Differential Diagnosis, Clinical Reasoning and Special Tests

Course Description:

This course is derived from the textbook by Jeffrey Placzek, MD, PT and David Boyce, PT, EdD, OCS.  This textbook is part of the popular Secrets series.  It presents physical therapy concepts and then introduces different healing modalities, specialties and orthopedic procedures typically prescribed for common injuries such as shoulders and extremities.  Common diseases are included as well as more innovative diagnostic tools for physical therapists such as radiology.  The text features concise information that includes tips, and memory “secrets”.  Bulleted lists, algorithms and illustrations provide a quick review of the specific topics discussed.  The information is interesting, entirely evidence-based, outcome based and up-to-date.     

This course covers chapters 23 and 24. 
Chapter 23: Differential Diagnosis and Clinical Reasoning
Chapter 24: Special Tests for Medical Screening 

Methods of Instruction:

Online course available via internet 

Target Audience:

Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapist Assistants and Athletic Trainers 

Educational Level:

Intermediate 

Prerequisites:

None 

Course Goals and Objectives:

At the completion of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Recognize and differentiate between somatic disorders
2. Identify "red flags" that typically require physician referral and further investigation
3. Recognize pain referral patterns associated with myocardial infarction
4. Differentiate between common musculoskeletal disorders that mimic pulmonary pain patterns
5. Describe the difference between a dysvascular foot ulcer and a neuropathic foot ulcer
6. Recognize hepatic and biliary "red flags"
7. Identify common pathologies and their pain referral sites
8. Identify abdominal organs by quadrant
9. Recognize Alvarado's score and its subsequent diagnostic utility
10. Differentiate between major and minor criteria for Framingham heart failure 

Criteria for Obtaining Continuing Education Credits:

A score of 70% or greater on the post-test