Clinical Reasoning Flashcards
What are the 3 components of triple assessment for a breast lump?
Clinical examination
Mammogram
Fine needle aspiration
The patient has - distended abdomen, hyper-resonance on percussion and shifting dullness. What does this indicate?
Ascites
These are the ascitic tap results - cloudy, SAAG <1.1, neutrophils >250. What is the diagnosis?
Infection - spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
What are the symptoms of myasthenia gravis?
Ptosis Fatigability Diplopia Dysphonia Dysarthria Dysphagia Facial weakness Proximal and axial muscle weakness Breathlessness
What investigation could be carried out to diagnose myasthenia gravis?
Anti-Ach receptor antibody
Muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibody
Electromyography
CT imagine (exclude thymoma)
What would suggest a myasthenic crisis?
Breathlessness - life-threatening weakness of respiratory muscles
How is a myasthenic crisis treated?
Ventilatory support Plasmapheresis/IVIg Identify trigger (medication, infection)
What is the initial management of bacterial pneumonia?
Oral antibiotics (amoxicillin/doxycycline) Oral steroids (prednisolone)
How would you manage an acute deterioration in a patient with pneumonia?
A-E assessment
Senior help
Escalate antibiotics
Re-scan
What investigation would you do if you suspected critical limb ischaemia?
ABPI
Doppler US
What surgical option is available for critical limb ischaemia?
Bypass
Balloon angioplasty
What is Charcot’s triad?
Symptoms of ascending cholangitis
RUQ pain, jaundice and fever/rigors
What is Reynold’s pentad?
Charcot’s triad (RUQ pain, jaundice and fever/rigor)
Shock (low BP, tachycardia)
Altered mental state
How is an MI initially managed?
Aspirin Morphine GTN Oxygen Clopidogrel Call PCI centre
How is an MI definitively managed?
Primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Who is the breast screening service for?
50-70 year old women every 3 years
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
Skin dimpling Nipple retraction/discharge/bleeding/eczema Tethering of skin around areola Mass in axilla/breast Peau d’orange
What are the treatment options for breast cancer?
Surgery (masectomy, lumpectomy)
Neo-adjuvant (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, HER2 therapy)
What are the indications for masectomy?
More than 1 tumour
Diffuse DCIS
Large tumour in small breast
Recurrence after lumpectomy
What is the pathophysiology of myasthenia gravis?
Antibodies created against the acetylcholine receptors at the postsynaptic neuromuscular junction
How is myasthenia gravis managed?
Pyridostigmine (anti-acetylcholine esterase)
Steroids, IVIg (immunosuppressants)
What conditions is myasthenia gravis associated with?
Thymoma/thymic hyperplasia
Pernicious anaemia
T1DM
What is the pathophysiology of Guillain-Barre?
After an infection (campylobacter, CMV, EBV), the imune system attacks the part of the myelin sheath which resembles the pathogen
What are the symptoms of Guillain Barre?
Progressive ascending weakness
Flaccid quadraparesis
Areflexia
Respiratory/bulbar/autonomic involvement
How is Guillain Barre treated?
IVIg or apheresis
What investigations could be used to confirm Guillain Barre?
Lumbar puncture - CSF has high protein
Nerve conduction studies - delayed impulse
What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
Central - fatigue, cognitive impairment, depression
Visual - nystagmus, optic neuritis, diplopia
Throat - dysarthria, dysphagia
MSK - weakness, spasms, ataxia
Sensation - pain, paraesthesia
Bowel - incontinence
Urinary - incontinence, retention, frequency
What is optic neuritis?
Painful vision loss which develops over days
Blurred vision and loss of colour vision
What is transverse myelitis?
Inflammation of the spinal cord causing weakness and sensory loss
How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?
Evidence of 2 or more episodes of demyelination disseminated in time and space
How do symptoms of multiple sclerosis present?
Focal neurological deficits which develop gradually, last more than 24 hours and may improve over days/weeks
What investigations could help to confirm multiple sclerosis?
MRI brain
Lumbar puncture (oligoclonal bands)
Visual evoked potentials
How is multiple sclerosis managed?
Steroids Physiotherapy Occupational therapy Disease modifying therapies Alemtuzumab Natalizumab Fingolimod Dimethyl fumarate
What are the symptoms of a stroke?
Right sided weakness
Dysphagia
Visual disturbance
Light-headedness
How are ischaemic strokes managed?
IV thrombolysis (alteplase)/thrombectomy/aspirin Stroke unit
How are haemorrhagic strokes managed?
