27 Mar Differential Diagnoses and Diagnostic Testing

Case Study Assignment:

 

Case #1

92 y/o African American male is brought to the Emergency Department by his daughter. The patient has slurred speech. His blood pressure is 210/100.

 

 

 

Include the following: 

• Identify the patient’s chief complaint. 

• Identify what physical exams and diagnostic tests would be most appropriate to gather more information about the patient’s condition. Be specific and explain your reasoning. 

• Explain how the results would be used to make a diagnosis. 

• Identify three to five (3–5) possible conditions that may be considered in a differential diagnosis for the patient. Explain your thinking. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rubric

NURS_6512_Week 3_Assignment 1_Rubric

NURS_6512_Week 3_Assignment 1_Rubric

Criteria Ratings Pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Identify the patient’s chief complaint. 15 to >12.0 pts

Excellent

The response clearly, accurately, and in detail explains the assigned patient’s chief complaint. 12 to >9.0 pts

Good

The response accurately explains the assigned patient’s chief complaint. 9 to >6.0 pts

Fair

The response vaguely and with some inaccuracy explains the assigned patient’s chief complaint. 6 to >0 pts

Poor

The response is inaccurate and/or missing an explanation of the assigned patient’s chief complaint.

15 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Identify what physical exams and diagnostic tests would be most appropriate to gather more information about the patient’s condition. Be specific and explain your reasoning. 20 to >17.0 pts

Excellent

The response clearly, accurately, and in detail Identifies physical exams and diagnostic tests that are most appropriate to gather more information about the patient’s condition; reasoning for the exams/tests is clear, accurate, and detailed. 17 to >14.0 pts

Good

The response accurately Identifies physical exams and diagnostic tests that are most appropriate to gather more information about the patient’s condition; reasoning for the exams/tests is specific and accurate. 14 to >13.0 pts

Fair

The response vaguely and with some inaccuracy Identifies physical exams and diagnostic tests that are appropriate to gather more information about the patient’s condition; reasoning for the exams/tests is vague and somewhat accurate. 13 to >0 pts

Poor

The response is inaccurate and/or missing identification of physical exams and diagnostic tests that are appropriate to gather more information about the patient’s condition; reasoning for the exams/tests is inaccurate or missing.

20 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Explain how the results would be used to make a diagnosis. 15 to >12.0 pts

Excellent

The response clearly, accurately, and in detail explains how the results would be used to make a diagnosis. 12 to >9.0 pts

Good

The response accurately explains how the results would be used to make a diagnosis. 9 to >6.0 pts

Fair

The response vaguely and with some inaccuracy explains how the results would be used to make a diagnosis. 6 to >0 pts

Poor

The response explains inaccurately and/or is missing how the results would be used to make a diagnosis.

15 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Identify three to five (3–5) possible conditions that may be considered in a differential diagnosis for the patient. Explain your thinking. 35 to >29.0 pts

Excellent

The response clearly, accurately, and in detail identifies four or five possible conditions that may be considered in a differential diagnosis for the patient; with clear, accurate, and detailed reasoning for each possible condition. 29 to >23.0 pts

Good

The response accurately identifies three to five possible conditions that may be considered in a differential diagnosis for the patient; with accurate reasoning for each possible condition. 23 to >17.0 pts

Fair

The response vaguely and lacking specificity identifies three possible conditions that may be considered in a differential diagnosis for the patient; with vague reasoning for each possible condition. 17 to >0 pts

Poor

The response inadequately identifies fewer than three possible conditions that may be considered in a differential diagnosis for the patient; with inadequate or missing reasoning for each possible condition.

35 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

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 and 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 to >4.0 pts

Excellent

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 to >3.0 pts

Good

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 to >2.0 pts

Fair

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. 2 to >0 pts

Poor

Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity < 60% of the time. No purpose statement, introduction, or conclusion were provided.

5 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Written Expression and Formatting: English Writing Standards — Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation 5 to >4.0 pts

Excellent

Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors. 4 to >3.0 pts

Good

Contains a few (1 or 2) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. 3 to >2.0 pts

Fair

Contains several (3 or 4) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. 2 to >0 pts

Poor

Contains many (≥ 5) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding.

5 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Written Expression and Formatting: APA 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 to >4.0 pts

Excellent

Uses correct APA format with no errors. 4 to >3.0 pts

Good

Contains a few (1 or 2) APA format errors. 3 to >2.0 pts

Fair

Contains several (3 or 4) APA format errors. 2 to >0 pts

Poor

Contains many (≥ 5) APA format errors.

5 pts

Total Points: 100