Principles of Clinical Pathology and Decision Making Chapter 1 SPRING 2007 KINE 3330 Pathology & Pharmacology

Objectives Discuss systemic pathology and how it differs from musculoskeletal injury/illness Discuss general and system-specific symptoms associated with general medical illnesses Discuss the role of differential diagnoses in assessing general medical illnesses Discuss red flags and their role in pathology assessment Discuss the general procedures used to assess general medical illnesses

Assessment of General Medical Illnesses History – Present complaints – Medical history – Family history Palpation Inspection Special Tests – Vital signs – Percussion – Auscultation – Neurological screening

General Systemic Symptoms SymptomPotential System of Origin or Condition Fever, chills, sweats Severe night pain Unexplained weight change Unusual fatigue

Key System-Specific Symptoms SymptomPotential System of Origin or Condition Chest pain or palpitations Shortness of breath Dizziness, light- headedness, fainting Nausea

Key System-Specific Symptoms SymptomPotential System of Origin or Condition Loss of control of bowels (diarrhea) Difficulty, bleeding, or pain with urination Difficulty, bleeding, or pain with bowel movement Visual disturbances

Key System-Specific Symptoms SymptomPotential System of Origin or Condition Numbness, weakness, burning or tingling

Differential Diagnosis Your assessment may identify more than one condition that might be causing the problem

Red Flags Signs or symptoms that warrant referral to a physician

Red Flags

Red Flags

Questions?