Reversal of anticoagulant/BP control
Stroke unit
What are the cardiovascular risk factors for stroke?
Hypertension Obesity Physical inactivity Hyperlipidaemia Smoking
How is a further stroke prevented?
Smoking cessation Anti-platelets (aspirin, clopidogrel) BP management (ACEi) Statin Diabetic control Atrial fibrillation management
What are the symptoms of a subarachnoid haemorrhage?
Sudden onset thunderclap headache Photophobia Meningism Loss of consiousness Seizures Visual/speech/limb disturbance Sentinel headache weeks before
What investigations would be used to diagnose subarachnoid haemorrhage?
CT brain (and angiography) Lumbar puncture
How is subarachnoid haemorrhage managed?
Fluids
Nimodipine (calcium channel antagonist - neuronal protection)
Analgesia
Surgical clipping/endovascular coil
What are the complications of subarachnoid haemorrhage?
Rehaemorrhage
Delayed ischaemia
Hydrocephalus
Hyponatraemia
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
Headache Neck stiffness Reduced GCS Fever Petechial rash Photophobia
How is meningitis diagnosed?
PCR
Lumbar puncture - high WCC, low glucose, high protein
What are the 2 main bacterial caused of meningitis?
Pneumococcus (+ve) - streptococcus pneumoniae
Meningococcus (-ve) - neisseria meningitides
How is meningitis treated?
IV ceftriaxone
Add amoxicillin if listeria
Add dexamethasone if bacterial
What are the symptoms of heart failure?
Breathlessness (dyspnoea, orthopnoea, PND) Exercise intolerance Fluid retention Fatigue Cough
What investigations can be used to confirm heart failure?
ECG
Chest x-ray
Echo
Natriuretic peptides (BNP)
How is heart failure managed?
Beta-blocker (bisoprolol) and ACEi (enalapril) MRA (spironolactone) Valsartan Ivabradine/ICD Digoxin LVAD/transplant
How is an acute deterioration of heart failure managed?
A-E assessment Inotropes Ventilatory support Diuretics Investigate trigger (infection, ischaemia, PE)
What are the symptoms of an MI?
Chest pain Indigestion Sweatiness Shortness of breath None (dementia/diabetes)
How is an MI managed?
A-E assessment Aspirin Heparin Morphine Anti-emetic Clopidogrel/ticagrelor
What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?
Asymptomatic Palpitations Breathlessness Chest pain Syncope Stroke
How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed?
Irregular pulse
ECG
Echo
What are the major risk factors for stroke in atrial fibrillation?
Previous stroke
TIA/embolism
Age >75
How is atrial fibrillation managed?
Anticoagulation - warfarin/dabigatran/rivaroxaban/apixaban
Rhythm control - cardioversion, antiarrythmic drugs (flecainide), catheter ablation
How is hypertension defined?
BP of >140/90 mmHg
What are the risk factors for hypertension?
Age, gender, ethnicity, genetics, diet, physical activity, obesity, alcohol, stress
How is hypertension managed?
ACEi or calcium channel blocker (>55, black)
Both together
Add thiazide diuretic
Add another diuretic or alpha/beta blocker
What are the symptoms of endocarditis?
Fever
Murmur
Fatigue
How is endocarditis investigated?
Blood cultures
Echo
What is Duke’s criteria for endocarditis?
2 major/1 major 3 minor/5 minor criteria
Major - 2 blood cultures, echo, new valve
Minor - predisposition, fever, vascular, immunological
How is endocarditis managed?
IV antibiotics for 4-6 weeks
What are the symptoms of alcoholic liver disease?
Malaise Nausea Hepatomegaly Fever Jaundice Sepsis Encephalopathy Ascites Renal failure Death
What are the signs of portal hypertension?
Hypersplenism Oesophageal varices Encephalopathy Ascites Hepato-renal syndrome
How is ascites managed?
Low salt diet
Diuretic (spironolactone, furosemide)
How is encephalopathy managed?
Lactulose
What are the symptoms of hepatitis?
Malaise Fever Headaches Anorexia Nausea Vomiting RUQ pain Dark urine Jaundice
How is hepatitis managed?
Interferon
Tenofovir/entecavir
How can hepatitis B be prevented?
Education
Immunisation
Mother to child
How is hepatitis C cured?
Direct acting antivirals for 8-12 weeks
How is pancreatitis diagnosed?
Classic pain (central to back, eases on leaning forward)
Blood amylase 3x upper limit of normal
Characteristic CT
What are the causes of pancreatitis?
