Differential diagnoses must be considered before choosing a final diagnosis. What criteria must be met before a final diagnosis can be made? Give an example of three differential diagnoses for a patient who complains of a sore throat. Examples GERD, acute pharyngitis, influenza, strep throat. Support your differential diagnoses with a brief statement of reason. You do not have to have a final diagnosis for this patient; just work up the differential diagnoses. This is a common complaint for many patients. To support your work, use your course and text readings and also use the South University Online Library. As in all assignments, cite your sources in your work and provide references for the citations in APA format. References must be in APA format properly along with use of in-text citations.
Here are the ISBN of the textbooks that we are using in the class:
9781609137625
9781451173222
9781285425917
9780826197825
9780803643635
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Before making a final diagnosis, it is important to consider and evaluate differential diagnoses for a patient’s symptoms. This helps to rule out other potential conditions that may have similar presentations and to ensure the accuracy of the diagnosis.
Answer:
In order for a final diagnosis to be made, several criteria must be met. They include a thorough evaluation of the patient’s history and physical examination, relevant diagnostic tests, and reviewing the patient’s response to treatment. The final diagnosis should also be consistent with the patient’s symptoms and medical findings.
For a patient complaining of a sore throat, there are several potential differential diagnoses that should be considered. These include:
1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – This is characterized by upper abdominal discomfort and heartburn. In some cases, GERD can cause a sensation of a sore throat due to gastric acid irritation.
2. Acute pharyngitis – This is a common cause of sore throat, especially during viral or bacterial infections. Patients may also present with swollen tonsils, fever, and cough.
3. Strep throat – Caused by a bacterial infection, strep throat is commonly diagnosed in children and young adults. Along with sore throat, patients may have fever, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty swallowing.
Supporting the differential diagnoses is crucial in narrowing down the potential causes for the patient’s complaint. This helps in making a well-informed final diagnosis and providing appropriate treatment.
