Differential Diagnosis (Health, Medicine, Nursing Case Study)

Differential Diagnosis
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Differential Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis involves a series of critical thinking approaches essential in coming up with possible conditions that reflect the patient's symptoms (Alder et al., 2015). The information essential in making a differential diagnosis comes from the patient's medical history, physical examination, laboratory results, and diagnostic testing. A medical professional may know the cause of the symptoms and possible tests for that particular condition. However, various illnesses have similar symptoms making the diagnosis of the underlying condition difficult to diagnose using a non-differential diagnostic strategy. Thus, differential diagnosis is essential if there are multiple cases to consider. Critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning in differential diagnosis aim to reduce the possible working diagnosis, give guidance on clinical evaluation and treatment approaches, rule out possible life-threatening diseases, and enable the doctor to make a specific diagnosis (Molashenko et al., 2016).
According to Molashenko et al. (2016), differential diagnosis involves critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning, which follows a set of steps essential in developing differentials. The strategies that are essential in differential diagnosis depends on the expertise of the medical provider. The first step involves noting the patient's medical history (Molashenko et al., 2016). The complete medical history includes noting down the signs and symptoms that the patient presents and asking the patient why they have been experiencing the symptoms. Also, it essential to understand the history of the family about particular conditions. It is imperative to ask the patient their travel history to rule out any conditions that come with a change of climate. The second step involves performing an essential physical examination, including measuring the patient's heart rate and blood pressure (Molashenko et al., 2016). It is also vital to examine other areas of the body from which the symptoms may be originating.
CAD with stable angina
The first diagnosis in Mr. Foster's case is Coronary artery disease (CAD) with stable angina, which occurs when he does some yard activities and carries some light weights. Also, the patient experiences tightening and discomfort in the middle chest. However, the pain subsides when he takes a rest.
Carotid disease
The second diagnosis concerning Mr. Foster's medical history is carotid disease. Due to lack of exercise, he has gained 20 pounds, contributing to damage to his arteries. His consumption of grilled red meat frequently, sandwiches and coffee increase his blood fat levels, which encourages the accumulation of plaques.
Atherosclerosis (Carotid Bruit)
The third diagnosis in Mr. Fosters' case would be atherosclerosis. He presents with tightness and pain in his chest and occasional headaches. However, he does not complain of shortness of breath or numbness in his extremities. Also, Mr. Fosters' blood pressure is normal. High cholesterol from red meat and sandwiches can be contributing to the damage to the inner layers of his arteries.
Justification of the Differential Diagnosis
According to the d...