LEARNING AIM B: EXAMINE THE INVESTIGATION AND DIAGNOSIS OF PHYSIOLOGICAL
DISORDERS
P2: Compare investigative and diagnostic procedures for different physiological
disorders.
M2: Assess the importance of specific procedures in confirming the diagnosis of
physiological disorders.
D2: Justify the potential benefits of different investigations for service users with
physiological disorders.
In this assignment I will be examining the investigation and diagnosis of physiological disorders. I will
compare investigative and diagnostic procedures for different physiological disorders. I will assess
the importance of specific procedures in confirming the diagnosis of physiological disorders. I will
moreover be justifying the potential benefits of different investigations for service users with
physiological disorders.
P2: Compare investigative and diagnostic procedures for different physiological disorders.
The term diagnosis means to determine the nature of an illness. Usually a doctor’s experience and
knowledge will make this quicker. However, there may be several answers to an individual’s
problem. In this case, the doctor will start investigative procedures to eliminate the possibilities until
a final clinical diagnosis can be made. When a patient is unwell, certain general tests are done by
medical professionals to find out if there are any odd readings, and also to get a reference baseline
should the disease progress. The first point of contact when a person is feeling unwell is their GP.
The individual would then outline their symptoms and some general measurements are most likely
completed by the GP. The body temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate are
standard measurements taken routinely. Body temperature has to be kept within a narrow range, so
that the body's physiological processes can function at maximum efficiency. Nevertheless, body
temperature varies from individual to individual, even if they are in the same environment. During
different levels of activity, and depending on whether or not they have consumed food and drink,
body temperature may vary in the same person at different times of the day. In women, body
temperature is affected by the stages of the menstrual cycle- highest at ovulation and lowest during
menstruation. Normal body temperatures ranges from 36.5 to 37.2 degrees. The force blood exerts
on the blood vessel walls through which it moves is known as blood pressure. It can be measured
using a special piece of equipment called sphygmomanometer. 120/80 mmHg is taken as standard
young healthy adult blood pressure. Blood tests analyse the blood that gives a good indication of the
health and wellbeing of a person. Many substances naturally present in the blood, including blood
salt levels, known as electrolytes and pH for diabetes, can be measured and recorded. These are
recorded both numerically and graphically so that you can clearly see any variations. Many
establishments use electronic digital recorders for measuring pulse rate, blood pressure, body
temperature and other physiological features. Then the GP may make specific investigations relevant
to the individual such as their medical history or blood tests – based on the symptoms. This gives the
GP ‘signs’ which give signs and symptoms. Sometimes the GP can diagnose a disorder based on their
own tests. They may however refer the individual to a specialist doctor who may complete other
specific tests. Based on specific signs and symptoms further tests may be undertaken. These could
, include blood tests, scans, biopsies, or neurological assessments. All items of electrical equipment
are potentially hazardous, both to the client and the carer operating them. The major hazards are
burns and electric shock. Professionals should be constantly alert for: equipment malfunction, frayed
electric flexes and trapped wires and loose connections, plugs and sockets. Any fault must be
reported immediately. Most establishments have standard forms for reporting faults or damaged
equipment. The device must be evidently labelled with a notice saying ‘Faulty, Do Not Use’ and
taken out of use. No one should be asked to use faulty equipment in their job. Only suitably qualified
personnel should investigate, modify, repair or scrap equipment belonging to the establishment.
