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Group Members: Elizabeth Johnson, Zach Maynard, Zac Spangler, Jacob Wentworth
1) What signs does the patient have?
Swelling of nasal cavity, narrowing of nasal passages and erythema of the pharynx, dry cough
2) What symptoms does the patient have?
Headaches, sore throat, tiredness.
3) Was there any other key information (besides signs and symptoms) given in the patients
history?
The patient has no key information in her history.
4) What structures are affected? What helped you to make this decision?
The pharynx and the nasal cavity are affected because of the redness and swelling so it may
not be able to allow as much air flow.
5) For each structure you listed above, name its normal function and then describe how it could
be affected in this patient.
Pharynx if suppose to act as a passageway for air
The nasal cavity is supposed to allow air to flow through, humidify, trap the dust.
6) What diagnostic tests or information (if any) did you need to help solve your case? For each
requested test or information:
a) Explain what the test/information is. No test
b) Explain why you think you need this test/information. No Test
c) Discuss what results you expect and what this will tell you about the patient. No Test
7) List your rule-outs.
We ruled out any lower respiratory infections/diseases because her sinuses were affected. Also,
we ruled out any obvious diseases that had nothing to do with her symptoms, like any physical
extremity damage.
8) What is your diagnosis? Explain why you chose this diagnosis instead of the other rule-outs
on your list.
We diagnosed the patient with a common cold. She has all of the symptoms of the common
cold: slight fever, congested sinuses, sore throat, headache, tiredness. We ruled out what we
had originally thought to be a sinus infection because there was only mild inflammation in the
nasal cavity, which would have been very inflamed with more than usual amount of white blood
cells.
9) What are your recommendations for treatment and/or management? Explain your reasoning
behind each recommendation.
I would recommend any over-the-counter medicine to attack each symptom. A decongestant for
the congested sinuses, throat lossanges for the sore throat, ibuprofen for the headaches, and
lots of rest. Since the common cold is viral, antibiotics would not help.
10) What would happen if this patient were not treated for this problem?
The common cold runs its course in about 10 days for adults, but there would be no relief, if not
worsening of the symptoms. If the symptoms were medicated to a point where they were
tolerable, then the patient would be a lot more comfortable while the virus goes through its
course.