What is clinical approximation?

[OrangeCaramel]

When Google failed, I came to SDN. It's probably a stupid question but could somebody please explain it? Thanks

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[Drrrrrr. Celty]

When someone makes an approximation of something while in a clinical setting? Lol....

 

[docB]

We sometimes use the term "approximation" in regard to wound care. To "approximate" the wound edges means to place sutures so that they come together correctly.

This may not be what you're talking about but it is one way we use the term.

 

[OrangeCaramel]

So it's the same thing as a diagnosis?

 

[da8s0859q]

So it's the same thing as a diagnosis?

Nope.

Give us some context. We don't know where you saw the phrase.

 

[docB]

As Exi pointed out it's not a diagnosis. It's an action, e.g. you approximate wound edges, you splint a limb, you shock a dysrhythmia.

I agree that context would help here.

 

[OrangeCaramel]

Okay I was reading an admissions essay and I saw it in the fourth paragraph and also in the conclusion: http://www.accepted.com/medical/sampessay04.aspx

 

[docB]

Ok. They used the term "clinical approximation" to refer to the fact that medicine is not an exact science. They compared it to the lab. In the lab the answer can be something like "4." In medicine it's less common to have such an exact answer. We routinely deal in incomplete or indirect information and have to synthesize it all to arrive at a diagnosis, which is usually really just a best guess, or an "approximation."

 

[OrangeCaramel]

Okay cool thanks!