Presenting Complaint:
Mr. Jones, a 67-year-old male, presents today complaining of lower back pain that has been worsening over the past two weeks. He describes the pain as a dull ache that radiates down his left leg, accompanied by some numbness and tingling in his foot. He is concerned about the possibility of a slipped disc.
History of Presenting Complaint:
The pain began gradually two weeks ago, following a day of gardening. It is located primarily in the lower back, radiating down the left leg to the foot. The character of the pain is a dull ache, with intermittent sharp, shooting pains. The severity has progressively worsened, now rated as a 6/10 on the pain scale. The pain is aggravated by prolonged sitting and bending, and relieved somewhat by rest.
Mr. Jones describes the pain as a dull ache that radiates down his left leg, accompanied by some numbness and tingling in his foot.
* He is concerned about a slipped disc.
* He is hoping for pain relief and a diagnosis.
* He wants to know what he can do to help himself.
* No previous episodes of similar condition.
* Ibuprofen 400mg as needed for pain relief.
* Mr. Jones is retired and lives in a bungalow with his wife. He reports no difficulties with his living or working conditions.
Examination Findings:
* Consent and explanation provided for examination.
* Temperature recorded: 37.0°C
* Pulse rate recorded: 72 bpm
* Blood pressure measurement: 130/80 mmHg
* Tenderness to palpation in the lumbar region.
* Reduced range of motion in the lumbar spine.
* Positive straight leg raise test on the left side.
* Neurological examination revealed reduced sensation in the L5 dermatome.
* Reflexes were normal.
* Peripheral pulses were palpable and equal bilaterally.
* No special tests performed.
Diagnosis:
Based on the history and examination, the diagnosis is likely lumbar radiculopathy secondary to a possible disc herniation.
Management Plan:
* Explained the likely cause of his pain and the importance of rest and activity modification.
* Discussed the use of over-the-counter pain relief.
* Reassured Mr. Jones that his condition is often self-limiting and that most people improve with conservative management.
* Explained the importance of maintaining activity within pain limits.
* Advised on gentle exercises to maintain mobility.
* Recommended the use of heat or cold packs for pain relief.
* Continue Ibuprofen 400mg as needed for pain relief.
Safety Netting:
Mr. Jones was advised to seek immediate medical attention if he experiences any new onset of bowel or bladder dysfunction, significant weakness in his legs, or worsening pain that does not respond to medication. He was also advised to return if his symptoms worsen or do not improve within two weeks.
Review:
Review in two weeks.
Presenting Complaint:
[details of the patient’s presenting issue, including main symptoms and concerns] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, context or clinical note; else omit section entirely. Write in a single paragraph.)
History of Presenting Complaint:
[description of onset, duration, location, character, severity and progression of the issue] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, context or clinical note; else omit section entirely. Write in full sentences.)
[details of pain] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, context or clinical note; else omit section entirely. Write in full sentences.)
[concerns, ideas, and expectations of the patient] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, context or clinical note; else omit section entirely. Write as a bullet point list.)
[previous episodes of similar condition] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, context or clinical note; else omit section entirely. Write as a single bullet point.)
[medications used including any self-treatment or previous prescriptions] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, context or clinical note; else omit section entirely. Write as a bullet point list.)
[living and working conditions relevant to the presenting complaint] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, context or clinical note; else omit section entirely. Write in full sentences.)
Examination Findings:
[consent and explanation provided for examination] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, context or clinical note; else omit section entirely. Write as a single bullet point.)
[temperature recorded] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, context or clinical note; else omit section entirely. Write on the same line.)
[pulse rate recorded] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, context or clinical note; else omit section entirely. Write on the same line.)
[blood pressure measurement] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, context or clinical note; else omit section entirely. Write on the same line.)
[back examination findings] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, context or clinical note; else omit section entirely. Write as bullet points.)
[neurological and vascular examination findings] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, context or clinical note; else omit section entirely. Write as bullet points.)
[results of any special tests performed] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, context or clinical note; else omit section entirely. Write as bullet points.)
Diagnosis:
[state the diagnosis based on history and examination] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, context or clinical note; else omit section entirely. Write in a sentence.)
Management Plan:
[patient education topics covered] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, context or clinical note; else omit section entirely. Write as bullet points.)
[reassurance provided and educational messages given] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, context or clinical note; else omit section entirely. Write as bullet points.)
[non-pharmacological strategies discussed, such as rest, exercise, heat/cold therapy etc.] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, context or clinical note; else omit section entirely. Write as bullet points.)
[medications prescribed or adjusted] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, context or clinical note; else omit section entirely. Write as bullet points.)
Safety Netting:
[advice provided for red flags, when to seek medical attention, or worsening symptoms] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, context or clinical note; else omit section entirely. Write as a paragraph.)
Review:
[timeframe for follow-up or review] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, context or clinical note; else omit section entirely. Write on a single line.)
(Never come up with your own patient details, assessment, plan, interventions, evaluation, or plan for continuing care – use only the transcript, contextual notes or clinical note as a reference for the information included in your note. If any information related to a placeholder has not been explicitly mentioned in the transcript, contextual notes or clinical note, you must not state the information has not been explicitly mentioned in your output. Use as many lines, paragraphs or bullet points, depending on the format, as needed to capture all the relevant information from the transcript.)