Nursing Assignment: Diagnostic Reasoning

Assignment: Diagnostic Reasoning 

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. 

Case #1

Miss Washington is a 71 y/o female who presents with a new leg ulcer that appeared after a fall 1 week ago. The patient is coughing and wheezing. She tells you that “I’m  feeling terrible.” Vital signs appear stable with no fever.