50-yr old female presents with itchiness and soreness to her left side and upper back. Reports she’s been gardening and believes it may be a spider bite. Felt irritation 3 days ago and intermittent itching. She took OTC Benadryl without benefit. Today she presents with intermittent shooting pain and tingling sensations.
- What may be the underlying cause (pathophysiology) in this case?
- What is your patient’s physical assessment priority?
- Based on your physical assessment findings, what are your top 3 differential diagnoses? Include a rationale for each differential.
- What diagnostic testing, if any, would you use for the most likely primary diagnosis?
- Using evidence-based guidelines- what would your initial plan of care be for your patient?
- Discuss patient education and follow-up care.