Margaret Wilson Advanced DDx Case Study 2026 | Shortness
of Breath Diagnostic Reasoning and Treatment Plan
Comprehensive Clinical Case Study
1. Patient Demographics & Identifying Data
Patient Initials: M.W.
Patient Name: Margaret Wilson
Age: 60 years
Gender: Female
Ethnicity: Hispanic
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
,Weight: 183 lb (83.2 kg)
BMI: 31.4 kg/m² (Obesity Class I)
Occupation: School Cafeteria Manager
Living Situation: Lives with her husband and adult daughter.
Independent with all activities of daily living.
Source of Information: Patient; reliable historian.
2. Chief Complaint (CC)
"I've been having trouble breathing and my chest feels tight
whenever I walk."
3. History of Present Illness (HPI) – OLD CARTS
Onset
Symptoms began suddenly three days ago while doing yard
work.
Location
Chest tightness across the center of the chest without radiation.
Duration
Shortness of breath lasts 15–30 minutes and improves with
rest.
, Characteristics
Patient describes difficulty taking a deep breath accompanied
by chest tightness and occasional dry cough.
Aggravating Factors
• Walking
• Climbing stairs
• Carrying groceries
• Emotional stress
Relieving Factors
• Sitting quietly
• Resting for 15–20 minutes
Treatment
Patient took aspirin 81 mg and used an albuterol inhaler
borrowed from her husband without significant improvement.
Severity
Rates shortness of breath 6/10 at rest and 9/10 with activity.
Associated symptoms include:
• Fatigue
• Mild nausea
• Sweating during episodes
of Breath Diagnostic Reasoning and Treatment Plan
Comprehensive Clinical Case Study
1. Patient Demographics & Identifying Data
Patient Initials: M.W.
Patient Name: Margaret Wilson
Age: 60 years
Gender: Female
Ethnicity: Hispanic
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
,Weight: 183 lb (83.2 kg)
BMI: 31.4 kg/m² (Obesity Class I)
Occupation: School Cafeteria Manager
Living Situation: Lives with her husband and adult daughter.
Independent with all activities of daily living.
Source of Information: Patient; reliable historian.
2. Chief Complaint (CC)
"I've been having trouble breathing and my chest feels tight
whenever I walk."
3. History of Present Illness (HPI) – OLD CARTS
Onset
Symptoms began suddenly three days ago while doing yard
work.
Location
Chest tightness across the center of the chest without radiation.
Duration
Shortness of breath lasts 15–30 minutes and improves with
rest.
, Characteristics
Patient describes difficulty taking a deep breath accompanied
by chest tightness and occasional dry cough.
Aggravating Factors
• Walking
• Climbing stairs
• Carrying groceries
• Emotional stress
Relieving Factors
• Sitting quietly
• Resting for 15–20 minutes
Treatment
Patient took aspirin 81 mg and used an albuterol inhaler
borrowed from her husband without significant improvement.
Severity
Rates shortness of breath 6/10 at rest and 9/10 with activity.
Associated symptoms include:
• Fatigue
• Mild nausea
• Sweating during episodes
