In this activity, you were asked to choose the most appropriate, cost effective, least invasive diagnostic tests to order to help rule in or rule out a diagnosis.
Review the list of appropriate tests below. Correct selections have been marked with a , while selections you missed have been marked with a . Tanner Bailey Introduction to Advanced Diagnostics Shadow health Test Selection
Selected Test | Student Rationale | Model Rationale |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 Nasopharyngeal Qualitative PCR
|
cough, fever, fatigue, sore throat, loss of appetite | Currently, the rapid COVID-19 Nasopharyngeal Qualitative PCR is a more accurate testing option appropriate for Tanner’s presentation. It is usually available exclusively at hospitals, medical offices, and departments of health. While it is available at the Shadowville clinic, it may not be available at all clinics, so you should be prepared to consider other kinds of tests such as the COVID-19 nasal swab that requires 24-72 hours in order to receive results. This a rapidly changing clinical situation, but this selection is up to date according to the CDC’s Test for Current Infection COVID-19 guidelines as of July 2020. |
Rapid Influenza Test
|
cough, fatigue, fever | The selection of this diagnostic test for detecting Group A or B Influenza is supported by the patient’s acute respiratory condition, their medical history, and the list of differential diagnoses. The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends testing for Influenza if the clinical features resemble “nonspecific respiratory illness (eg, cough without fever)” or “acute onset of respiratory symptoms with or without fever.” |
Rapid Strep Test
|
cough, fever, fatigue | According to the “Infectious Diseases Society of America Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis” (2012), in the absence of viral signs and symptoms, clinical examinations are not reliable enough to differentiate between viral pharyngitis and streptococcal pharyngitis, which may require different treatment plans or clinical management. The selection of this diagnostic test for detecting Group A Streptococcus bacteria with a throat swab is supported by the patient’s condition, their medical history, and the list of differential diagnoses. Tanner Bailey Introduction to Advanced Diagnostics Shadow health Test Selection |