ASSESSING NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS

ASSESSING NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS

Case: A 40 year old female presents with complaint of a headache for one week. Reports a “head cold” 3 weeks ago.  Thought it was getting better, but sinus symptoms are back and even worse.

Describes the headache is located across her forehead; feels like pressure behind my eyes and unable to breathe out of nose. Also feels mucus running down the back of throat.  Pain sometimes severe (8/10) but with acetaminophen reduces to moderate (4/10) and occasionally mild (2/10).  Occasional nonproductive cough.  Feels feverish at times; noted frequent sneezing and no appetite. Bending over seems to make the headache worse.  “Acetaminophen improves my headache, but doesn’t take it away.” Taking Sudafed HCL 120 mg every 12 hours, with some relief. Symptoms are worse in the morning – awakes with a headache. Ranges from 2/10 at its best to 8/10. Difficulty with concentrating at job and feels very tired.

· Review this week's Learning Resources, and consider the insights they provide about the case study.

· Consider what history would be necessary to collect from the patient in the case study you were assigned.

· Consider what physical exams and diagnostic tests would be appropriate to gather more information about the patient's condition. How would the results be used to make a diagnosis?

· Identify  at least five possible conditions that may be considered in a differential diagnosis for the patient.

Rubric for grading

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeUsing the Episodic/Focused SOAP Template: · Create documentation or an episodic/focused note in SOAP format about the patient in the case study to which you were assigned. ·  Provide evidence from the literature to support diagnostic tests that would be appropriate for your case.= The response clearly, accurately, and thoroughly follows the SOAP format to document the patient in the assigned case study. The response thoroughly and accurately provides detailed evidence from the literature to support diagnostic tests that would be appropriate for the patient in the assigned case study.

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome·   List five different possible conditions for the patient's differential diagnosis, and justify why you selected each.= The response lists five distinctly different and detailed possible conditions for a differential diagnosis of the patient in the assigned case study and provides a thorough, accurate, and detailed justification for each of the five conditions selected.

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.= 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.

Written Expression and Formatting - English writing standards: Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation.

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.