Assignment 1 Lab: Differential Diagnosis For Skin ✓ Solved

Assignment 1 Lab Assignment Differential Diagnosis For Skin Conditio

Properly identifying the cause and type of a patient’s skin condition involves a process of elimination known as differential diagnosis. Using this process, a health professional can take a given set of physical abnormalities, vital signs, health assessment findings, and patient descriptions of symptoms, and incrementally narrow them down until one diagnosis is determined as the most likely cause. In this Lab Assignment, you will examine several visual representations of various skin conditions, describe your observations, and use the techniques of differential diagnosis to determine the most likely condition.

Choose one skin condition graphic (identify by number in your Chief Complaint) to document your assignment in the SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan) note format rather than the traditional narrative style. Use clinical terminologies to explain the physical characteristics featured in the graphic. Formulate a differential diagnosis of three to five possible conditions for the skin graphic that you chose. Determine which is most likely to be the correct diagnosis and explain your reasoning using at least three different references, one from current evidence-based literature and two from the provided learning resources.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The process of differential diagnosis is a systematic approach used by healthcare professionals to identify the most probable skin condition based on visual assessment, patient history, and physical examination findings. This paper examines a selected skin condition graphic, employs clinical terminologies, formulates differential diagnoses, and justifies the most likely condition using current evidence and authoritative resources.

Observation and Description of Skin Condition

The selected graphic depicts a well-demarcated, erythematous, hyperkeratotic plaque with silvery scales on the extensor surface of the elbow. Clinically, the lesion appears raised, with distinct borders, and exhibits visible scaling. The skin surrounding the lesion is unaffected, indicating localized involvement. The lesion's appearance suggests a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder with characteristic scaling and plaque formation.

Differential Diagnosis

1. Psoriasis Vulgaris

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by well-demarcated, erythematous plaques with silvery-white scales. The lesion location on extensor surfaces and the presence of scaling strongly suggest psoriasis. The pathology involves hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and immune dysregulation (Ball et al., 2019).

2. Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis can produce scaly, erythematous patches, often with greasy scales. However, it typically affects sebaceous areas like the scalp, face, and chest. The lesion's location and presentation less align with seborrheic dermatitis but remain a differential consideration (Dains et al., 2019).

3. Tinea Corporis (Ringworm)

Fungal infection presenting as circular, scaly, erythematous patches with central clearing. The lack of central clearing and the chronicity of the lesion make tinea corporis less likely, though it should be considered, especially if the lesion has an advancing border (Colyar, 2015).

4. Lichen Planus

Lichen planus features planar, polygonal, violaceous papules with fine scales. The characteristic purple color and polygonal shape help distinguish it, but the description does not specify these features, thus lower in likelihood.

Most Likely Diagnosis and Justification

The clinical features—well-demarcated, erythematous, scaly plaques on extensor surfaces—most align with psoriasis vulgaris. The chronicity, scaling, and localization support this diagnosis. Evidence-based literature emphasizes that psoriasis frequently affects extensor surfaces and presents with silvery scales and plaque formation (Ball et al., 2019). Furthermore, the absence of greasy scales or central clearing further excludes seborrheic dermatitis and tinea corporis, respectively.

Conclusion

After examining the visual features and considering differential diagnoses, psoriasis vulgaris emerges as the most probable skin condition in the selected graphic. Employing clinical terminology and current literature ensures accurate diagnosis, facilitating appropriate treatment planning.

References

  • Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., Flynn, J. A., Solomon, B. S., & Stewart, R. W. (2019). Seidel's guide to physical examination: An interprofessional approach (9th ed.). Elsevier Mosby.
  • Colyar, M. R. (2015). Advanced practice nursing procedures. F. A. Davis.
  • Dains, J. E., Baumann, L. C., & Scheibel, P. (2019). Advanced health assessment and clinical diagnosis in primary care (6th ed.). Elsevier Mosby.
  • Frey, C. [Chris Frey]. (2015). Student orientation [Video file].
  • Seidel, J. W. et al. (2019). Guides to physical examination: Skin, hair, and nails. Elsevier Mosby.
  • Sullivan, D. D. (2019). Guide to clinical documentation. F. A. Davis.
  • VisualDx. (n.d.). Clinical decision support. Retrieved from https://www.visualdx.com
  • LeBlond, R. F., Brown, D. D., & DeGowin, R. L. (2014). DeGowin’s diagnostic examination (10th ed.). McGraw Hill Medical.
  • Ethicon, Inc. (2006). Dermabond topical skin adhesive application technique.
  • Ethicon, Inc. (n.d.). Suturing tutorials and wound management procedures.