Week 1

 Differential Diagnosis: process involves using clinical reasoning to distinguish between two or more conditions that share similar signs or symptoms

• Begins as a list of common and uncommon diagnoses that are relevant to the patient's chief complaint or specific symptom.
• A thorough list of potential diagnoses based on the patient's presenting symptoms must be developed and narrowed based on subjective, objective, and diagnostic data
• The subjective history and review of systems are the first steps in gathering data to narrow the potential differentials, followed by the physical examination
• During the HPI, a series of directed, open-ended questions are asked to gain information about the complaint using the OLD CARTS mnemonic

(Onset, Location, Duration, Character, Aggravating factors, Relieving factors, Timing, and Severity).

• Findings from the focused PE are used to narrow down the list of potential diagnoses.
• If the diagnosis cannot be finalized based on data from the subjective history and physical examination, diagnostic testing is utilized to assist in determining the correct diagnosis.
• ALL diagnostic tests have false-positive and false-negative results. There are NO perfect tests................... Continue

Week 2

It is important to use specific terminology to describe skin lesions and rashes. Good descriptions include each of the following elements: number, size, color, shape, texture, primary lesion, location, and configuration

• Number—solitary or multiple; estimate of total number
• Size—measured in millimeters or centimeters
• Color—including erythematous if blanching; if non-blanching, vascular-like cherry angiomas and vascular malformations, petechiae, or purpura
• Shape—circular, oval, annular, nummular, or polygonal
• Texture—smooth, fleshy, verrucous, or warty, keratotic; greasy if scaling
• Primary lesion—flat, a macule or patch; raised, a papule or plaque; or fluid filled,

a vesicle or bulla (may also be erosions, ulcers, nodules, ecchymoses, petechiae, and palpable purpura)

• Location—including measured distance from other landmarks
• Configuration—grouped, annular, linear................... Continue

Week 3:

Allergic Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva due to allergies

• Itching is the most consistent sign
• Also characterized by red eyes and other allergic disease symptoms such as sneezing

Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

• Red, itchy eyes are associated with this condition, as is purulent or mucopurulent discharge in one or both eyes.

Toxic Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva due to medications, chemicals, or toxins can cause red, itchy eyes.............. Continue

Week 4:

Hearing Loss: occurs when there is a partial or complete inability to perceive sound in one or both ears

• Sensorineural
  • Presbycusis
  • Ototoxic drugs
  • Noise exposure
  • Head trauma
  • Metabolic or Autoimmune
  • Not reversible*
  • Treatment
• There is no proven or recommended treatment or cure for sensorineural hearing loss; management of hearing loss is usually by hearing strategies and hearing aid.
• Referral to audiology is appropriate.
• In cases of profound or total deafness, a cochlear implant is a

specialized hearing aid that may restore a functional level of hearing.................... Continue