Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify common diseases and their initial symptoms.
• Explain the process of diagnosing an illness based on symptoms.
• Discuss how to role-play diagnosing and treating an illness.
• Understand the importance of timely diagnosis in the Ghanaian context.

Lesson summary

This lesson explores the critical journey from feeling unwell to receiving proper medical care. We will break down the systematic process that healthcare professionals use to understand a patient's complaints (symptoms), identify the underlying disease (diagnosis), and create a plan to manage or cure it (treatment). Understanding this process is vital for any student of biomedical science and is a practical life skill for navigating our healthcare system in Ghana, from the local CHPS compound to major hospitals. It helps us appreciate why doctors ask so many questions and run tests, and why self-medication based on symptoms alone can be dangerous.

Lesson notes

This topic follows a logical pathway. Let's break down each step of the journey from sickness to health. Step 1: The Emergence of Symptoms and Signs

The first indication of an illness is usually how a person feels. It is crucial to distinguish between what the patient feels and what a professional can measure. Symptom: A subjective experience reported by the patient. It is something only they can feel. Example: "I have a headache." "My stomach hurts." "I feel very weak and tired." "I feel cold even though the weather is hot." Sign: An objective, observable, and measurable indication of a disease. It is something a healthcare professional can see, hear, feel, or measure. Example: A thermometer showing a temperature of 39.5°C (fever). A blood pressure reading of 160/100 mmHg (hypertension). Rapid breathing rate (tachypnoea). A visible rash on the skin.

Think of it this way: In Ghana, many people say "I feel malaria." The feeling of weakness, headache, and chills are symptoms. A positive result from a Malaria RDT (Rapid Diagnostic Test) is a sign. Step 2: The Consultation - Medical History and Physical Examination

When a patient visits a clinic or hospital, the healthcare professional begins an investigation. Medical History: This is a structured interview to gather information. The doctor or nurse will ask questions like: "What brings you here today?" (Chief Complaint) "When did the headache start?" (Onset and Duration) "Is the pain sharp or dull?" (Character of Symptom) "Have you taken any medicine for it?" (Previous Treatment) "Has anyone at home been sick recently?" (Social/Family History) "Have you travelled recently?" (Travel History) Physical Examination: After listening to the patient, the professional will use their senses and simple tools to look for signs. This may include: Inspection: Looking at the patient's skin, eyes, throat. Palpation: Feeling the abdomen for tenderness or swelling. Percussion: Tapping on the chest or back to listen to the sounds produced. Auscultation: Listening to the heart, lungs, or bowels with a stethoscope. Measuring Vital Signs: Checking temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiratory rate. Step 3: Forming a Differential Diagnosis

Evaluation guide

• Explore how initial symptoms of an illness lead to diagnosis and treatment.
• Demonstrative Learning: Learners are put in groups to do a role- play on diagnosing and treating
• illness.
• Exploratory Learning: