Red Flags/Differential Diagnosis Flashcards
What is a RED FLAG?
Is the presence of a sign (observable) or symptom (subjective) found during the patient history, systems review or test and measure that may indicate a need for referral to a physician
may be single finding or cluster of S&S
Cause for concern & Follow up
Non-musculoskeletal problem
Series NMS problem that requires immediate attn
Systemic disease
Serious pathology
Further medical exam by another HCP required
10 RED FLAG Identifications
1) Abnormal sensations
2) Headaches
3) Night pain
4) Sustained morning stiffness
5) Light-headedness
6) Trauma
7) Night sweats
8) Constipation
9) Easy bruising
10) Changes in vision
Differences between musculoskeletal vs. systemic:
Musculoskeletal
- Usually decreases w/ cessation of activity
- Generally lessens at night
- Aggravated w/ mechanical stress
- Usually continuous or intermittent
Systemic
- Reduced by pressure
- Disturbs sleep
- Not aggravated by mechanical stress
- Usually constant or in waves
Visceral Referred Pain
Source of pain comes from internal organs and heart
All body organs located in trunk or abdomen
Not well localized
Poorly localized and diffuse
Pain is referred to the site where the organ was located in fetal development
Concerning PMH
Personal or family history of cancer
Recent (last 6 weeks) infection especially when followed by neuro symptoms (1-3 wks later, joint pain, back pain)
Recurrent colds/flu w/ cyclical pattern
Recent history of trauma in older adult w/ osteopenia/osteoporosis
History of immunosupression (steroids, HIV, cancer, organ transplant)
History of injection drug use
Potential RED FLAG info
Unknown cause or etiology
Gradual, progressive, or cyclical presentation of symptoms (worse, better, worse)
Pain unrelieved by rest or change in position. No position is comfortable.
Symptoms appear out of proportion to the injury
Symptoms persist beyond expected time frame
PT unable to alter symptoms during examination
Symptoms unrelieved by PT or do not change
Fatigue
when tiredness interferes w/ a person’s ability to carry to daily activities at home, work or social setting and when…
> 2-4 wks
Fever, Chills & Sweats
S&S associated w/ infections, cancers, C.T. disorders (R.A.)
> 99.5 - 101, present 2-3 weeks
Weight Loss
Loss of 5-10% without change of diet/exercise (or 10-15 lbs loss/gain in 2 wks)
Nausea & Vomiting
Unknown origin, MD is not aware or progressively worsening
Cancer Red Flags
Persistent pain at night Constant pain anywhere Unexplained weight loss Loss of appetite Unusual lumps, growths, mass Unwarranted fatigue
Neurological Red Flags
Changes in hearing
Frequent or severe headaches, no history of injury
Problem w/ swallowing or changes in speech
Problems w/ balance, coordination, or falling
Changes in vision
Fainting/drop attacks
Sudden weakness
Cardiovascular Red Flags
SOB Dizziness Pain/feeling of heaviness in the chest Pulsating pain anywhere Constant/severe pain in lower leg/arm Discolored/ painful feet Swelling w/ no history of injury
Gastrointestinal/Geniturinary
Frequent nausea or vomiting Change or problem w/ bladder function Unusual menstrual irregularities Frequent/severe abdominal pain Frequent heartburn or indigestion
