Symptom Patterns
Patient has headache + sensitivity to light + nausea.
What condition is MOST likely?
Migraine
Chest pain is not always a heart attack. Name one alternative cause.
GERD / anxiety / muscle strain
BP: 118/76
How would you classify this?
Normal
Patient has mild stomach pain. What is your first step?
Ask questions (history)
A patient suddenly becomes very difficult to wake and does not respond normally.
What is the main concern?
Consciousness
Patient has burning chest discomfort after meals that improves when sitting upright.
What is the most likely cause?
GERD (acid reflux)
Shortness of breath could be caused by asthma. Name another possible cause.
Anxiety / infection / heart issue
Pulse: 110 + dizziness + dry mouth
What does this suggest?
Dehydration
Patient has burning urination. What should you do next?
Gather more info / ask questions / document
Shortness of breath + difficulty speaking full sentences
Red flag or not?
Red flag
Patient has fatigue + pale appearance + shortness of breath on exertion.
What condition should you consider?
Anemia
A patient with fatigue may NOT just be “tired.” Name another possible explanation.
Anemia / diabetes / infection
BP: 152/94
Why is this concerning but not immediately emergent?
Elevated BP → needs follow-up but not crisis
Patient has high glucose but feels okay. What should you do?
Flag to provider
A patient suddenly loses consciousness during the visit.
What is your main concern?
Emergency
Patient has sudden severe one-sided back pain, cannot sit still, pain comes in waves.
What is the most likely cause?
Kidney stone
A patient presents with headache + dizziness. Why should you avoid assuming it’s just stress?
Could indicate serious issue (high BP, neurological problem, etc.)
Glucose: 280 + fatigue
What does this pattern suggest?
Diabetes
Patient has chest pain but is calm and talking. What is your next step?
Still escalate / assess immediately (don’t ignore)
A patient has chest discomfort along with sweating and nausea.
What makes this situation more concerning?
Multiple symptoms
A patient feels shaky, sweaty, and weak, especially after not eating for a long time.
What condition should you consider?
Low blood sugar
A patient presents with chest pain that worsens when pressing on the chest and improves with rest.
Why is this LESS likely to be a heart issue?
Pain reproducible with touch suggests a musculoskeletal cause, not cardiac
BP: 185/120 + headache
What is the level of concern?
Hypertensive crisis → immediate escalation
A patient reports symptoms that could indicate a serious condition, but their vitals appear normal.
What is the best next step?
Do NOT rely on vitals alone → escalate to provider based on symptoms
Two patients report similar symptoms, but one appears calm while the other looks visibly unwell (pale, sweaty, weak).
Which factor should guide urgency?
Appearance