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?
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?