A 68-year-old woman presents to the clinic with complaints of bilateral knee pain that has been gradually worsening over the past several years. The pain is described as a deep, aching pain that is worse in the morning and improves with activity. She also reports stiffness in her hands and difficulty with activities of daily living such as opening jars or turning doorknobs.
Prompt:
- Differential Diagnoses: Based on the patient’s presentation, what are the potential differential diagnoses? Prioritize these diagnoses based on the patient’s clinical presentation and risk factors.
- Diagnostic Workup: What diagnostic tests would you order to confirm your diagnosis? Explain the rationale for each test.
- Treatment Plan: Develop a comprehensive treatment plan for the patient, including medical management, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
- Patient Education: What important information should you provide to the patient regarding arthritis, pain management, and joint protection strategies?
For peer response answer this:
- How would your treatment plan change if the patient also complained of morning stiffness lasting more than an hour?
- What red flags would indicate the need for further evaluation, such as imaging studies or referral to a rheumatologist?
A 68-year-old woman presents to the clinic with complaints of bilateral knee pain that has been gradually worsening over the past several years. The pain is described as a deep, aching pain that is worse in the morning and improves with activity. She also reports stiffness in her hands and difficulty with activities of daily living such as opening jars or turning doorknobs.
Prompt:
- Differential Diagnoses:Based on the patient’s presentation, what are the potential differential diagnoses? Prioritize these diagnoses based on the patient’s clinical presentation and risk factors.
- Diagnostic Workup:What diagnostic tests would you order to confirm your diagnosis? Explain the rationale for each test.
- Treatment Plan:Develop a comprehensive treatment plan for the patient, including medical management, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
- Patient Education:What important information should you provide to the patient regarding arthritis, pain management, and joint protection strategies?
For peer response answer this:
- How would your treatment plan change if the patient also complained of morning stiffness lasting more than an hour?
- What red flags would indicate the need for further evaluation, such as imaging studies or referral to a rheumatologist?