The diagnostic procedures for type 2 diabetes are Glycated haemoglobin (A1C) test. This blood test
specifies a person’s average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. Normal levels are
below 5.7 percent, and a result between 5.7 and 6.4 percent is considered prediabetes. An A1C level
of 6.5 percent or higher on two separate tests means they have diabetes. If the A1C test isn't
obtainable, or if the individual has specific conditions such as an rare form of haemoglobin (known
as a haemoglobin variant) which interferes with A1C test, their doctor may utilise the following tests
to diagnose diabetes: random blood sugar test- blood sugar values are expressed in milligrams per
decilitre (mg/dL) or millimoles per litre (mmol/L). Irrespective of when they last ate, a blood sample
showing that their blood sugar level is 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher suggests diabetes,
particularly if they also have signs and symptoms of diabetes, such as frequent urination and
extreme thirst. Fasting blood sugar test- a blood sample is taken after an overnight fast. A reading of
less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) is normal. A level from 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) is
considered prediabetes. If their fasting blood sugar is 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two
separate tests, they have diabetes. Oral glucose tolerance test: this test is less commonly used than
the others, except during pregnancy. The individual needs to fast overnight and then drink a sugary
liquid when they arrive at the GP. Blood sugar levels are tested periodically for the next two hours. A
blood sugar level less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) is normal. A reading between 140 and 199 mg/dL
(7.8 mmol/L and 11.0 mmol/L) indicates prediabetes. A reading of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or
higher after two hours suggests diabetes. (Mayoclinic.org, 2020)
The diagnostic procedures for Parkinson’s disease are not specific as current evidence suggests that
Parkinson’s tends to develop gradually. It may be many months, even years, before the symptoms
become evident enough for someone to go to the doctor. There is no definitive test for diagnosing
Parkinson’s. The doctor is experienced in nervous system conditions (neurologist) who will diagnose
Parkinson's disease based on the patient’s medical history, a review of their signs and symptoms,
and a neurological and physical examination. The doctor may suggest a specific single-photon
emission computerised tomography SPECT scan called a dopamine transporter (DAT) scan. Although
this can help support the doubt that they have Parkinson's disease, it is their symptoms and
neurologic examination that ultimately determine the correct diagnosis. Most people do not require
a DAT scan. The doctor may order lab tests, such as blood tests, to rule out other conditions that
may be causing the symptoms. Imaging tests — such as MRI, CT, ultrasound of the brain, and PET
scans — may also be used to help rule out other disorders although imaging tests aren't particularly
helpful for diagnosing Parkinson's disease. Since it takes time to diagnose Parkinson’s doctors may
recommend regular follow-up appointments with neurologists trained in movement disorders to
evaluate your condition and symptoms over time and diagnose Parkinson's disease. Parkinson’s
should only be diagnosed after having a consultation with a specialist. A Parkinson’s specialist will
take a detailed medical history and examine them. Individuals may find it helpful to keep a diary or
DISORDERS
P2: Compare investigative and diagnostic procedures for different physiological
disorders.
M2: Assess the importance of specific procedures in confirming the diagnosis of
physiological disorders.
D2: Justify the potential benefits of different investigations for service users with
physiological disorders.
In this assignment I will be examining the investigation and diagnosis of physiological disorders. I will
compare investigative and diagnostic procedures for different physiological disorders. I will assess
the importance of specific procedures in confirming the diagnosis of physiological disorders. I will
moreover be justifying the potential benefits of different investigations for service users with
physiological disorders.
P2: Compare investigative and diagnostic procedures for different physiological disorders.
The term diagnosis means to determine the nature of an illness. Usually a doctor’s experience and
knowledge will make this quicker. However, there may be several answers to an individual’s
problem. In this case, the doctor will start investigative procedures to eliminate the possibilities until
a final clinical diagnosis can be made. When a patient is unwell, certain general tests are done by
medical professionals to find out if there are any odd readings, and also to get a reference baseline
should the disease progress. The first point of contact when a person is feeling unwell is their GP.
