1. Keeping an Open Mind: Cognitive Bias in the Evaluation of an Infant with Posterior-Lateral Rib Fractures
- Author
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Jason H. Homme, Raymond C. Stetson, Paul J. Galardy, Katie Johnson, and Donald Chris Derauf
- Subjects
Pediatrics ,medicine.medical_specialty ,business.industry ,Medical record ,education ,MEDLINE ,lcsh:RJ1-570 ,Febrile illness ,Sequela ,Case Report ,lcsh:Pediatrics ,General Medicine ,030204 cardiovascular system & hematology ,medicine.disease ,Affect (psychology) ,Cognitive bias ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,030225 pediatrics ,Medicine ,Physical exam ,Patent ductus arteriosus repair ,business ,Intensive care medicine - Abstract
A four-month-old former premature male is incidentally found to have posterior-lateral rib fractures during evaluation of a febrile illness. This finding led to the initiation of a workup for nonaccidental trauma. A thorough history and physical exam ultimately led to the diagnosis, which was not related to abuse. This case highlights a rare sequela of patent ductus arteriosus repair, cautions medical teams to remain aware of how cognitive bias can affect diagnostic decision-making, and emphasizes the importance of a thorough history, physical exam, and medical record review in cases of suspected nonaccidental trauma.
- Published
- 2017