Final answer:
The patient with chronic fatigue and related symptoms should undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation to exclude various medical conditions and consider the diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Management may include pacing activities, therapy, and pharmacological interventions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most appropriate management for a 24-year-old female presenting with an 8-month history of chronic fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, short-term memory loss, and post-exertional malaise, along with symptoms of lightheadedness and dizziness that worsen with upright posture, is to conduct a thorough medical evaluation. This is to rule out medical conditions such as infections, autoimmune disorders, endocrine abnormalities, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, considering that the symptoms of lightheadedness and dizziness improve when lying down, conditions like orthostatic hypotension or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) should also be investigated.
Apart from this, the physician may consider evaluating for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or myalgic encephalomyelitis if no other underlying cause is identified and the symptoms align with the diagnostic criteria for CFS, which often includes severe fatigue, disturbance in sleep quality, and difficulties with concentration and memory.
Furthermore, the management plan should include strategies to relieve symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life, potentially including pacing of activities, cognitive behavioral therapy, and possibly pharmacological interventions for symptomatic relief. A multidisciplinary approach including a primary care physician, possibly a neurologist, and a physical therapist may be beneficial for comprehensive care.