Module 4: Occupational Asthma - Exercise

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EXERCISE:

Read through the following questions and answer the following questions. You can use the supplied computer software programme to assist you:

Questions:

Question #1:: Your receptionist has booked the following patients with suspected work-related chest problems for your occupational medicine clinic today. What exposures and health effects will you look for during the consultation with the:

1.1 Painter (See the answer)
1.2 Joinery worker (See the answer)
1.3 Nurse (See the answer)
1.4 Hairdresser (See the answer)
1.5 Welder (See the answer)

Question #2:: A 42 year old man complains of a chronic cough and tight chest for the past six months. He is an ex-smoker. He works in a bakery for the past five years and prior to this he worked as a clerk in a joinery, which assembled furniture. He feels that his chest problem was caused by his work, but he is reluctant to report this to his employer for fear of being fired.

2.1 Do you agree with the worker’s conclusion? If not, what do you suspect? What questions would you ask to confirm your suspicion?

(See the answer)

2.2 What tests would you do to confirm a diagnosis of occupational asthma?

(See the answer)

2.3 Interpret the results of the spirometry test:

(See the answer)

2.4 Interpret the results of the skin prick test:

(See the answer)

2.5 What is your final diagnosis?:

(See the answer)

2.6 How would you manage this patient’s problem?:

(See the answer)

2.7 What are your legal duties as a medical practitioner should you diagnose that his problem is work-related?:

(See the answer)