Define the concept of differential diagnosis and explain how the concept applies to R.K.'s symptoms
What would be an ideal response?
Differential diagnosis is the medical process of discovering which of a number of possible diseases
or conditions is responsible for the symptoms the patient has. The clinical process of making a
differential diagnosis involves a systematic comparison and contrast of clinical findings. Tests
are done to differentiate and eliminate (as in a process of elimination). In this case, it means to
distinguish R.K.'s symptoms as cardiac versus noncardiac.
R.K.'s symptoms could come from several sources, some serious and life-threatening, some
less significant. By performing a careful assessment and a series of diagnostic tests, the physician
can rule out what the diagnosis is not by a process of elimination. After the physician narrows the
possibilities, the diagnosis usually is whatever is left.
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