In this unit you will discuss the approach you will use to develop a list of differential diagnoses for clients presenting with acute complaints that may be related to cardiac disease; the symptom may contribute to cardiac dysfunction, complicate the dysfunction, or result from the cardiac dysfunction.
Diagnosis and management are based on a systematic clinical approach with an understanding of the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the human body. The key to making accurate and efficient diagnostic decisions is to ask yourself, and your patient appropriate questions using OLDCARTS. Remember that the subjective information obtained drives your physical exam (objective information). Knowledge of pathophysiology is needed to evaluate the physical exam findings. Pathophysiology drives your treatment decisions (you must treat what is CAUSING the problem). Pharmacology must address how the drug kinetics and dynamics will affect the pathophysiology you are treating.
The most accurate and cost efficient methodology to formulate a diagnosis is a careful history, personally obtained, with a focused physical examination. Diagnostics should be used only to support, confirm, or rule out diagnosis from your list of differentials.
Pick one problem from the list provided and address the bullet points below. Be sure to discuss and include rationale for each point. Rationale should be supported by national
guidelines and evidence based practice using citations and a source list.
Unit 2 NU566 Cardiac Assignment
What questions will help you gather pertinent subjective information from the patient?
- What body systems should be examined (objective information)?
- Are diagnostic tests necessary? If so, what are they?
- How would you address abnormal findings from your PE or diagnostic tests?
- Provide a list of differential diagnoses based on your findings.
- What are the barriers you might face to performing a comprehensive health history and physical exam in order to provide culturally-competent care?
- For the symptom you have chosen, pick one possible diagnosis.
- Discuss how this diagnosis can affect cardiac health.
- Provide a management plan (pharmacologic/non-pharmacologic) and the education you would provide to the patient.
Problems commonly seen in the Primary Care setting:
Chief Complaints (symptoms)
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Leg pain
- Chest pain
- Headache
- snoring and sleep apnea
