I’m working on a nursing question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.
THEME FOR THE WEEK: DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
Case study:
You are working in an ER and your next patient to see is a 47 year old female who began having trouble breathing 3 days ago. She felt like it has gotten a little worse today. It is worse when she lays back, and when she tries to take a deep breath, although she feels like it is hard to breathe in general. She denies chest pain, but does have some discomfort in her chest and radiating to the back. She denies any recent weight loss or gain. She is adopted so is uncertain whether she has any family history of medical problems. She smoked for 20 years, 1/2 pack per day, and quit 4 years ago when she got remarried. She did notice a slight headache yesterday, that is worse today. She noticed a little cough today as well with some sputum production. She was started one week ago on two new medications lisinopril and atorvastatin. She has a past medical history of GERD, depression, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. Her vitals and medications are listed below.
Vitals: P-113, RR-18, BP-113/83, O2-91% on room air, Temp-37.9, Weight 89.4kg, Height 66 inches.
Omeprazole 20mg PO Daily
Sertraline 100mg PO Daily
Chlorthalidone 25mg PO Daily
Atorvastatin 40mg PO Daily
Lisinopril 10mg PO Daily
Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone 1 tablet PO Daily
Post in paragraph form your top four differential diagnosis and why you believe that is a likely diagnosis? You should have four paragraphs, one for each diagnosis.