Case study: Diagnostic Reasoning
92 y/o African American male is brought to the Emergency Department by his daughter. The patient has slurred speech. His blood pressure is 210/100.
For this Case Study Assignment, you will determine the physical exams and diagnostic tests that would be most appropriate for gaining information and better understanding of your patient’s condition. Then, based on your analysis, you will formulate a differential diagnosis for the patient.
Include the following:
· Identify the patient’s chief complaint.
· Identify what physical exams and diagnostic tests would be most appropriate to gather more information about the patient’s condition. Be specific and explain your reasoning.
· Explain how the results would be used to make a diagnosis.
· Identify three to five (3–5) possible conditions that may be considered in a differential diagnosis for the patient. Explain your thinking.
References page
Assignment 1_Rubric
| NURS_6512_Week 3_Assignment 1_Rubric | ||||||
| Criteria | Ratings | Pts | ||||
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIdentify the patient’s chief complaint. |
|
15 pts | ||||
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIdentify what physical exams and diagnostic tests would be most appropriate to gather more information about the patient’s condition. Be specific and explain your reasoning. |
|
20 pts | ||||
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeExplain how the results would be used to make a diagnosis. |
|
15 pts | ||||
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIdentify three to five (3–5) possible conditions that may be considered in a differential diagnosis for the patient. Explain your thinking. |
|
35 pts | ||||
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting: Paragraph Development and Organization — Paragraphs make clear points that support well-developed ideas, flow logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused and neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement and introduction are provided that delineate all required criteria. |
|
5 pts | ||||
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting: English Writing Standards — Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation |
|
5 pts | ||||
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting: APA The paper follows correct APA format for title page, headings, font, spacing, margins, indentations, page numbers, running heads, parenthetical/in-text citations, and reference list. |
|
5 pts | ||||
| Total Points: 100 |
92 y/o African American male is brought to the Emergency Department by his daughter.9
### Case Study: Diagnostic Reasoning
#### Chief Complaint
The patient, a 92-year-old African American male, presents with slurred speech and a blood pressure of 210/100 mmHg.
#### Physical Exams and Diagnostic Tests
- **Physical Exams:**
– **Neurological Examination:** Assess for signs of focal neurological deficits, including cranial nerve examination, motor and sensory function, coordination, and gait.
– **Cardiovascular Examination:** Focus on blood pressure measurement, auscultation of the heart for murmurs, and assessment of peripheral pulses.
- **Diagnostic Tests:**
– **CT Scan of the Head:** To rule out acute intracranial hemorrhage or ischemic stroke.
– **MRI Brain:** If CT scan is inconclusive or for detailed evaluation.
– **Electrocardiogram (ECG):** To evaluate for cardiac arrhythmias or evidence of acute myocardial infarction.
– **Lab Tests:** Including complete blood count (CBC), basic metabolic panel (BMP), and coagulation studies to assess for metabolic abnormalities and coagulopathy.
#### Use of Results for Diagnosis
– **Neurological Findings:** Abnormalities such as unilateral weakness or sensory deficits would suggest a focal neurological lesion indicative of stroke.
– **Imaging Studies:** CT or MRI findings of acute ischemic changes or hemorrhage would confirm a stroke diagnosis.
– **Cardiac Evaluation:** ECG and cardiac enzymes (if indicated) would assess for underlying cardiac causes contributing to the neurological symptoms.
#### Differential Diagnosis
- **Ischemic Stroke:** Given the acute onset of slurred speech and elevated blood pressure.
- **Hemorrhagic Stroke:** Especially considering the significantly elevated blood pressure.
- **Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA):** Temporary neurological deficits without infarction.
- **Hypertensive Crisis:** Elevated blood pressure leading to neurological symptoms.
- **Subdural Hematoma:** Especially if there is history of trauma or anticoagulant use.
#### References
– American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. (2018). Guidelines for the early management of patients with acute ischemic stroke: A guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke, 49(3), e46-e99.
– Powers, W. J., et al. (2018). Guidelines for the early management of patients with acute ischemic stroke: 2019 update to the 2018 guidelines for the early management of acute ischemic stroke: A guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke, 50(12), e344-e418.
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### References
American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. (2018). Guidelines for the early management of patients with acute ischemic stroke: A guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. *Stroke, 49*(3), e46-e99. https://doi.org/10.1161/STR.0000000000000158
Powers, W. J., et al. (2018). Guidelines for the early management of patients with acute ischemic stroke: 2019 update to the 2018 guidelines for the early management of acute ischemic stroke: A guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. *Stroke, 50*(12), e344-e418. https://doi.org/10.1161/STR.0000000000000211
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