Chapter 20 Flashcards
What is the definition of final diagnosis
Scientific method for determining and identifying a patient’s condition through evaluation of the health history, PE, laboratory tests, and diagnostic procedures
> Often simply called the diagnosis
> Provides a logical basis for treatment and prognosis
What is prognosis
Probable course and outcome of a patients condition and the patients prospects of recovery
What is clinical diagnosis
Intermediate step in the determination of a final diagnosis
> Obtained through evaluation of the health history and PE (without laboratory and diagnostic tests)
› Laboratories and diagnostic imaging facilities provide space on laboratory request: to specify clinical diagnosis
• Assists laboratory in correlating clinical data with the physician’s needs
> When physician has analyzed the test results, final diagnosis can often be established
What is differential diagnosis
Two or more diseases may have similar symptoms
> Determines which disease is causing the symptoms so that a final diagnosis can be made
> Example: Strep throat and pharyngitis have similar symptoms
• Differential diagnosis is made by strep test
What is a risk factor
Physical or behavioral condition that increases the probability that an individual will develop a particular condition
> Includes:
• Genetic factors
• Habits
• Environmental conditions
• Physiological conditions
> Does not mean the disease will develop
• Only that the chance of developing it is greater
• Example: Smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer and heart disease
What is acute illness
Characterized by symptoms that have a rapid onset
> Usually severe and intense
> Subside after a short time
• Examples: Colds, influenza, strep throat, pneumonia
What is the definition of chronic illness
Characterized by symptoms that persist for more than 3 months
> Patient shows little change over a long time
• Examples: Diabetes, hypertension, emphysema
What is the definition of a therapeutic procedure
A procedure performed to treat patient’s condition with the goal of eliminating it or promoting as much recovery as possible
> Examples: Administration of medications, ear irrigation
What is the definition of laboratory testing
testing: The analysis and study of specimens obtained from the patient to assist in diagnosis and treatment of disease
> Examples: Hemoglobin test, glucose test, strep test
What is the definition of diagnostic procedure
Procedure performed to assist in the diagnosis of a patient’s
condition
• Examples: Electrocardiography, colonoscopy,
mammography
What is mensuration
Process of measuring the patient
What is draping
Draping provides modesty, comfort and warmth
What is the definition of palpation
The process of feeling with the hands to detect the signs of disease
