NURS 6512 Week 4 Assignment 1 Differential Diagnosis for Skin Conditions Lab Report
NURS 6512:Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning Week 4
Assignment 1: Lab Assignment: Differential Diagnosis for Skin Conditions
Properly identifying the cause and type of a patient’s skin condition involves a process of elimination known as differential diagnosis. Using this process, a health professional can take a given set of physical abnormalities, vital signs, health assessment findings, and patient descriptions of symptoms, and incrementally narrow them down until one diagnosis is determined as the most likely cause.
In this Lab Assignment, you will examine several visual representations of various skin conditions, describe your observations, and use the techniques of differential diagnosis to determine the most likely condition.
To Prepare
- Review the Skin Conditions document provided in this week’s Learning Resources, and select one condition to closely examine for this Lab Assignment.
- Consider the abnormal physical characteristics you observe in the graphic you selected. How would you describe the characteristics using clinical terminologies?
- Explore different conditions that could be the cause of the skin abnormalities in the graphics you selected.
- Consider which of the conditions is most likely to be the correct diagnosis, and why.
- Search the Walden library for one evidence-based practice, peer-reviewed article based on the skin condition you chose for this Lab Assignment.
- Review the Comprehensive SOAP Exemplar found in this week’s Learning Resources to guide you as you prepare your SOAP note.
- Download the SOAP Template found in this week’s Learning Resources, and use this template to complete this Lab Assignment.
The Lab Assignment
- Choose one skin condition graphic (identify by number in your Chief Complaint) to document your assignment in the SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan) note format rather than the traditional narrative style. Refer to Chapter 2 of the Sullivan text and the Comprehensive SOAP Template in this week’s Learning Resources for guidance. Remember that not all comprehensive SOAP data are included in every patient case.
- Use clinical terminologies to explain the physical characteristics featured in the graphic. Formulate a differential diagnosis of three to five possible conditions for the skin graphic that you chose. Determine which is most likely to be the correct diagnosis and explain your reasoning using at least three different references, one reference from current evidence-based literature from your search and two different references from this week’s Learning Resources.
Rubric Detail
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Name: NURS_6512_Week_4_Assignment_1_Rubric
| Excellent | Good | Fair | Poor | |
| Using the SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan) note format: · Create documentation, following SOAP format, of your assignment to choose one skin condition graphic (identify by number in your Chief Complaint). · Use clinical terminologies to explain the physical characteristics featured in the graphic. | 30 (30%) – 35 (35%) The response clearly, accurately, and thoroughly follows the SOAP format to document one skin condition graphic and accurately identifies the graphic by number in the Chief Complaint. The response clearly and thoroughly explains all physical characteristics featured in the graphic using accurate terminologies. | 24 (24%) – 29 (29%) The response accurately follows the SOAP format to document one skin condition graphic and accurately identifies the graphic by number in the Chief Complaint. The response explains most physical characteristics featured in the graphic using accurate terminologies. | 18 (18%) – 23 (23%) The response follows the SOAP format, with vagueness and some inaccuracy in documenting one skin condition graphic, and accurately identifies the graphic by number in the Chief Complaint. The response explains some physical characteristics featured in the graphic using mostly accurate terminologies. | 0 (0%) – 17 (17%) The response inaccurately follows the SOAP format or is missing documentation for one skin condition graphic and is missing or inaccurately identifies the graphic by number in the Chief Complaint. The response explains some or few physical characteristics featured in the graphic using terminologies with multiple inaccuracies. |
| · Formulate a different diagnosis of three to five possible considerations for the skin graphic. · Determine which is most likely to be the correct diagnosis, and explain your reasoning using at least three different references from current evidence-based literature. | 45 (45%) – 50 (50%) The response clearly, thoroughly, and accurately formulates a different diagnosis of five possible considerations for the skin graphic. The response determines the most likely correct diagnosis with reasoning that is explained clearly, accurately, and thoroughly using three or more different references from current evidence-based literature. | 39 (39%) – 44 (44%) The response accurately formulates a different diagnosis of three to five possible considerations for the skin graphic. The response determines the most likely correct diagnosis with reasoning that is explained accurately using at least three different references from current evidence-based literature. | 33 (33%) – 38 (38%) The response vaguely or with some inaccuracy formulates a different diagnosis of three possible considerations for the skin graphic. The response determines the most likely correct diagnosis with reasoning that is explained vaguely and with some inaccuracy using three different references from current evidence-based literature. | 0 (0%) – 32 (32%) The response formulates inaccurately, incompletely, or is missing a different diagnosis of possible considerations for the skin graphic, with two or fewer possible considerations provided. The response vaguely, inaccurately, or incompletely determines the most likely correct diagnosis with reasoning that is missing or explained using two or fewer different references from current evidence-based literature. |
| Written Expression and Formatting – Paragraph Development and Organization: Paragraphs make clear points that support well-developed ideas, flow logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused–neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement and introduction are provided that delineate all required criteria. | 5 (5%) – 5 (5%) Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement, introduction, and conclusion are provided that delineate all required criteria. | 4 (4%) – 4 (4%) Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 80% of the time. Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment are stated, yet are brief and not descriptive. | 3 (3%) – 3 (3%) Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 60%–79% of the time. Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment are vague or off topic. | 0 (0%) – 2 (2%) Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity < 60% of the time. No purpose statement, introduction, or conclusion were provided. |
| Written Expression and Formatting – English writing standards: Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation | 5 (5%) – 5 (5%) Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors. | 4 (4%) – 4 (4%) Contains a few (1 or 2) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. | 3 (3%) – 3 (3%) Contains several (3 or 4) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. | 0 (0%) – 2 (2%) Contains many (≥ 5) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding. |
| Written Expression and Formatting – The paper follows correct APA format for title page, headings, font, spacing, margins, indentations, page numbers, running heads, parenthetical/in-text citations, and reference list. | 5 (5%) – 5 (5%) Uses correct APA format with no errors. | 4 (4%) – 4 (4%) Contains a few (1 or 2) APA format errors. | 3 (3%) – 3 (3%) Contains several (3 or 4) APA format errors. | 0 (0%) – 2 (2%) Contains many (≥ 5) APA format errors. |
Comprehensive SOAP Exemplar
Purpose: To demonstrate what each section of the SOAP note should include. Remember that Nurse Practitioners treat patients in a holistic manner and your SOAP note should reflect that premise.
Patient Initials: _______ Age: _______ Gender: _______
SUBJECTIVE DATA:
Chief Complaint (CC): Coughing up phlegm and fever
History of Present Illness (HPI): Eddie Myers is a 58 year old African American male who presents today with a productive cough x 3 days, fever, muscle aches, loss of taste and smell for the last three days. He reported that the “cold feels like it is descending into his chest and he can’t eat much”. The cough is nagging and productive. He brought in a few paper towels with expectorated phlegm – yellow/green in color. He has associated symptoms of dyspnea of exertion and fatigue. His Tmax was reported to be 100.3, last night. He has been taking Tylenol 325mg about every 6 hours and the fever breaks, but returns after the medication wears off. He rated the severity of her symptom discomfort at 8/10.
Medications:
- Norvasc 10mg daily
- Combivent 2 puffs every 6 hours as needed
- Advair 500/50 daily
- Singulair 10mg daily
- Over the counter Tylenol 325mg as needed
- Over the counter Benefiber
- Flonase 1 spray each night as needed for allergic rhinitis symptoms
Allergies:
Sulfa drugs – rash
Cipro-headache
Past Medical History (PMH):
1.) Asthma
2.) Hypertension
3.) Osteopenia
4.) Allergic rhinitis
5.) Prostate Cancer
Past Surgical History (PSH):
- Cholecystectomy 1994
- Prostatectomy 1986
Sexual/Reproductive History:
Heterosexual
Personal/Social History:
He has never smoked
Dipped tobacco for 25 years, no longer dipping
Denied ETOH or illicit drug use.
Immunization History:
Covid Vaccine #1 3/2/2021 #2 4/2/2021 Moderna
Influenza Vaccination 10/3/2020
PNV 9/18/2018
Tdap 8/22/2017
Shingles 3/22/2016
Significant Family History:
One sister – with diabetes, dx at age 65
One brother–with prostate CA, dx at age 62. He has 2 daughters, both in 30’s, healthy, living in nearby neighborhood.
Lifestyle:
He works FT as Xray Tech; widowed x 8 years; lives in the city, moderate crime area, with good public transportation. He is a college grad, owns his home and financially stable.
He has a primary care nurse practitioner provider and goes for annual and routine care twice annually and as needed for episodic care. He has medical insurance but often asks for drug samples for cost savings. He has a healthy diet and eating pattern. There are resources and community groups in his area at the senior center but he does not attend. He enjoys golf and walking. He has a good support system composed of family and friends.
