Discussion: Differential Diagnosis for Skin Conditions
Properly identifying the cause and type of a patient’s skin condition involves a process of elimination known as differential diagnosis. Using this process, a health professional can take a given set of physical abnormalities, vital signs, health assessment findings, and patient descriptions of symptoms, and incrementally narrow them down until one diagnosis is determined as the most likely cause.
In this Discussion, you will examine several visual representations of various skin conditions, describe your observations, and use the techniques of differential diagnosis to determine the most likely condition.
Note: Your Discussion post should be in the SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan) note format, rather than the traditional narrative style Discussion posting format. Refer to Chapter 2 of the Sullivan text and the Comprehensive SOAP Template in this week’s Learning Resources for guidance. Remember that not all comprehensive SOAP data are included in every patient case.
To prepare:
- Review the Skin Conditions document provided in this week’s Learning Resources, and select two conditions to closely examine for this Discussion.
- Consider the abnormal physical characteristics you observe in the graphics you selected. How would you describe the characteristics using clinical terminologies?
- Explore different conditions that could be the cause of the skin abnormalities in the graphics you selected.
- Consider which of the conditions is most likely to be the correct diagnosis, and why.
By Day 3
Post a description of the two graphics you selected (identify each graphic by number). Use clinical terminologies to explain the physical characteristics featured in each graphic. Formulate a differential diagnosis of three to five possible conditions for each. Determine which is most likely to be the correct diagnosis, and explain your reasoning.
Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.
·Consider which of the conditions is most likely to be the correct diagnosis, and why.
Post a 1 page paper APA formatYour Discussion post should be in the SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan) note format,
1.a description of the two graphics you selected (identify each graphic by number). (see sample skin conditions attached)
2.Use clinical terminologies to explain the physical characteristics featured in each graphic.
3.Formulate a differential diagnosis of three to five possible conditions for each.
4.Determine which is most likely to be the correct diagnosis, and explain your reasoning.
READINGS
Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., Flynn, J. A., Solomon, B. S., & Stewart, R. W. (2015). Seidel’s guide to physical examination (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.
oChapter 8, “Skin, Hair, and Nails” (pp. 114-165)
This chapter reviews the basic anatomy and physiology of skin, hair, and nails. The chapter also describes guidelines for proper skin, hair, and nails assessments.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor in charge of creating college assignments and answers for medical college students, I understand the importance of differential diagnosis for identifying skin conditions. In this Discussion, we will examine various skin conditions and use the SOAP note format to describe the physical characteristics featured in each graphic, formulate a differential diagnosis of possible conditions, and determine the most likely diagnosis.
Answer:
The two graphics I selected are graphic 6 and graphic 10.
Graphic 6:
Subjective: The patient reports the presence of itchy, small, and raised red bumps on the inner thighs and groin region.
Objective: Graphic 6 features multiple small, raised, red papules that are closely clustered together in the inguinal region.
Assessment: The physical characteristics of the papules indicate a skin condition characterized by a rash.
Plan: Further examination and testing are required to rule out other possible conditions.
Differential diagnosis:
1. Herpes simplex virus
2. Scabies infestation
3. Contact dermatitis
The most likely diagnosis is scabies infestation based on the presence of the rash in the inguinal region and the associated itching.
Graphic 10:
Subjective: The patient reports the presence of persistent red patches of skin with silvery scales over the entire body.
Objective: Graphic 10 features a large red patch of skin on the knee joint with silvery-white scales over it.
Assessment: The physical characteristics of the patch indicate a chronic skin condition characterized by redness and scales.
Plan: Further examination and testing are required to determine the underlying cause of the condition and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Differential diagnosis:
1. Psoriasis
2. Atopic dermatitis
3. Tinea corporis
The most likely diagnosis is psoriasis based on the location of the patch on the knee joint, the silvery-white scales, and the chronic nature of the condition.