Basicmedical Key

Shock Shock is an abnormality of the circulation that results in inadequate organ perfusion and tissue oxygenation. Causes Hypovolaemic • Haemorrhage • Burns • Gastrointestinal losses Cardiogenic • Myocardial infarction • Acute valvular damage • Arrhythmia…

Pyrexia of Unknown Origin Most pyrexias result from a clearly defined illness, e.g. acute pyelonephritis or acute appendicitis, or from self-limiting viral infections, e.g. common cold. Pyrexia of unknown origin…

Pruritus Pruritus is itching of the skin. There are a vast number of dermatological causes of pruritus, which are usually visible on inspection. The following are causes of generalised pruritus…

Polyuria The volume of urine produced per day varies in each individual and is affected by the amount of fluid intake, physiological requirements and insensible losses. Polyuria is arbitrarily defined…

Hallucinations An hallucination is an apparent sensory perception of an external object when no such object is present. It is to be differentiated from an illusion, which is a real…

Halitosis Halitosis is a frequent or persistent unpleasant odour to the breath. It is usually due to poor dental hygiene. It may have a significant impact, both personally and socially,…

Gait Abnormalities Disorders of gait may be structural or neurological. When assessing gait, it is important to observe the whole patient and not merely the feet. Causes Structural • Pain –…