Which term describes the process of differentiating between one condition and another?

• A. Evaluation
• B. Differential diagnosis
• C. Prognosis
• D. Radiology

Answer: (B)

Differential diagnosis is the process of distinguishing between conditions that have similar signs or symptoms. In practice, you list possible causes, collect relevant information from history, exam, and tests, and use that data to rule in or out each possibility until you identify the most likely condition. This approach is what allows clinicians to move from a broad set of potential problems to a specific diagnosis.

Other terms don’t fit this idea. Evaluation is a broad assessment of the patient’s overall status, prognosis is about predicting how the condition will progress, and radiology refers to imaging techniques used to visualize internal structures. The term that specifically captures distinguishing between one condition and another is differential diagnosis.