Review of Systems:
General: + fatigue since the illness started; + fever, no chills or night sweats; no recent weight gains of losses of significance.
HEENT: no changes in vision or hearing; he does wear glasses and his last eye exam was 6 months ago. He reported no history of glaucoma, diplopia, floaters, excessive tearing or photophobia. He does have bilateral small cataracts that are being followed by his ophthalmologist. He has had no recent ear infections, tinnitus, or discharge from the ears. He reported no sense of smell. He has not had any episodes of epistaxis. He does not have a history of nasal polyps or recent sinus infection. He has history of allergic rhinitis that is seasonal. His last dental exam was 1/2020. He denied ulceration, lesions, gingivitis, gum bleeding, and has no dental appliances. He has had no difficulty chewing or swallowing.
Neck: Denies pain, injury, or history of disc disease or compression..
Breasts:. Denies history of lesions, masses or rashes.
Respiratory: + cough and sputum production; denied hemoptysis, no difficulty breathing at rest; + dyspnea on exertion; he has history of asthma and community acquired pneumonia 2015. Last PPD was 2015. Last CXR – 1 month ago.
CV: denies chest discomfort, palpitations, history of murmur; no history of arrhythmias, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, edema, or claudication. Date of last ECG/cardiac work up is unknown by patient.
GI: denies nausea or vomiting, reflux controlled, Denies abd pain, no changes in bowel/bladder pattern. He uses fiber as a daily laxative to prevent constipation.
GU: denies change in her urinary pattern, dysuria, or incontinence. He is heterosexual. No denies history of STD’s or HPV. He is sexually active with his long time girlfriend of 4 years.
MS: he denies arthralgia/myalgia, no arthritis, gout or limitation in her range of motion by report. denies history of trauma or fractures.
Psych: denies history of anxiety or depression. No sleep disturbance, delusions or mental health history. He denied suicidal/homicidal history.
Neuro: denies syncopal episodes or dizziness, no paresthesia, head aches. denies change in memory or thinking patterns; no twitches or abnormal movements; denies history of gait disturbance or problems with coordination. denies falls or seizure history.
Integument/Heme/Lymph: denies rashes, itching, or bruising. She uses lotion to prevent dry skin. He denies history of skin cancer or lesion removal. She has no bleeding disorders, clotting difficulties or history of transfusions.
Endocrine: He denies polyuria/polyphagia/polydipsia. Denies fatigue, heat or cold intolerances, shedding of hair, unintentional weight gain or weight loss.
Allergic/Immunologic: He has hx of allergic rhinitis, but no known immune deficiencies. His last HIV test was 2 years ago.
OBJECTIVE DATA
Physical Exam:
Vital signs: B/P 144/98, left arm, sitting, regular cuff; P 90 and regular; T 99.9 Orally; RR 16; non-labored; Wt: 221 lbs; Ht: 5’5; BMI 36.78
General: A&O x3, NAD, appears mildly uncomfortable
HEENT: PERRLA, EOMI, oronasopharynx is clear
Neck: Carotids no bruit, jvd or thyromegally
Chest/Lungs: Lungs pos wheezing, pos for scattered rhonchi
Heart/Peripheral Vascular: RRR without murmur, rub or gallop; pulses+2 bilat pedal and +2 radial
ABD: nabs x 4, no organomegaly; mild suprapubic tenderness – diffuse – no rebound
Genital/Rectal: pt declined for this exam
Musculoskeletal: symmetric muscle development – some age related atrophy; muscle strengths 5/5 all groups.
Neuro: CN II – XII grossly intact, DTR’s intact
Skin/Lymph Nodes: No edema, clubbing, or cyanosis; no palpable nodes
Diagnostics/Lab Tests and Results:
CBC – WBC 15,000 with + left shift
SAO2 – 98%
Covid PCR-neg
Influenza- neg
Radiology:
CXR – cardiomegaly with air trapping and increased AP diameter
ECG
Normal sinus rhythm
Spirometry- FEV1 65%
Assessment:
Differential Diagnosis (DDx):
- Asthmatic exacerbation, moderate
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Lung Cancer
Primary Diagnoses:
1.) Asthmatic Exacerbation, moderate
PLAN: [This section is not required for the assignments in this course, but will be required for future courses.]
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