Author Description

This text offers students, residents, and practitioners a systematic approach to differential diagnosis of symptoms and signs seen by primary care physicians. The text is organized by symptoms and signs and into categories--pain, mass, bloody discharge, non-bloody discharge, functional changes, and abnormal laboratory results--and shows readers how to use their basic science knowledge to identify the possible causes of each symptom. The text provides information on the procedures and laboratory tests that need to be included in the workup. Features Include: Case presentations in quiz format. New Appendix C which includes Tips for a more Comprehensive History and Physical Examination and Special Examination Techniques for Common Symptoms. New section "Diseases within a Disease" (Stroke, Pneumonia, CHF, COPD, Cirrhosis, Peptic Ulcer, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Pericarditis, Myocardopathy, UTI, Renal Calculus, Gall Stones, Hemorrhoids, Thrombophlebitis, Malabsorption Syndrome, Fractures, Diabetes). Newer diagnostic tests such as Troponin for MI's and D-Dimer for Pulmonary Emboli.