Exam 1 - Developing a Differential Diagnosis- Mock History and Focused Physical Exam

Question 1

Oral Presentation

Answer 1

First state what the patient has told you (subjective): CC, HPI, ROS
Second, state what you have derived from further questioning (objective): PE findings
==> Don’t mix objective and subjective data!
Third, divulge the details of your physical exam, in order, from head to toe.
Fourth, give a differential diagnosis.
Lastly, state a plan of action, including pertinent diagnostic studies to be obtained

Until these have been done, a diagnosis can’t be made.

Question 2

Barotrauma

Answer 2

injury caused by a change in air pressure that affects the lung or ear

Question 3

Eustachian tube dysfunction

Answer 3

Eustachian tube is blocked or does not open properly. Air cannot then get into the middle ear.

Question 4

Acute otitis externa

Answer 4

Inflammation of outer ear

Question 5

Acute otitis media

Answer 5

Inflammation of middle ear

Question 6

Bullous myringitis

Answer 6

inflammation of TM; a form of viral otitis media in which serous or hemorrhagic blebs appear on the tympanic membrane and adjacent wall of the acoustic meatus.

Question 7

Serous otitis

Answer 7

fluid behind the ear drum

Question 8

Otalgia

Answer 8

ear pain

Question 9

Cerumen impaction

Answer 9

impaction of ear wax

Question 10

Mastoiditis

Answer 10

An infection that affects the mastoid bone, located behind the ear.

Question 11

URI

Answer 11

acute infection which involves the upper respiratory tract including the nose, sinuses, pharynx or larynx