Throat, Respiratory & Cardiovascular Disorders

take on the role of a clinician who is building a health history for the following case:

chief complaint: A 25-year-old Hispanic female, computer programmer presents to your clinic complaining of a 12-day history of a runny nose

subjective: States that her symptoms began about 12 days ago. She suffers from allergies; she gets a runny nose during the spring-time, pollen season. However, in the winter, her allergies are not a problem.

objective:

vital signs: (BP) 115/75, (P) 89, (RR) 16, (T) 100.4°F (38°C), O2 sat 98% on room air

general: No signs of acute distress. Patient appears mildly fatigued. She is breathing through her mouth. Breathing easily. Voice has a nasal quality to it.

HEENT: Ear canals: normal; EYES: normal; NOSE: Bilateral erythema and edema of turbinates with significant yellow drainage on the right. Nares: Obstructed air passages

respiratory: CTA AP&L

neck/throat: Posterior pharynx: mildly injected, scant postnasal drainage (PND), no exudate, tonsils 1+, no cobblestoning

heart: Regular rate and rhythm, no murmur, S3, or S4
What other subjective data would you obtain?

What other objective findings would you look for?

What diagnostic tessts do you want to order?

Name 3 differential diagnoses based on this patient presenting symptoms?

find the cost of your paper

Sample Answer

 

 

 

Subjective Data

  • Allergies:
    • What specific allergens is the patient allergic to?
    • Has she been exposed to any new allergens recently?
    • Does she have a history of allergic reactions other than a runny nose?
  • Symptoms:
    • Is she experiencing any other symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, congestion, or post-nasal drip?
    • Has she noticed any changes in her sense of smell or taste?
    • Is she having any difficulty sleeping or concentrating?

Full Answer Section

 

 

 

  • Medications:
    • Is she taking any over-the-counter or prescription medications for her allergies?
    • If so, has she noticed any improvement in her symptoms?
  • Previous History:
    • Has she experienced similar symptoms in the past?
    • If so, how were they treated?

Objective Findings

  • Sinuses: Palpate for tenderness over the frontal, maxillary, and ethmoid sinuses.
  • Lungs: Auscultate for crackles or wheezes.
  • Skin: Check for any rashes or hives.

Diagnostic Tests

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC): To assess for any underlying infection or inflammation.
  • Allergy Testing: To identify specific allergens that may be triggering the patient’s symptoms.
  • Nasal Swab for Culture: To rule out bacterial or fungal infections.
  • Chest X-ray: To evaluate for pneumonia or other pulmonary conditions.

Differential Diagnoses

  1. Allergic Rhinitis:

    • Rationale: The patient’s history of allergies, seasonal symptoms, and nasal congestion are consistent with allergic rhinitis.
  2. Acute Sinusitis:

    • Rationale: The presence of yellow drainage, nasal obstruction, and facial pain suggest the possibility of sinusitis.
  3. Nasal Polyps:

    • Rationale: While less likely in a young patient, nasal polyps can cause nasal congestion, obstruction, and a runny nose.

This question has been answered.

Get Answer