Differential Diagnosis in Acute Care Practicum
|Questions and Verified Answers| 100%
Correct(Latest 2025/ 2026)
Review of the clinical record
This provides important background information and suggests areas yu need to explore. Review
data such as age, gneder, address, and insurance. Look at Patient problem list, medications, and
allergies
patient problem list
chronic illnesses
injuries
symptoms or diseases
all active or resolved conditions (identifies status of them)
Welcome the patient by introducing yourself
give your own first name and shake hands if possible.
If this is the first time you are seeing the patient explain your role, your status a student or
trainee, and how you will be involved in their care.
preferred name
may be a nickname. The name a person prefers to be called " I am afraid of mispronouncing
your name. Could you say it for me? No sweetie or dear--> can be demoralizing
Gender Pronouns
How a person would like to be referred to. Ex: "She/Her" "He/Him" "They/Them" etc. include
formal titles too such as Mr. Mrs. Ms. or Professor or Doctor. Which gender pronouns do you
use?
General Survey
physical appearance, body structure, mobility, behavior
Neurological Examination
A complete examination evaluates cognitive function, cranial nerves, the motor system,
reflexes, and the sensory system.
rectal
pertaining to the rectum
, Genital
reproductive organs
musculo-skeletal system
Note any deformities/ enlarged joints. If indicated palpate joints, check ROM, and if necessary
perform any special maneuvers.
nervous system
assess lower extremity muscle bulk, tone, and strength; also assess sensation and reflexes.
Observe any abnormal movements. Observe the patients gait and ability to walk heel to toe.
Walk on the toes, walk on the heels. Do a romberg test. (sense of balance)
musculoskeletal system
Examine the alignment of the spine and its range of motion, the alignment of the legs, and the
feet. the patient is standing
Five segments:
mental status, cranial nerves, (including funduscopic examination ), motor system, sensory
system, and reflexes
peripheral vascular system
palpate the femoral pulses and, if indicated, the popliteal pulses. Palpate the ingunal lymp
nodes. INspect for extremity edema, discoloration, or ulcers, Palpate for pitting edema. Inspect
for varicose veins.
cerebellar function
RAM (rapid alternating movements), point-to-point movements, such as finger to nose (F--> N)
and Heel to shin (H --> ), gait.
Posterior thorax and lungs
palpate the spine and muscles of the upper back. INspect, palpate and percuss the chest. Listen
to the breath sounds.
Head
examine the hair, scalp, skull, and face
eyes
check visual acuity and screen the visual fields. note the position and alignment of the eyes.
observe the eyelids and inspect and the sclera and conjunctiva of each eye. With oblique
lighting, inspect cornea, iris, and lens. Compare the pupils, and test their reactions to light.
Assess the extrocular movements. With an opthalmoscope, inspect the ocular fundi.
Ear
|Questions and Verified Answers| 100%
Correct(Latest 2025/ 2026)
Review of the clinical record
This provides important background information and suggests areas yu need to explore. Review
data such as age, gneder, address, and insurance. Look at Patient problem list, medications, and
allergies
patient problem list
chronic illnesses
injuries
symptoms or diseases
all active or resolved conditions (identifies status of them)
Welcome the patient by introducing yourself
give your own first name and shake hands if possible.
If this is the first time you are seeing the patient explain your role, your status a student or
trainee, and how you will be involved in their care.
preferred name
may be a nickname. The name a person prefers to be called " I am afraid of mispronouncing
your name. Could you say it for me? No sweetie or dear--> can be demoralizing
Gender Pronouns
How a person would like to be referred to. Ex: "She/Her" "He/Him" "They/Them" etc. include
formal titles too such as Mr. Mrs. Ms. or Professor or Doctor. Which gender pronouns do you
use?
General Survey
physical appearance, body structure, mobility, behavior
Neurological Examination
A complete examination evaluates cognitive function, cranial nerves, the motor system,
reflexes, and the sensory system.
rectal
pertaining to the rectum
, Genital
reproductive organs
musculo-skeletal system
Note any deformities/ enlarged joints. If indicated palpate joints, check ROM, and if necessary
perform any special maneuvers.
nervous system
assess lower extremity muscle bulk, tone, and strength; also assess sensation and reflexes.
Observe any abnormal movements. Observe the patients gait and ability to walk heel to toe.
Walk on the toes, walk on the heels. Do a romberg test. (sense of balance)
musculoskeletal system
Examine the alignment of the spine and its range of motion, the alignment of the legs, and the
feet. the patient is standing
Five segments:
mental status, cranial nerves, (including funduscopic examination ), motor system, sensory
system, and reflexes
peripheral vascular system
palpate the femoral pulses and, if indicated, the popliteal pulses. Palpate the ingunal lymp
nodes. INspect for extremity edema, discoloration, or ulcers, Palpate for pitting edema. Inspect
for varicose veins.
cerebellar function
RAM (rapid alternating movements), point-to-point movements, such as finger to nose (F--> N)
and Heel to shin (H --> ), gait.
Posterior thorax and lungs
palpate the spine and muscles of the upper back. INspect, palpate and percuss the chest. Listen
to the breath sounds.
Head
examine the hair, scalp, skull, and face
eyes
check visual acuity and screen the visual fields. note the position and alignment of the eyes.
observe the eyelids and inspect and the sclera and conjunctiva of each eye. With oblique
lighting, inspect cornea, iris, and lens. Compare the pupils, and test their reactions to light.
Assess the extrocular movements. With an opthalmoscope, inspect the ocular fundi.
Ear
