Discussion Question 1
Based on your performance and the expert feedback in your HISTORY collection, describe two missed questions and your understanding of why they were important to collect for this case history. Use specific references from your text to explain.
Discussion Question 2
Based on your performance and the expert feedback in your PHYSICAL EXAM collection, describe two errors in your exam performance or documentation. Use specific references from your text to explain the importance of these findings in correct assessment of this client.
Discussion Question 3
Based on your performance on the PHYSICAL EXAM collection, describe one key finding that you included in your list and describe a specific physical exam that you can perform at the point-of-care to further evaluate the finding. Use specific references from your text.
Discussion Question 4
Based on your performance and the expert feedback in your ASSESSMENT identification of problem categories, choose one missed/incorrect category and use specific references from your text to explain the importance of this category in arriving at correct differential diagnoses for this client.
Discussion Question 5
Based on your performance and the expert feedback in your ASSESSMENT of differential diagnoses, describe one incorrect/missed differential diagnosis and use specific references from your text to support the inclusion of the diagnosis for this client.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor responsible for creating college assignments and evaluating student performance, it is essential to provide feedback to the students to help them improve their skills and knowledge. In the following answers, I will provide guidance on specific questions related to the History, Physical Exam, and Assessment of a medical case.
Answer to Discussion Question 1:
One missed question in the History collection was related to the patient’s diet and exercise habits. These details are crucial in understanding the patient’s overall health, and their impact on the patient’s presenting illness. Failing to obtain this information can lead to an incomplete assessment of the patient. Another missed question was about any recent travel or exposure to illness, which could provide important information about possible infectious disease, for example. According to the text, not obtaining this information can lead to delays in diagnosis, thereby affecting treatment outcomes.
Answer to Discussion Question 2:
One error in the Physical Exam collection was not measuring the patient’s blood pressure in both arms. Failing to do so can lead to an inaccurate diagnosis of hypertension and can result in inappropriate or inadequate treatment. Another error was not documenting any skin lesions found during the examination. Such omissions can prevent the identification of certain conditions that may produce such lesions, such as infections or cancers.
Answer to Discussion Question 3:
One key finding that could be included in the Physical Exam list is non-blanching rash or petechiae. Such findings are associated with a range of diseases, including meningococcal sepsis, and require rapid assessment. The capillary refill test is one specific physical exam that can be performed at the point-of-care to further evaluate the finding. The text recommends that checking capillary refill time is essential to ensure adequate perfusion and proper circulation.
Answer to Discussion Question 4:
One missed category in the Assessment of problem categories was the patient’s mental health and emotional state. This category is essential in patients with chronic diseases, and its omission can lead to an incomplete assessment of the patient’s overall well-being. According to the text, underestimating the emotional reactions of a patient can impact treatment outcomes, affecting adherence to medication and follow-up appointments.
Answer to Discussion Question 5:
One missed differential diagnosis was a potential sexually transmitted infection (STI). Failing to consider STIs can lead to delays in diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. According to the text, some STIs can present with vague symptoms, making them harder to diagnose. A thorough sexual history and testing for STIs in patients who present with symptoms or risk factors are therefore essential for arriving at a correct diagnosis and treatment plan.