Question

In the context of patient management, what are the purposes of clinical tests?

a) To confirm clinical impression or establish diagnosis.
b) To rule the diagnosis.
c) To monitor the therapy (management guide).
d) To establish prognosis.
e) To screen for or detect disease.

Answer 1

Clinical tests in patient management serve the purposes of confirming diagnosis, monitoring therapy, establishing prognosis, and screening for diseases.

Step-by-step explanation:

Clinical tests serve several purposes in patient management:

1. To confirm clinical impression or establish diagnosis: When a patient presents with certain symptoms, clinical tests can help confirm or rule out a specific diagnosis. For example, blood tests can be used to confirm the presence of certain diseases such as diabetes or HIV.
2. To monitor the therapy (management guide): Clinical tests are often used to monitor the effectiveness of a prescribed treatment plan and make necessary adjustments. For example, regular blood tests can be used to monitor blood glucose levels in a diabetic patient.
3. To establish prognosis: Some clinical tests can provide valuable information on the course and outcome of a disease. For example, genetic tests can help determine the likelihood of developing certain diseases or conditions.
4. To screen for or detect disease: Clinical tests can be used for early detection of diseases, especially in cases where symptoms are not yet present. For example, mammograms are used to screen for breast cancer in women.