AACN advanced critical care
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Depending on the causative agent, the differential diagnosis for acute nontraumatic weakness presentation can range from life threatening to trivial. Practitioners' comfort and experience with the rapid identification and evaluation of presenting neurological deficits vary widely. Given this fact and the reality that neurological presentation of weakness is common, the potential for missed diagnosis increases. To enhance knowledge of potentially life-threatening or morbidity-inducing complications, this article provides a systematic framework for physical and diagnostic evaluation of the most common differentials for acute causes of nontraumatic weakness.
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Acute abdominal pain represents the cardinal symptom of a large number of intra-abdominal pathologies. Because of multiple organ systems, varied pathology from life threatening to benign, and differences in presentation related to sex and age, identifying a final diagnosis is a challenge. ⋯ By developing a systematic approach to evaluating patients with abdominal pain, clinicians can generate a differential diagnosis to ensure appropriate treatment and improved patient outcomes. The purpose of this article is to provide clinicians with a framework for evaluating the complaint of acute abdominal pain and recognizing patients who require expedited evaluation.