NURS 6512 Case Study Assignment: Differential Diagnoses and Diagnostic Testing

Sample Answer for NURS 6512 Case Study Assignment: Differential Diagnoses and Diagnostic Testing Included After Question

Case Study Assignment: differential diagnoses and diagnostic testing

When seeking to identify a patient’s health condition, advanced practice nurses can use a diverse selection of diagnostic tests and assessment tools to help in understanding a patient’s condition. In turn, beginning with a differential diagnosis supports the process of further applying information to narrow the possibilities of what the condition may be and working to arrive at the most accurate diagnosis for planning treatment.  

For this Case Study Assignment, you will determine the physical exams and diagnostic tests that would be most appropriate for gaining information and better understanding of your patient’s condition. Then, based on your analysis, you will formulate a differential diagnosis for the patient. 

Resources

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources. 

WEEKLY RESOURCES

To prepare:

• By Day 1 of this week, your Instructor will assign a patient profile for this Assignment. Note: Please see the Course Announcements section of the classroom for your patient profile Assignment. 
• Review this week’s Learning Resources. 
• Review the details of the patient case study. 
• Consider what physical exams and diagnostic tests would be most appropriate to gather more information about the patient’s condition. 
• Reflect on 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. 

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. 

By Day 7 of Week 3

Submit your Assignment. 

submission information

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Rubric

NURS_6512_Week 3_Assignment 1_Rubric

Criteria	Ratings	Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Identify the patient’s chief complaint.	15 to >12.0 pts ExcellentThe response clearly, accurately, and in detail explains the assigned patient’s chief complaint. 12 to >9.0 pts GoodThe response accurately explains the assigned patient’s chief complaint. 9 to >6.0 pts FairThe response vaguely and with some inaccuracy explains the assigned patient’s chief complaint. 6 to >0 pts PoorThe response is inaccurate and/or missing an explanation of the assigned patient’s chief complaint.	15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome 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.	20 to >17.0 pts ExcellentThe response clearly, accurately, and in detail Identifies physical exams and diagnostic tests that are most appropriate to gather more information about the patient’s condition; reasoning for the exams/tests is clear, accurate, and detailed. 17 to >14.0 pts GoodThe response accurately Identifies physical exams and diagnostic tests that are most appropriate to gather more information about the patient’s condition; reasoning for the exams/tests is specific and accurate. 14 to >13.0 pts FairThe response vaguely and with some inaccuracy Identifies physical exams and diagnostic tests that are appropriate to gather more information about the patient’s condition; reasoning for the exams/tests is vague and somewhat accurate. 13 to >0 pts PoorThe response is inaccurate and/or missing identification of physical exams and diagnostic tests that are appropriate to gather more information about the patient’s condition; reasoning for the exams/tests is inaccurate or missing.	20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Explain how the results would be used to make a diagnosis.	15 to >12.0 pts ExcellentThe response clearly, accurately, and in detail explains how the results would be used to make a diagnosis. 12 to >9.0 pts GoodThe response accurately explains how the results would be used to make a diagnosis. 9 to >6.0 pts FairThe response vaguely and with some inaccuracy explains how the results would be used to make a diagnosis. 6 to >0 pts PoorThe response explains inaccurately and/or is missing how the results would be used to make a diagnosis.	15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Identify three to five (3–5) possible conditions that may be considered in a differential diagnosis for the patient. Explain your thinking.	35 to >29.0 pts ExcellentThe response clearly, accurately, and in detail identifies four or five possible conditions that may be considered in a differential diagnosis for the patient; with clear, accurate, and detailed reasoning for each possible condition. 29 to >23.0 pts GoodThe response accurately identifies three to five possible conditions that may be considered in a differential diagnosis for the patient; with accurate reasoning for each possible condition. 23 to >17.0 pts FairThe response vaguely and lacking specificity identifies three possible conditions that may be considered in a differential diagnosis for the patient; with vague reasoning for each possible condition. 17 to >0 pts PoorThe response inadequately identifies fewer than three possible conditions that may be considered in a differential diagnosis for the patient; with inadequate or missing reasoning for each possible condition.	35 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome 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 and neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement and introduction are provided that delineate all required criteria.	5 to >4.0 pts ExcellentParagraphs 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. 4 to >3.0 pts GoodParagraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 80% of the time. Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment are stated, yet are brief and not descriptive. 3 to >2.0 pts FairParagraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 60%–79% of the time. Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment are vague or off topic. 2 to >0 pts PoorParagraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity < 60% of the time. No purpose statement, introduction, or conclusion were provided.	5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Written Expression and Formatting: English Writing Standards — Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation	5 to >4.0 pts ExcellentUses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors. 4 to >3.0 pts GoodContains a few (1 or 2) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. 3 to >2.0 pts FairContains several (3 or 4) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. 2 to >0 pts PoorContains many (≥ 5) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding.	5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Written Expression and Formatting: APA 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.	5 to >4.0 pts ExcellentUses correct APA format with no errors. 4 to >3.0 pts GoodContains a few (1 or 2) APA format errors. 3 to >2.0 pts FairContains several (3 or 4) APA format errors. 2 to >0 pts PoorContains many (≥ 5) APA format errors.	5 pts
Total Points: 100

A Sample Answer for the Assignment: NURS 6512 Case Study Assignment: Differential Diagnoses and Diagnostic Testing

Title: NURS 6512 Case Study Assignment: Differential Diagnoses and Diagnostic Testing