with the doctor.

Respiratory Responding to Symptoms workshop

Note here what information you will give the patient for appropriate safety netting
How quickly should the management plan work?
What could indicate that the management plan is not working? Specific symptoms that could indicate
the diagnosis is incorrect? What to do if alarming symptoms arise?