Diagnostic Reasoning and Rationale for acute illness
Pick one problem from the list provided below. Discuss and include your rationales using.
- What questions need to be asked and what body part needs to be examined?
- What diagnostic tests need to be obtained and why?
- How would you handle abnormal finding?
- What will be your list of differentials?
Problems commonly seen in the Primary Care setting:
- runny nose
- cough
- diarrhea
- pharyngitis
- dysuria
- rash
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: As a medical professor overseeing the education of medical college students, it is important to provide assignments and evaluations that promote critical thinking and application of diagnostic reasoning. In this particular assignment, students are tasked with selecting one acute illness from the list provided and discussing their rationale for diagnostic testing and examination.
Answer: Let’s take the example of pharyngitis as an acute illness. When a patient presents with symptoms of pharyngitis, it is important to ask about their medical history, including any allergies or recent travel. Examining the throat and noting any redness, swelling, or white patches can help to determine the cause of the pharyngitis.
Diagnostic tests that may need to be performed include a rapid strep test, throat culture, or blood test to identify viral or bacterial infections. It is important to rule out any potential underlying conditions that could be causing the pharyngitis, such as tonsillitis or mononucleosis.
If any abnormal findings are noted, it is important to refer the patient to a specialist for further evaluation. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to rule out malignancy.
The list of differentials for pharyngitis includes viral or bacterial infections, tonsillitis, mononucleosis, and malignancy. It is important to take into account the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and examination findings to determine the most likely cause of the illness.
In summary, when a patient presents with pharyngitis, conducting a thorough examination and obtaining the appropriate diagnostic tests can help to determine the cause of the illness. Referral to a specialist may be necessary for further evaluation and treatment.
