Quiz 1: Intro To Differential Diagnosis Flashcards
What is Differential Diagnosis?
Rather than asking “what is the problem” you ask “what are all the things it might be?”
PTs make a medical diagnosis True Or False
False, a PT would not make the diagnosis of a heart attack but the PT needs to know how to recognize when shoulder pain is occurring because of a heart attack.
APTA: Why do we follow a diagnostic process?
When the patient/client is referred with a previously established diagnosis, the physical therapist should determine that the
clinical findings are consistent with that diagnosis.
If the diagnostic
process reveals findings that are outside the scope of the physical
therapist’s knowledge, experience, or expertise, the physical therapist
should then refer the patient/client to an appropriate practitioner
Review of Systems
A step to make sure that the patient has not neglected to mention an issue that may have an impact on the patients overall well being
Systems Review
Objective exam techniques that clue you in to how different systems are functioning
Example of systems review
1) Vitals
2) Neuro Screen
3) Integumentary Screening
4) Abdominal Palpation
Definition of a red flag
A piece of information that may cause the PT to pause and consider additional questions or tests before proceeding.
- One red flag does not equal an immediate referral request, but multiple red flags might
Red Flag Examples
Change in symptoms since patient was
seen by provider
• Unusual pain pattern
• Night pain not changed by position
• Unrelenting pain
• Pain that moves around
• Acute change in temperature, weakness,
inability to bear weight
• Signs of ischemia
• Sensory changes
• Unintended weight loss
• Genitourinary problems
• Sudden onset of impaired coordination,
impaired special senses, or other
neurologic sign
What is a constitutional symptom
not disease-specific but have to be considered in the differential diagnosis of a disease flare or infections.
Examples of Constitutional Symptoms
- Fever
• Diaphoresis (unexplained excessive sweating)
• Night sweats
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Pallor
• Dizziness, syncope
• Fatigue, malaise
• Unexplained weight loss (or gain
Subjective questions for constitutional symptoms and general health
These questions usually appear on an intake form, completed by the patient:
• Have you recently experienced…
• Lightheadedness
• Loss of consciousness
• Sweating without exercise/activity (e.g., cold sweats)
• Excessive sweating
• Night sweats
• Severe fatigue
• Shortness of breath (SOB)
• Malaise (feeling lethargic)
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Change in frequency of bowel movements
• Change in appetite
Identifying Yellow Flags
Pieces of information that may pose a challenge to effectively communicate or work with your patient
Examples of Yellow flags
1) Language Barrier
2) Impaired cognition
3) Mental State
4) Personal Biases
Decision making: Outpatient
1) Refer to primary care or other specialist
2) Send to urgent care or ED
Decision Making: Inpatient
1) May need to communicate back to medical team new concerns
2) May need to hold further therapy until medically stable