Gallstones Alcohol Trauma (ERCP) Drugs Autoimmune Viral
How is pancreatitis treated?
A-E assessment Fluids Oxygen Allow body to recover Treat cause Necrosectomy
What are the complications of pancreatitis?
Pseudocyst
Fistula
Necrosis
Diabetes
What are the symptoms of cholecystitis (gallstones)?
RUQ pain
Fever
Raised WCC
Normal amylase
How is coeliac disease managed?
Gluten free diet
What are the histological features of coeliac disease?
Atrophy of villi
Crypt hyperplasia
Intraepithelial lymphocytes
What are the symptoms of coeliac disease?
Diarrhoea/constipation Flatulence Nausea and vomiting Recurrent stomach pain Cramping/bloating. Tiredness
What are the symptoms of critical limb ischaemia?
Severe pain or Numbness in the legs and feet Decrease in the temperature Toe or foot sores/infections/ulcers Gangrene Shiny, smooth, dry skin Thickening of the toenails Absent or diminished pulse
How is critical limb ischaemia treated?
Angioplasty and shunt
Bypass
What are the symptoms of an upper GI bleed?
Haematemesis
Coffee-ground vomit
Melaena
How is an upper GI bleed managed?
A-E assessment Resuscitation - fluids, oxygen Endoscopy Blood transfusion Antibiotics, beta-blocker and terlipressin TIPS/banding/balloon tamponade (varices)
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Wheeze Cough Breathlessness Exercise intolerance Trigger
How is asthma diagnosed?
Serial peak flow measurements
Spirometry reversibility
How is asthma managed?
SABA and ICS
How is an acute asthma attack managed?
A-E assessment Oxygen Salbutamol nebuliser Ipratropium bromide nebuliser Prednisolone (oral/IV) Magnesium sulphate infusion
What are the 2 pathophysiological components of COPD?
Chronic bronchitis - sputum most days for 3 months in 2 years
Emphysema - permanently enlarged airspaces
What are the symptoms of COPD?
Exertional breathlessness Chronic cough Regular sputum production Frequent winter bronchitis Wheeze
How is COPD managed?
Bronchodilators (SABA, LABA)
Corticosteroids
Oxygen therapy
Mucolytics
What is a blue bloater and pink puffer?
BB - chronic bronchitis, type 2 respiratory failure
PP - emphysema, type 1 respiratory failure
What are the symptoms of a pneumothorax?
Pleuritic chest pain Breathlessness Respiratory distress Reduced air entry Hyper-resonance Tracheal deviation
What investigations may aid diagnosis of pneumothorax?
X-ray
CT
What are the management options for a pneumothorax?
Observation
Aspiration
Intercostal drain
Where would you aspirate gas from a pneumothorax?
2nd intercostal space mid clavicular line
What are the symptoms of extrinsic allergic alveolitis/hypersensitivity pneumonitis?
Flu-like Cough Fever Chills Dyspnoea Malaise Chest tightness Myalgia Sputum production Weight loss
How is extrinsic allergic alveolitis/hypersensitivity pneumonitis managed?
Avoid trigger
Corticosteroids
Cytotoxics
Oxygen
What are the symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis?
Breathlessness
Hacking dry cough
Fatigue and weakness
Appetite and weight loss
What are the signs of pulmonary fibrosis?
Finger clubbing
Bibasal crackles
Subpleural honeycombing
How is pulmonary fibrosis investigated?
High resolution CT
Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (biopsy)
How is pulmonary fibrosis managed?
Symptomatic
Oxygen
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Transplant
What are the 3 types of skin cancer?
Basal cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Malignant melanoma
How is basal cell carcinoma managed?
Surgical excision with 3-4mm margin
How is squamous cell carcinoma managed?
Surgical excision with 4mm margin
What are the risk factors for melanoma?
Genetics Family history UV radiation Sunburn Fair skin History of melanoma High socioeconomic status Immunosuppression
What classification is used to determine prognosis of melanoma?
Breslow depth
How is malignant melanoma treated?
Surgical excision with 1-2cm margin
Immunotherapy (ipilimumab)
What types of eczema are there?
Atopic
Seborrhoeic
Varicose
Contact
How is eczema managed?
Emollients Topical steroids Antihistamines Antibiotics/antivirals/antifungals Immunosuppressants Biologic agents Avoid triggers
What is the Koebner phenomenon?
