Create a Discussion using APA 7 format, and scholarly references no older than 5 years.

Assignment Instructions

Course: Diagnosis, Symptom, and Illness Management

Title: Comprehensive Case Study – Diagnostic and Treatment Management Plan

Main Diagnosis: Right Knee Osteoarthritis

Purpose and Learning Outcomes:

This signature assignment aligns with the following course and program outcomes:

• Demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning in diagnosing acute and chronic

illness

• Develop evidence-based management plans

• Integrate social determinants of health and cultural competence into care

• Apply current guidelines to clinical decision-making

Assignment Overview:

You will develop and submit a comprehensive, evidence-based case study analyzing a

complex patient presentation. This assignment demonstrates your ability to collect and

synthesize clinical data, formulate accurate differential diagnoses, and implement a

patient-centered treatment plan grounded in current practice guidelines.

Case Study Requirements:

1. Patient Scenario (Real or Simulated):

• Age, sex, race/ethnicity

• Chief complaint (CC)

• History of Present Illness (HPI)

• Past Medical History (PMH)

• Family History (FH)

• Social History (SH)• Review of Systems (ROS)

• Physical Examination Findings (PE)

2. Differential Diagnosis:

• List at least 3 differential diagnoses

• Justify each differential using:

o Presenting signs/symptoms

o Pathophysiology

o Risk factors

o Diagnostic criteria

3. Final Diagnosis:

• Identify the most likely diagnosis

• Explain the rationale

• Cite at least two current evidence-based guidelines or scholarly sources

4. Diagnostic Workup Plan:

• Labs, imaging, or additional testing

• Provide rationale for each

• 5. Treatment & Management Plan:

• Non-pharmacologic interventions

• Patient education

• Follow-up and referrals, if needed

• 6. Cultural, Ethical, or Socioeconomic Considerations:

• Address any relevant patient-specific factors that influence care

• 7. Evaluation of Outcomes:

• How will you measure the effectiveness of your treatment plan?

• Short- and long-term follow-up goals

Formatting Guidelines:

• APA 7th edition formatting

• 4-6 pages (excluding title and reference pages)

• Minimum of 3 peer-reviewed or clinical guideline references (within 5 years)

• Use headings for organization (MRU School)

Grading Rubric Highlights:

• Criteria • Points

• History and Clinical Data • 20

• Differential Diagnosis • 35

• Final Diagnosis Justification • 20

• Management Plan (Rx + Non-Rx) • 10

• Cultural/Patient-Centered Care • 5

• Use of Evidence & Guidelines • 5

• Organization, APA, Grammar • 5

Total • 100