Research Paper: Differential Diagnosis of Common Clinical Complaints
Purpose
The goal of this assignment is to help you develop critical thinking skills by exploring how to approach common clinical complaints that nurses frequently encounter. You will examine possible differential diagnoses and discuss how these conditions are evaluated in different care settings.
Assignment Instructions
Choose one (1) of the following common clinical complaints:
- Chest Pain
- Shortness of Breath
- Headache
- Abdominal Pain
- Syncope
- Dizziness/Vertigo
- Fatigue
For the complaint you select:
- Identify three (3) differential diagnoses that could be associated with the complaint.
- For each diagnosis, discuss the clinical approach in different care settings (for example: emergency department, inpatient unit, outpatient/primary care, urgent care, telemetry).
- Support your paper with at least three peer-reviewed research studies published within the last five (5) years. At least one clinical practice guideline may also be used.
- Format your paper in APA 7th edition style, including:
- Title Page
- Introduction (overview of the complaint and importance of differential diagnosis)
- Body (organized into sections for each differential diagnosis and clinical setting discussion)
- Conclusion (summarize key points and clinical implications)
- References Page
Paper Requirements
- Length: minimum 6 pages (not including title and references).
- Turnitin Similarity Index: Preferred ≤20%, not acceptable if >30%. References are excluded from this percentage.
- Writing must be clear, organized, and professional.
- Grading Rubric (100 points total)
Criteria Exemplary (100) Content & Clinical Accuracy (40 pts) Thorough and accurate discussion of complaint and three differential diagnoses; strong clinical reasoning. Use of Evidence (25 pts) At least 3 current, high-quality research articles integrated effectively; guidelines included as appropriate. Organization & Clarity (20 pts) Excellent flow, well-structured sections, professional writing. APA Formatting (10 pts) Flawless APA 7th edition formatting. Professionalism (5 pts) Academic tone maintained, originality upheld.