Scenario \/ Case Stem (to assign to students)<\/strong> Example scenario (for reference)<\/strong> \u201cI get this every spring and it seems to last six to eight weeks.\u201d You may adapt<\/strong> patient initials, age, sex, or minor features for your assigned version but maintain the core allergic \/ rhinitis context.<\/p>\n Your submission must include:<\/p>\n SOAP Note (episodic \/ focused):<\/strong><\/p>\n Patient Information (initials, age, sex, race)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n S \u2014 Subjective<\/p>\n Chief Complaint (in patient\u2019s own words)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n HPI using LOCATES<\/strong> mnemonic (in narrative paragraph form, not bullet points)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Current Medications, Allergies, Past Medical History, Social History, Family History<\/p>\n<\/li>\n ROS (Review of Systems) section (bulleted for relevant systems)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n O \u2014 Objective \/ Physical Exam (only pertinent systems, head \u2192 toe order)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Diagnostic results \/ Tests<\/strong> (planned, pending, or to order)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n A \u2014 Assessment \/ Differential Diagnoses (list at least 4\u20135 possible conditions, rank primary)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n P \u2014 (optional \/ brief) Plan or recommended next steps (if required)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n Diagnostic Tests & Rationale<\/strong><\/p>\n For each major suspected condition, propose one or more relevant diagnostic tests (labs, imaging, provocation tests, etc.).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Support each proposed test with evidence or guideline(s) (cite peer-reviewed literature or clinical guidelines).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Briefly note limitations or risks of the chosen test(s).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n Differential Diagnoses Discussion<\/strong><\/p>\n List at least five<\/strong> plausible alternative diagnoses (beyond the primary).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n For each, provide rationale (based on history, exam, epidemiology) for inclusion (and how you would distinguish).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Indicate why your primary (or presumptive) diagnosis is most likely.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n Formatting & References<\/strong><\/p>\n Use APA 7th edition<\/strong> formatting for citations and reference list.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Include at least three<\/strong> peer-reviewed journal articles or evidence-based guidelines (2019\u20132025) to support diagnostic test selection and differential diagnosis rationale.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Your write-up should be clear, concise, and professional.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n Length & Submission<\/strong><\/p>\n 4\u20136 pages (double spaced, excluding title page and References)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Submit as PDF or Word via learning management system<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n Grading Criteria<\/strong> (rubric highlights)<\/p>\n Accuracy and completeness of HPI \/ LOCATES narrative<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Appropriateness of physical exam findings<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Suitability and evidence support for diagnostic tests<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Depth, logic, and plausibility of differential diagnoses<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Use of up-to-date literature and correct APA citation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Clarity, organization, professional presentation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n You might receive a variation such as:<\/p>\n A 35-year-old male complains of nasal congestion, clear rhinorrhea, episodic sneezing, and itchy eyes lasting ~10 days. He notes similar symptoms every spring. He uses over-the-counter loratadine \u201csometimes\u201d with moderate relief. On exam: nasal mucosa pale, turbinates enlarged, mild conjunctival injection; lungs clear; throat unremarkable.<\/p>\n Using the episodic SOAP template, develop the note, propose and justify diagnostic testing, list differential diagnoses, and indicate your most likely diagnosis with reasoning.<\/p>\n Ellis, A. K., Waserman, S., Carr, S., Amin, R., Desrosiers, M., Fischer, D., Lee, J. K., Lemech, C., Sussman, G., Yang, W., Vander Leek, T. K., Warrington, R., Wong, T., & Kim, H. (2024). Focused allergic rhinitis practice parameter for Canada. Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, 20<\/em>(1), 35. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s13223-024-00899-3<\/a><\/p>\n Korean Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology (KAAACI). (2023). KAAACI allergic rhinitis guidelines: Part 1. Update on diagnosis and pharmacotherapy. Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research, 15<\/em>(2), 123\u2013142. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4168\/aair.2023.15.2.123<\/a><\/p>\n Pawankar, R., Holgate, S. T., & Canonica, G. W. (2023). Assessment and management of allergic rhinitis: A review and synthesis of new international guidelines. Journal of Global Health, 13<\/em>, 02011. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/jgf2.720<\/a><\/p>\n Schatz, M., Wallace, D. V., Bernstein, J. A., Blessing-Moore, J., Cox, L., Khan, D. A., Lang, D. M., Portnoy, J. M., Randolph, C., & Leatherman, B. (2020). Rhinitis 2020: A practice parameter update. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 146<\/em>(4), 721\u2013767. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jaci.2020.07.007<\/a><\/p>\n
You will be given a brief clinical scenario (similar in structure to the example below). You are to produce an episodic \/ focused SOAP<\/strong> note (using the provided \u201cEpisodic\/Focused SOAP Note Template\u201d), plus a differential diagnosis discussion and rationale, and evidence-based support for diagnostic testing and decision making.<\/p>\n
A 28-year-old female presents with a 9-day history of runny nose, itchy eyes, and fullness in the ears. She states:<\/p>\n\n
She describes clear nasal discharge, intermittent sneezing, intense ocular itching, occasional throat tickle, and ear fullness with popping. Last year she used Claritin which provided relief. On exam, she is alert and oriented; nasal mucosa appears pale and boggy with clear secretions and enlarged turbinates obstructing airflow, lungs are clear, tonsils are non-enlarged, throat is mildly erythematous.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
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\nSample\u00a0 Case Brief That You Might Be Assigned<\/h2>\n
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References<\/h3>\n