Discussion: Diagnosis and Management of Musculoskeletal and Neurologic Disorders
Case Study 1:
HPI: Clay is a 7-year-old male who presents in your office with complaints of right thigh pain and a limp. The pain began approximately 1 week ago and has progressively worsened. There is no history of trauma.
PE: Pleasant Caucasian boy, in mild distress. VS and growth pattern stable.
MS: flexion and internal rotation of the right hip and limited abduction of the right hip. Limb lengths are equal.
To prepare:
Review “Neurologic Disorders” and “Musculoskeletal Disorders” in the Burns et al. text.
Review and select one of the three provided case studies. Analyze the patient information.
Consider a differential diagnosis for the patient in the case study you selected. Think about the most likely diagnosis for the patient.
Think about a treatment and management plan for the patient. Be sure to consider appropriate dosages for any recommended pharmacologic and/or non-pharmacologic treatments.
Consider strategies for educating patients and families on the treatment and management of the musculoskeletal or neurologic disorder.
By Day 3
Post an analysis of your assigned case by responding to the following:
What additional questions will you ask?
Has the case addressed the LOCATES mnemonic? If not, what else do you need to ask? What additional history will you need? (Think FMH, allergies, meds and so forth, that might be pertinent in arriving to your differential diagnoses).
What additional examinations or diagnostic tests, if any will you conduct?
What are your differential diagnoses? What historical and physical exam features support your rationales? Provide at least 3 differentials.
What is your most likely diagnosis and why?
How will you treat this child?
Provide medication treatment and symptomatic care.
Provide correct medication dosage. Use the knowledge you learned from this week\’s and previous weeks\’ readings as well as what you have learned from pharmacology to help you with this area.
Patient Education, Health Promotion & Anticipatory guidance:
Explain strategies for educating parents on their child’s disorder and reducing any concerns/fears presented in the case study.
Include any socio-cultural barriers that might impact the treatment and management plans.
Health Promotion:
What immunizations should this child have had?
Based on the child’s age, when is the next well visit?
At the next well visit, what are the next set of immunizations?
What additional anticipatory guidance should be provided today?
