Khan is a 45-year-old immigrant from the Middle East. He comes to the clinic today with indigestion and increasing shortness of breath. He has been to the clinic two times in the last 4 months with indigestion. Treatment included antacids and a stomach acid blocker. He currently works at a fast-food restaurant as a night custodian. His immunizations are current. Temperature is 37.0C (98.6F) orally, pulse 88 beats/min, respirations 16 breaths/min, and blood pressure (BP) 126/78 mm Hg. Current medications include a proton pump inhibitor daily for stomach acid and calcium carbonate as needed for indigestion symptoms; he took 500 mg paracetamol (not prescribed) 2 hours ago, with no relief.
What are some of the possible causes of Mr. Khans indigestion? Consider the heart, lungs, muscles, abdomen, and psychological factors (CO1, CO5).
What risk factors might be contributing to Mr. Khans symptoms? (CO1, CO5).
What diseases is he at the highest risk for developing? (CO1, CO5, CO9).
What techniques and equipment will you use as you consider a differential diagnosis? (CO1, CO5, CO7, CO9).