Differential Diagnoses for a 31 y/o Female Patient
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Thyroid Storm: The patient's symptoms of shortness of breath, palpitations, diarrhea, nausea, shaking, and disorientation, combined with the fact that she is taking Levothyroxine, suggest a possible thyroid storm. This condition occurs when there is an excessive amount of thyroid hormone in the body, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Asthma Exacerbation: The patient's symptoms of shortness of breath, wheezing, and use of albuterol sulfate suggest an asthma exacerbation. The presence of heart palpitations and nausea could be related to the asthma exacerbation or the use of bronchodilators.
- Anxiety Disorder: The patient's symptoms of disorientation, shaking, and palpitations could be indicative of an anxiety disorder, such as a panic attack. The gastrointestinal symptoms of nausea, diarrhea, and bloating could also be related to anxiety.
- Adrenal Insufficiency: The patient's use of prednisone and symptoms of nausea, diarrhea, and disorientation could suggest adrenal insufficiency, particularly if the patient has been taking prednisone for an extended period.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism: Although the patient's symptoms do not strongly suggest a pulmonary embolism, it is a potentially life-threatening condition that should not be missed. The patient's shortness of breath and palpitations could be indicative of a pulmonary embolism.
- Cardiac Arrhythmia: The patient's symptoms of palpitations and shortness of breath could be indicative of a cardiac arrhythmia, which could be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Septic Shock: The patient's symptoms of disorientation, nausea, diarrhea, and shaking could be indicative of septic shock, particularly if the patient has an underlying infection.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pheochromocytoma: The patient's symptoms of palpitations, shaking, and disorientation could be indicative of a pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause excessive production of catecholamines.
- Addisonian Crisis: The patient's use of prednisone and symptoms of nausea, diarrhea, and disorientation could suggest an Addisonian crisis, a rare but life-threatening condition that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol.