Case Study, Diagnosis, Real World Example

Diagnostic Case Study: 12-Year-Old Boy with Sore Throat and Fever

Author Kristina Symes , 10-Oct-2024

The “Diagnostic Case Study: 12-Year-Old Boy with Sore Throat and Fever” lesson plan is designed to engage students in the clinical diagnostic process. This case study highlights the importance of systematic evaluation and the use of diagnostic tools in identifying common yet potentially serious infections in pediatric patients.

 

The primary objective of this lesson is to guide students through the stages of diagnosis by analyzing patient history, physical examination findings, and utilizing tools such as GIDEON’s Probability Engine to arrive at a confident conclusion. Through real-world case study, students are encouraged to think critically about the differential diagnosis and to explore appropriate diagnostic tests and treatments.

 

Key elements of this lesson include discussions on the clinical presentation of sore throat and fever, exploring potential causes such as streptococcal infections, and examining other symptoms that can help narrow the diagnosis. Students are prompted to ask pertinent clinical questions, analyze data, and learn the importance of evidence-based decision-making in patient care.

 

This lesson emphasizes the value of integrating technology, such as GIDEON, into the educational process to simulate real-life medical scenarios. By working through this case, students will develop a deeper understanding of pediatric infections, diagnostic pathways, and the clinical management of common ailments.

About the Lesson Plan

This Lesson Features:

  • Patient Case Overview: A real-world case study of a 12-year-old boy presenting with sore throat and fever, along with physical exam findings such as swollen lymph nodes and exudative tonsillitis.
  • GIDEON Probability Engine: Integration of the GIDEON platform to analyze the patient’s symptoms and demographics, helping students compare diseases and evaluate diagnostic probabilities.
  • Diagnostic Reasoning Questions: A series of analysis questions guiding students to make informed diagnostic decisions, including ranking possible diagnoses and identifying additional tests or symptoms to explore.
  • Clinical Management Discussion: Scenarios prompting students to think about next steps if common diagnoses (such as strep throat) are ruled out, encouraging deeper exploration of patient management strategies.
  • Additional Resources: Links to further reading on strep throat diagnosis and related clinical guidelines for deeper understanding and context.
Author
Kristina Symes