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Midterm Exam: NR 576 / NR576
( Update 2025 / 2026) Differential Diagnosis in Adult- Gerontology Primary Care Questions & Answers - Chamberlain
Question:
Differential Diagnoses for Sore Throat
Answer:
Viral pharyngitis - most common; cough, rhinorrhea, conjunctivitis suggest viral cause; Group A Streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis - fever, tonsillar exudates, tender anterior cervical lymphadenopathy, absence of cough; Mononucleosis (EBV) - sore throat, fever, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly; Peritonsillar abscess - unilateral sore throat, uvular deviation, "hot potato" voice, trismus.
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Question:
Diagnostic Testing for Sore Throat
Answer:
Rapid Antigen Detection Test (RADT): Used for GAS pharyngitis; high
specificity, variable sensitivity; throat culture: Gold standard, used if RADT is
negative but suspicion remains; Monospot test: For suspected
mononucleosis; CBC with differential: May show lymphocytosis in viral
infections, atypical lymphocytes in EBV.
Question:
Pharmacologic Management of Pharyngitis
Answer:
GAS pharyngitis: Penicillin V or Amoxicillin = first-line; alternatives: Azithromycin, Clarithromycin, or Clindamycin for penicillin-allergic patients; viral pharyngitis: supportive (analgesics, antipyretics, hydration); adjuncts: NSAIDs for pain, throat lozenges.
Question:
Management of Peritonsillar Abscess
Answer:
Diagnosis: Clinical—severe sore throat, uvula deviation, muffled voice.
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Question:
Peritonsillar Abscess
Answer:
Diagnosis: Clinical—severe sore throat, uvula deviation, muffled voice.
Question:
Peritonsillar Abscess Treatment
Answer:
Needle aspiration or incision and drainage. Broad-spectrum antibiotics covering Streptococcus pyogenes and anaerobes (e.g., ampicillin-sulbactam, clindamycin). Hospitalization if airway compromise is suspected.
Question:
Allergic Rhinitis
Answer:
Sneezing, nasal congestion, clear rhinorrhea, itchy eyes; often seasonal or perennial.
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Question:
Vasomotor Rhinitis
Answer:
Nonallergic, triggered by irritants (smoke, perfumes, temperature changes).
Question:
Infectious Rhinitis
Answer:
Viral (common cold) with clear → purulent discharge.
Question:
Rhinitis Medicamentosa
Answer:
Rebound congestion from overuse of topical decongestants.
Question:
Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis (ABRS)
Answer:
Symptoms >10 days without improvement or 'double worsening.' Purulent nasal discharge, nasal congestion, facial/sinus pain, fever.
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