You will develop and submit a comprehensive, evidence-based case study analyzing a complex patient presentation. This assignment demonstrates your ability to collect and synthesize clinical data, formulate accurate

Faculty: Leonardo Trobajo Lobayna, DNP, ARNP-BC

Course: Diagnosis, Symptom, and Illness Management

Title: Comprehensive Case Study – Diagnostic and Treatment Management Plan

Purpose and Learning Outcomes:

This signature assignment aligns with the following course and program outcomes:

•        Demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning in diagnosing acute and chronic illness

•        Develop evidence-based management plans

•        Integrate social determinants of health and cultural competence into care •        Apply current guidelines to clinical decision-making

Assignment Overview:

You will develop and submit a comprehensive, evidence-based case study analyzing a complex patient presentation. This assignment demonstrates your ability to collect and synthesize clinical data, formulate accurate differential diagnoses, and implement a patient-centered treatment plan grounded in current practice guidelines.

Case Study Requirements:

1.   Patient Scenario (Real or Simulated):

•        Age, sex, race/ethnicity

•        Chief complaint (CC)

•        History of Present Illness (HPI)

•        Past Medical History (PMH)

•        Family History (FH)

•        Social History (SH)

•        Review of Systems (ROS) • Physical Examination Findings (PE)

2.   Differential Diagnosis:

•        List at least 3 differential diagnoses

•        Justify each differential using: o Presenting signs/symptoms o Pathophysiology o       Risk factors o Diagnostic criteria

3.   Final Diagnosis:

•        Identify the most likely diagnosis

•        Explain the rationale

•        Cite at least two current evidence-based guidelines or scholarly sources

4.   Diagnostic Workup Plan:

•        Labs, imaging, or additional testing

•        Provide rationale for each

•        5. Treatment & Management Plan:

•        Non-pharmacologic interventions

•        Patient education

•        Follow-up and referrals, if needed

•        6. Cultural, Ethical, or Socioeconomic Considerations:

•        Address any relevant patient-specific factors that influence care

•        7. Evaluation of Outcomes:

•        How will you measure the effectiveness of your treatment plan?

•        Short- and long-term follow-up goals

 Formatting Guidelines:

•        APA 7th edition formatting

•        4-6 pages (excluding title and reference pages)

•        Minimum of 3 peer-reviewed or clinical guideline references (within 5 years) •          Use headings for organization (MRU School)

 Grading Rubric Highlights:

 

•	Criteria	•	Points
•	History and Clinical Data	•	20
•	Differential Diagnosis	•	35
•	Final Diagnosis Justification	•	20
•	Management Plan (Rx + Non-Rx)	•	10
•	Cultural/Patient-Centered Care	•	5
•	Use of Evidence & Guidelines	•	5
•	Organization, APA, Grammar	•	5
	Total	•	100