Basicmedical Key

Metabolic Acidosis Metabolic acidosis is caused by increased production of hydrogen ions from metabolic causes or from excessive bicarbonate loss (pH ↓, HCO3− ↓). Compensatory mechanisms are: ■ ↓ pCO2 by…

Urinary Retention Retention of urine may be acute, chronic or acute-on-chronic. Patients with acute retention present as surgical emergencies. Acute retention is the sudden inability to pass urine, with the…

Rectal Bleeding Rectal bleeding is a common symptom. The majority of patients with rectal bleeding have a simple condition such as haemorrhoids, but the symptoms should always be taken seriously…

Joint Disorders Disorders of joints are common problems. They may be acute, as in gout or rheumatic fever, or chronic, as in osteoarthritis. Some acute disorders go on to become…

Jaw Pain and Swellings Pain and/or swelling of the jaw results most commonly from dental conditions. In the upper jaw, pain may also result from infection of the paranasal sinuses….

Pruritus Ani Pruritus ani is itching around the anal canal. It is a common symptom and in approximately half of the cases, no cause can be found. Causes Anal Discharge…

Popliteal Swellings Popliteal swellings are not uncommon. The majority are easily diagnosed on clinical examination alone. Causes Superficial • Sebaceous cyst • Lipoma • Varix of the short saphenous vein Deep • Lipoma • Lymphadenopathy…

Scalp Lesions Lesions on the scalp are common; the most common are sebaceous cysts, which are often multiple. Causes Traumatic • Haematoma • Cephalhaematoma Cystic • Sebaceous cysts (epidermal cysts) (Fig. 55) Figure…

Throat Conditions A sore throat is an extremely common symptom, especially in children and young adults. Prolonged sore throat in an elderly patient is a cause for concern, as it…

Hand Deformities Impairment of hand function can lead to severe disability. Causes Congenital Failure of Formation • Absent digit • Radial club hand Failure of Separation • Syndactyly (fusion of digits) • Camptodactyly Duplication…