Scenario: You are rooming Mr. Abraham Johnson (79 years old), who has recently been diagnosed with
dementia. He likes to talk about things that happened long before you were born, and you are not
interested in those events. He also has difficulty hearing your questions, and you frequently repeat
questions. Mr. Johnson has poor personal hygiene. His clothes are dirty and torn. He has an unpleasant
body odor. Johnson tells you he can't afford to eat if he buys his medications. He doesn't believe in
government programs and refuses to take "handouts." You have worked with Mr. Johnson in the past
and have heard this all before numerous times. you would prefer to work with the younger generation
and with patients who have better hygiene
Answer questions below:
1. Is there empathy being displayed in this scenario regarding Mr. Johnson's situation? Yes empathy
being displayed
2. Should the MA have explained to Mr. Johnson that these are not handouts? Instead, they are
resources for everyone? The healthcare provider could explain in a nice manner of tone that these are
resources that can help Mr. Johnson you should look into them but again he said he doesn't take
handout it was nice to still give out information that can help.
3. Should the MA voice her difficulty interacting with the patient to an office experienced MA or doctor
to get tips on interacting efficiently?
4. If you were the MA in this scenario, how would you proceed with the patient?
5. In general, make comments on how this made you think about interactions with patients?