Reference no: EM133656699

Question 

You are relieved by the results of your exam. Pneumonia wasn't likely, but no chest congestion makes it even less so. Influenza usually causes chest congestion and fever. No fever doesn't make it impossible, but moves it way down the list. Really, what you were worried about was strep throat, that would require antibiotics. But strep throat usually causes a fever and much more red throat with white patches. No sign of that. You can't really rule out RSV, but think it is most likely a cold. The treatment for mild RSV is the same as a cold anyway. Same for influenza. You decide she doesn't need to go to the urgent care right now, unless her condition worsens. You run to the drug store and pick up children's acetaminophen, a decongestant, and cough drops. Also some chicken soup, it's traditional. You call the school to let them know she won't be coming in today. After consideration, you also send a text to your ex in case they start feeling under the weather.

You won't always narrow down your differential diagnostic to one thing, but you can often make a most likely guess about the cause. It is also good to consider what the treatment is for the resulting things. Sometimes reaching a final diagnosis isn't necessary because it won't affect treatment. In this case the treatment for a cold is rest, fluids, nutritious but bland food, and you can use decongestants and pain killers to increase comfort. On the other hand the treatment for RSV is...rest, fluids, nutritious but bland food, and you can use decongestants and pain killers to increase comfort. And the treatment for flu is...you get the picture. The only difference is that you need to monitor the last two to make sure they don't get worse, which our nursing student surely is.

1. How did you do? This case involves a situation most of us have found ourselves in at some point and a disease with which you are most likely familiar. Do you think that you understand the process well enough to apply it in the future?