General Information about the Disease/Condition In this section you will discuss

General Information about the Disease/Condition
In this section you will discuss and provide general information about the diagnosis you have been assigned. The following areas should be addressed in this section:
A. Etiology/Onset – Discuss the causes and underlying pathophysiology of the disease/condition, describe typical onset (e.g. gradual, sudden, age, gender) of the disease/condition. If genetic, what genes are suspected, if occupational what are the offending agents. If viral what organisms and their mechanism. What is the mechanism of the disease process?
B. Typical Presentation/Course – Describe typical signs and symptoms of the disease/condition as well as its progression.
C. Diagnostic Tests – Identify and describe the specific tests used to determine diagnosis and how they vary from the normal. If imagining studies are done, what is considered an abnormal finding?
D. Risk Factors – Indicate any factors that may make it more likely for someone to get the disease.
E. Medical Treatment – Briefly indicate general course of medical treatment for the
disease/condition. Include information on specific medications typically described for the diagnosis and potential side-effects of any of the treatment interventions.
F. Precautions – Based on your knowledge about the disease/condition, what specific precautions would you need to be aware of and adhere to when working with this patient (e.g. avoid over fatigue, monitor blood pressure, SOB, restricted ROM etc.)? What specific therapies might you employ?