Which step involves giving a differential diagnosis?

• A. Step 1
• B. Step 2
• C. Step 4
• D. Step 5

Answer: (C)

Presenting a differential diagnosis is where you translate the gathered history and exam findings into a structured, prioritized list of plausible causes. You explain why each possibility is on the list and what clues would distinguish it from the others. This step shows your clinical reasoning and directly guides what tests to order and what management to consider, acting as the bridge between data collection and final diagnosis. After collecting information, outlining the differential helps ensure you consider alternatives and communicate the reasoning to the patient and team; without it, you’d move too quickly to a single conclusion without weighing other likely explanations.