Course 2: Pathophysiology Flashcards
Differential Diagnoses
the diseases being considered by the physician
Specific Subjective Complaints
help point toward or away from a particular differential diagnosis; investigated by questions asked by physician
Medical Decision Making Process
subjective complaints and risk factors -> differential diagnoses -> objective evaluation (PE and Lab/Rad Results) -> final diagnosis
pertinent positives
specific symptoms that raise the physician’s suspicion for a particular disease
pertinent negatives
specific symptoms that are NOT present which cause the physician to doubt certain diagnoses
Objective Study
ordered by the physician in order to diagnose or rule out a disease, if unable to do so via PE findings
etiology
the physiological process causing the symptoms
chief complaint
timing: constant, intermittent, waxing and waning
quality: sharp, dull, pressure, cramping
angina
chest pain specifically due to heart muscle ischemia
pericarditis
inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart causing CP
pleurisy
inflammation of the sac surrounding the lungs causing pleuritic CP
costochondritis
irritation of the ribs causing CP worsened by pressing on the sternum
chest wall pain
irritation of the chest wall causing pain with palpitation of the chest
pleural effusion
fluid collecting around the lungs causing SOB or CP
productive cough
spews phlegm
