How to Diagnose an Illness

"Misdiagnoses can cost lives" warns U.S. News and World Report. The evaluation of a patient begins with using your sight.The patient's physical appearance and reactions are major indicators of his or her condition. Investigate the patient's complaints of discomfort using careful observation and focused examination. Make a diagnosis based on your conclusions.

Instructions

Examine, Anayze, and Diagnose

• 1

  Conduct an Interview

  Interview the patient and determine what complaints about health have led him or her to seek treatment. Obtain information including patient allergies, chronic conditions, prescribed medications, history of illnesses, and history of alcohol or tobacco use.

• 2

  Physically Examine the Patient

  Perform a physical examination. The patient's "chief complaint" determines which area or body system will be examined, according to Clinical Medical Competency Handout. The order of the examination is determined by the patient's specific complaint.

• 3

  Analyze the Lab Results

  Consider which illnesses could cause your patient's symptoms, then narrow your choices in a process called the differential diagnosis.Order any lab tests that aid in narrowing the choices.Combine the lab test and examination results to determine the diagnosis.