Combination of processes and strategies in determining the differential diagnosis

Combination of processes and strategies in determining the differential diagnosis

Using a combination of processes and strategies in determining the differential diagnosis will improve efficiencies, timeliness, patient safety, and treatment effectiveness. The APRN shall perform a physical examination, produce a list of possible interim differential diagnoses, conduct diagnostic tests, and/or refer to specialty providers. There are benefits to performing the physical examination and obtaining a health history. These activities will generate a more comprehensive list of symptoms and physical findings. In urgent situations, this may not be feasible and counterproductive in life threatening situations. The test results will help to confirm provisional differential diagnoses and possibly uncover conditions that were not previously considered. Diagnostic tests and interventions require time, access, money, and insurance coverage, and in some cases pose health risks to the patient.