Role Play Cards

Candidate’s Card

Setting: General Practice Clinic

Patient: 56-year-old man who has come in with a swollen, painful big toe.

Background: The patient has been experiencing a sudden onset of severe pain and swelling in his big toe over the past 24 hours. He is concerned about the cause and is struggling to manage the pain. The patient has a history of high blood pressure and is currently on medication for it. He also enjoys drinking beer a few times a week and has a diet rich in red meat and seafood. He is unaware of the connection between his lifestyle and the symptoms he is experiencing. He is seeking advice on the diagnosis, treatment options, and lifestyle changes that might be necessary to prevent future episodes.

Task:

• Explain the likely diagnosis of gout, its causes, and how it relates to the patient’s lifestyle, emphasizing the role of diet, alcohol, and obesity.
• Discuss immediate treatment options, including NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or colchicine, and advise on rest and elevating the affected joint to reduce pain.
• Ask the patient about their current diet, and alcohol consumption. Use this information to tailor your advice on lifestyle changes to prevent future attacks.
• Advise the patient on lifestyle changes, including dietary adjustments, reducing alcohol, and weight management, to prevent future gout attacks.
• Reassure the patient about managing gout effectively and provide guidance on when to seek further medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.