The individual would then outline their symptoms and some general measurements are most likely
completed by the GP. The body temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate are
standard measurements taken routinely. Body temperature has to be kept within a narrow range, so
that the body's physiological processes can function at maximum efficiency. Nevertheless, body
temperature varies from individual to individual, even if they are in the same environment. During
different levels of activity, and depending on whether or not they have consumed food and drink,
body temperature may vary in the same person at different times of the day. In women, body
temperature is affected by the stages of the menstrual cycle- highest at ovulation and lowest during
menstruation. Normal body temperatures ranges from 36.5 to 37.2 degrees. The force blood exerts
on the blood vessel walls through which it moves is known as blood pressure. It can be measured
using a special piece of equipment called sphygmomanometer. 120/80 mmHg is taken as standard
young healthy adult blood pressure. Blood tests analyse the blood that gives a good indication of the
health and wellbeing of a person. Many substances naturally present in the blood, including blood
salt levels, known as electrolytes and pH for diabetes, can be measured and recorded. These are
recorded both numerically and graphically so that you can clearly see any variations. Many
establishments use electronic digital recorders for measuring pulse rate, blood pressure, body
temperature and other physiological features. Then the GP may make specific investigations relevant
to the individual such as their medical history or blood tests – based on the symptoms. This gives the
GP ‘signs’ which give signs and symptoms. Sometimes the GP can diagnose a disorder based on their
own tests. They may however refer the individual to a specialist doctor who may complete other
specific tests. Based on specific signs and symptoms further tests may be undertaken. These could
, include blood tests, scans, biopsies, or neurological assessments. All items of electrical equipment
are potentially hazardous, both to the client and the carer operating them. The major hazards are
burns and electric shock. Professionals should be constantly alert for: equipment malfunction, frayed
electric flexes and trapped wires and loose connections, plugs and sockets. Any fault must be
reported immediately. Most establishments have standard forms for reporting faults or damaged
equipment. The device must be evidently labelled with a notice saying ‘Faulty, Do Not Use’ and
taken out of use. No one should be asked to use faulty equipment in their job. Only suitably qualified
personnel should investigate, modify, repair or scrap equipment belonging to the establishment.
The diagnostic procedures for type 2 diabetes are Glycated haemoglobin (A1C) test. This blood test
specifies a person’s average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. Normal levels are
below 5.7 percent, and a result between 5.7 and 6.4 percent is considered prediabetes. An A1C level
of 6.5 percent or higher on two separate tests means they have diabetes. If the A1C test isn't
obtainable, or if the individual has specific conditions such as an rare form of haemoglobin (known
as a haemoglobin variant) which interferes with A1C test, their doctor may utilise the following tests
to diagnose diabetes: random blood sugar test- blood sugar values are expressed in milligrams per
decilitre (mg/dL) or millimoles per litre (mmol/L). Irrespective of when they last ate, a blood sample
showing that their blood sugar level is 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher suggests diabetes,
particularly if they also have signs and symptoms of diabetes, such as frequent urination and
extreme thirst. Fasting blood sugar test- a blood sample is taken after an overnight fast. A reading of
less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) is normal. A level from 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) is
considered prediabetes. If their fasting blood sugar is 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two
separate tests, they have diabetes. Oral glucose tolerance test: this test is less commonly used than
the others, except during pregnancy. The individual needs to fast overnight and then drink a sugary
liquid when they arrive at the GP. Blood sugar levels are tested periodically for the next two hours. A
blood sugar level less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) is normal. A reading between 140 and 199 mg/dL
(7.8 mmol/L and 11.0 mmol/L) indicates prediabetes. A reading of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or
higher after two hours suggests diabetes. (Mayoclinic.org, 2020)
The diagnostic procedures for Parkinson’s disease are not specific as current evidence suggests that
Parkinson’s tends to develop gradually. It may be many months, even years, before the symptoms
become evident enough for someone to go to the doctor. There is no definitive test for diagnosing
Parkinson’s. The doctor is experienced in nervous system conditions (neurologist) who will diagnose
Parkinson's disease based on the patient’s medical history, a review of their signs and symptoms,
and a neurological and physical examination. The doctor may suggest a specific single-photon
emission computerised tomography SPECT scan called a dopamine transporter (DAT) scan. Although
this can help support the doubt that they have Parkinson's disease, it is their symptoms and
neurologic examination that ultimately determine the correct diagnosis. Most people do not require
a DAT scan. The doctor may order lab tests, such as blood tests, to rule out other conditions that
may be causing the symptoms. Imaging tests — such as MRI, CT, ultrasound of the brain, and PET
scans — may also be used to help rule out other disorders although imaging tests aren't particularly
helpful for diagnosing Parkinson's disease. Since it takes time to diagnose Parkinson’s doctors may
recommend regular follow-up appointments with neurologists trained in movement disorders to
evaluate your condition and symptoms over time and diagnose Parkinson's disease. Parkinson’s
should only be diagnosed after having a consultation with a specialist. A Parkinson’s specialist will
take a detailed medical history and examine them. Individuals may find it helpful to keep a diary or
