General Examination
Introduction General examination can reveal abnormalities in a number of systems which may assist in making an accurate diagnosis. Disorders of gait, speech and mood should be apparent on first…
Dermatology
Psoriasis Psoriasis is a relatively common disorder affecting 1–2% of the population. Classically it presents with red, raised, scaly patches or plaques, which reflect increased keratinocyte proliferation within the epidermis,…
Respiratory System
History Key features of the history in a patient with respiratory disease are shown in Table 4.1. Table 4.1 Key features of the History in Respiratory Disease Feature Details Rationale…
The Medical Interview
Effective Consultation Effective consultations are patient-centred and efficient, taking place within the time and other practical constraints that exist in everyday medical practice. The use of specific communication skills together…
Toxicology
Analgesics Paracetamol (acetaminophen), aspirin and other NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen) Antidepressants Tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors Carbon monoxide Drugs of misuse Amfetamines, cocaine, opioids Solvents Glue, lighter fuel Deliberate self-administration…
Infectious Diseases
Haemolytic streptococcus Pencillin V or erythromycin q.d.s. if allergic to penicillin. Avoid amoxicillin if glandular fever possible Sinusitis Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) Amoxicillin or doxycycline or erythromycin Haemophilus influenzae Otitis media…
Respiratory Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Definitions The WHO-sponsored ‘Global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease’ (http://www.goldcopd.com) defines COPD as ‘a preventable and treatable disease with some significant extrapulmonary effects that…
Haematology
Peripheral Blood Film Features (Fig. 20.1) reticulocytes (active marrow) – haemolysis or chronic blood loss anisocytes (variation in red cell size) or poikilocytes (variation in red cell shape) – iron…
Cardiovascular System
Introduction Diagnostic accuracy when assessing patients with cardiovascular disease relies heavily on the medical history. Many patients with ischaemic heart disease have few or no physical signs and a characteristic…
Assessment
Key Features of Assessment Tools Reliability: reflects the reproducibility of the assessment tool and the accuracy with which a score is being measured. It is higher in written assessments such…
