1. What are the three main components of a differential diagnosis? Explain each component briefly and give an example of how it can be applied in acute care settings. Answer: The three main components of a differential diagnosis are: a) the problem list, which is a summary of the patient's chief complaints, history, physical examination findings, and laboratory results; b) the differential diagnosis list, which is a ranked list of possible diagnoses that can explain the patient's problem list; and c) the diagnostic plan, which is a set of tests, procedures, or interventions that can confirm or rule out the diagnoses on the differential diagnosis list. For example, in acute care settings, a patient who presents with chest pain, dyspnea, and diaphoresis may have a problem list that includes acute coronary syndrome, pulmonary embolism, or anxiety disorder. The differential diagnosis list may rank these diagnoses based on their likelihood and severity, and the diagnostic plan may include an electrocardiogram, a chest X-ray, and a D-dimer test. 2. What are some common sources of diagnostic errors in acute care settings? How can they be prevented or minimized? - Answer: Some common sources of diagnostic errors in acute care settings are: a) cognitive biases, such as anchoring, confirmation, or availability bias, which can lead to premature closure or misinterpretation of data; b) communication breakdowns, such as incomplete handoffs, poor documentation, or lack of feedback, which can result in missed or delayed information; and c) system factors, such as workload, time pressure, or resource limitations, which can affect the quality and safety of care. To prevent or minimize these errors, some strategies are: a) using structured tools and checklists to guide the diagnostic process and avoid cognitive pitfalls; b) ensuring clear and effective communication among the health care team members and with the patient and family; and c) implementing system-level interventions to reduce diagnostic delays, improve access to diagnostic tests, and enhance clinical decision support. 3. What are some key principles of evidence-based practice in differential diagnosis? How can they be applied in acute care settings? - Answer: Some key principles of evidence-based practice in differential diagnosis are: a) using the best available evidence from high-quality research studies to inform the diagnostic process; b) applying clinical judgment and expertise to interpret and apply the evidence to the individual patient's context and preferences; and c) involving the patient and family in shared decision making and informed consent. To apply these principles in acute care settings, some steps are: a) conducting a focused literature search to find relevant and reliable sources of evidence on the differential diagnosis of the patient's problem; b) critically appraising the evidence for its validity, relevance, and applicability to the patient's situation; and c) discussing the evidence with the patient and family and