Psoriasis develops at site of trauma/scars
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
Salmon pink plaques on extensor surfaces
Onycholysis
Pitting/thickened/dystrophic nails
Psoriatic arthritis
How is psoriasis managed?
Topical moisturiser, steroid, vitamin D analogue, retinoids UV phototherapy Oral retinoids Methotrexate/cyclosporin Biologics (abalumimab)
What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
Weight loss Irritability/restlessness Malaise Itching Sweating Breathlessness Palpitations Heat intolerance Muscle weakness Stiffness Tremor Diarrhoea Eye changes Oligomenorrhoea Loss of libido
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Tiredness Weight gain Cold intolerance Depression Poor memory Dry/brittle hair Dry/course skin Arthralgia Myalgia Muscle weakness Constipation Menorrhagia
How is hypothyroidism managed?
Levothyroxine
How is hyperthyroidism managed?
Beta-blocker
Carbimazole/propylthiouracil
Radioactive iodine
What antibodies are involved in thyroid disease?
TSH receptor antibody - Grave’s
TPO antibody - Hashimoto’s
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Excessive thirst and hunger Frequent urination Weight loss Fatigue Irritability Blurred vision Slow-healing wounds Nausea Skin infections Acanthosis nigricans Fruity/sweet/acetone breath Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
What are the x-ray features of osteoarthritis?
Narrowed joint space
Osterophytes
Subchondral sclerosis
Subchondral cysts
What are the joint features of rheumatoid arthritis?
Boutonniere deformity Swan neck deformity Z-thumb Subluxation of wrist Ulnar deviation of digits Radial deviation of wrist Piano key ulnar head
What investigations can be used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid factor
Anti-CCP
ANA
Imaging - x-ray
How is rheumatoid arthritis managed?
Occupational/physiotherapy
NSAIDs/analgesia
DMARDs (methotrexate, sulfasalazine)
Biologics (anti-TNF infliximab, anti-CD20 rituximab, anti-IL6 tocilizumab)
How is a hot, swollen joint investigated?
Synovial fluid aspirate
Gram stain and culture
Polarised microscopy
Blood culture
What are the symptoms of reactive arthritis?
Non-gonococcal urethritis, post-infectious arthritis, conjunctivitis
How are gout and pseudogout differentiated using polarised light microscopy?
Gout - negatively bifringent, needle shaped crystals of sodium urate
Pseudogout - weakly positive birefringent rhomboidal crystals of sodium pyrophosphate
How is gout managed?
Acute - NSAIDs, colchicine
Chronic - urate lowering therapy (e.g. allopurinol, xanthine oxidase inhibitor)
What investigations are used for diagnosing disseminated intravascular coagulation?
Look for underlying cause
Coagulation panel
D-dimer
FBC and blood film
How is isseminated intravascular coagulation managed?
Fresh frozen plasma
Platelets
What is the most common pathogen to cause pneumonia?
Streptococcus pneumoniae
What are the symptoms of bacterial pneumonia?
Abrupt cough
Pleuritic chest pain
High fever
What are the signs of bacterial pneumonia?
Consolidation (dull percussion)
Coarse crepitations
Increased vocal resonance
How is bacterial pneumonia treated?
Penicillin
doxycycline if allergy
What is the CURB65 score?
Clinical assessment of pneumonia - >2 severe C - confusion U - urea (>7) R - respiratory rate (>30) B - BP <90/<60 mmHg 65 - age >65
How can pneumonia be investigated?
ABG
Chest x-ray
Blood/sputum culture
How is TB treated?
Rifampicin
Isoniazid (prophylactic pyridoxine)
Pyrazinamide
Ethambutol
What is the most likely STI to cause urethral discharge?
Gonorrhoea (neisseria gonnorhoea)
How is gonorrhoea treated?
Ceftriaxone IM and azithromycin oral
How is chlamydia treated?
Doxycycline
What are the symptoms of syphilis?
Macropapular rash Patchy alopecia Lip/anal chancre Ophthalmic Aortic root dissection
How is syphilis treated?
Penicillin IM
How are genital warts treated?
Topical podophyllotoxin
Aldara immune modulator
Liquid nitrogen
How is herpes treated?
Aciclovir
What are the symptoms of HIV?
Macropapular rash Glandular fever Weight loss Mouth sores Myalgia Fever Nausea and vomiting Headache Diarrhoea Oesophageal candida
How is HIV treated?
HAART - highly active antiretroviral treatment (triple therapy)
When can a person with HIV have unprotected sex?
Viral load undetectable (<200) for >6 months - untransmissible