Advanced history taking
1,2 Encouraging patients to discuss their major concerns without interruption enhances satisfaction and yet takes little time (on average 90 seconds).3,4 Giving premature advice or reassurance, or inappropriate use of…
The breasts
1 is generally recommended. Examination When it is done properly, the examination takes some time to perform (about 3 minutes per breast).2 This must obviously be explained to the patient…
The general principles of physical examination
1,2 There are, however, a number of reasons for this formal approach. The first is that it ensures the examination is thorough and that important signs are not overlooked because…
The general principles of history taking
1,2 The history is also, of course, the least expensive way of making a diagnosis. Changes in medical education mean that much student teaching is now conducted away from the…
Atrial Fibrillation
Chapter 1 Atrial Fibrillation Key Points 1 Atrial fibrillation is an irregular supraventricular arrhythmia that may cause thromboembolism, hypotension, and cardiac ischemia or infarction. 2 Risk factors for thromboembolism include…
Unstable Angina and Non‐ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Chapter 3 Unstable Angina and Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Key Points 1 Unstable angina and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction are usually caused by non-occluding thrombus forming on a ruptured plaque…
Adrenal Insufficiency
Chapter 4 Adrenal Insufficiency Key Points 1 The most common cause of adrenal insufficiency (AI) is exogenous glucocorticoid use in patients taking more than the equivalent of prednisone 5 mg…
Cellulitis and Diabetic Foot Infections
Chapter 11 Cellulitis and Diabetic Foot Infections Key Points Cellulitis 1 Most cases of cellulitis are caused by gram-positive cocci (Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus). 2 Patients with unusual exposures…
Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleed
Chapter 6 Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleed Key Points General 1 Lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleed has a mortality rate of approximately 5%. 2 Diverticulosis is the most common cause of hematochezia….
Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleed
Chapter 8 Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleed Key Points General 1 Acute upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleed has a mortality rate of approximately 10%. 2 Gastroduodenal ulcers are the most common cause…
