iHuman Acute Sinusitis Case Study
(2026/2027) | 42-Year-Old Male Sinus
Symptoms | Full HPI, ROS, Physical Exam,
Diagnosis & Treatment Plan
,History of Present Illness (HPI) – Optimal Responses
To achieve full credit in the simulation, the following questions should
be asked:
Expected Patient
HPI Question
Response
When did the symptoms begin? About 7 days ago
Have symptoms been getting better or They have been getting
worse? worse
Where exactly is the pain located? Forehead and cheeks
How would you describe the pain? Pressure and fullness
Bending forward or
Does anything make the pain worse?
leaning down
Slight relief with
Does anything relieve the pain?
acetaminophen
Yes, thick yellow-green
Do you have nasal discharge?
mucus
Have you had fever or chills? Yes, fever around 101°F
Are you experiencing tooth pain? Yes, upper teeth ache
Do you have congestion or difficulty Yes, both nostrils feel
breathing through the nose? blocked
These questions allow the provider to differentiate viral rhinosinusitis
from bacterial sinusitis, which is essential for diagnostic accuracy
, 1. Introduction
Acute sinus symptoms are a common reason for outpatient and primary care
visits. Distinguishing between viral rhinosinusitis and acute bacterial
rhinosinusitis (ABRS) is critical for proper management and prevention of
complications.
This case study analyzes a 42-year-old male presenting with worsening
headache, facial pain, and fever, consistent with a suspected acute bacterial
sinus infection. The report includes a comprehensive review of patient history,
physical examination, differential diagnoses, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment
planning.
The goal is to demonstrate clinical reasoning consistent with advanced practice
provider diagnostic standards and iHuman case expectations.
2. Patient Demographics
Category Information
Patient Initials J.M
Age 42 years
Gender Male
Ethnicity Caucasian
Marital Status Married
Occupation Construction supervisor
Date of Visit Week 2 Simulation
Chief Complaint “My head hurts and my face feels full.”
3. Chief Complaint (CC)
Severe headache and facial pain with fever for 5 days.
(2026/2027) | 42-Year-Old Male Sinus
Symptoms | Full HPI, ROS, Physical Exam,
Diagnosis & Treatment Plan
,History of Present Illness (HPI) – Optimal Responses
To achieve full credit in the simulation, the following questions should
be asked:
Expected Patient
HPI Question
Response
When did the symptoms begin? About 7 days ago
Have symptoms been getting better or They have been getting
worse? worse
Where exactly is the pain located? Forehead and cheeks
How would you describe the pain? Pressure and fullness
Bending forward or
Does anything make the pain worse?
leaning down
Slight relief with
Does anything relieve the pain?
acetaminophen
Yes, thick yellow-green
Do you have nasal discharge?
mucus
Have you had fever or chills? Yes, fever around 101°F
Are you experiencing tooth pain? Yes, upper teeth ache
Do you have congestion or difficulty Yes, both nostrils feel
breathing through the nose? blocked
These questions allow the provider to differentiate viral rhinosinusitis
from bacterial sinusitis, which is essential for diagnostic accuracy
, 1. Introduction
Acute sinus symptoms are a common reason for outpatient and primary care
visits. Distinguishing between viral rhinosinusitis and acute bacterial
rhinosinusitis (ABRS) is critical for proper management and prevention of
complications.
This case study analyzes a 42-year-old male presenting with worsening
headache, facial pain, and fever, consistent with a suspected acute bacterial
sinus infection. The report includes a comprehensive review of patient history,
physical examination, differential diagnoses, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment
planning.
The goal is to demonstrate clinical reasoning consistent with advanced practice
provider diagnostic standards and iHuman case expectations.
2. Patient Demographics
Category Information
Patient Initials J.M
Age 42 years
Gender Male
Ethnicity Caucasian
Marital Status Married
Occupation Construction supervisor
Date of Visit Week 2 Simulation
Chief Complaint “My head hurts and my face feels full.”
3. Chief Complaint (CC)
Severe headache and facial pain with fever for 5 days.
