Medical Terminology · Multiple Systems · Medium
Differential
Meaning: A list of possible conditions that could explain a patient's symptoms, to be narrowed down.
In practice: Her differential included appendicitis, ovarian torsion and ectopic pregnancy, so an urgent pelvic ultrasound was requested.
Quick check
Two questions on related medical terminology words.
Which word means: Occurring in an abnormal location, as with bone forming within soft tissues.
Answer: Heterotopic
Which word means: Deformity or stress in which the distal part of a limb is angled away from the midline.
Answer: Valgus
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