GP Flashcards
Most common cause of painful rectal bleeding on a background of constipation
Anal fissure
What should be done if someone vomits within 3 hours of taking their combined oral contraceptive pill
An additional pill should be taken as soon as possible
Describe the tricycling method of taking the combined oral contraceptive pill
Take the pill everyday for 9 weeks and then take a 4-7 day free interval
What is the most effective form of emergency contraception?
the intrauterine device (IUD)
What is suggested if someones total cholesterol is greater tha 5mmol/L
20mg atrovastatin
What non-invasive emergency contraception can be used for up to 5 days after unprotected sex?
ellaOne (ulipristal acetate)
How do you work out units of alcohol?
(concentration (percent) x volume )/ 1000
What contraceptive is migraine with aura a contraindication for?
The combined oral contraceptive pill
First line treatment for severe depression
SSRI (citalopram)
What happens if the progesterone only pill is missed for more than 3 hours
Take the missed pill and wear condoms for 48 hours
How long after remission should an antidepressant be continued for?
6 months
Treatment of cellulitis
oral flucloxacillin
Why may creatinine be high after treatment with trimethoprim
competitive inhibition of creatinine secretion from the renal tubules
What percent of FEV1 reversibility should be achieved by bronchodilator therapy in asthma?
At least 12%
What form of contraception can be used in women with breast cancer?
non-hormonal methods such as the copper IUD
First line investigation for angina
CT coronary angiogram
Treatment of urge incontinence which is often used in frail elderly patients
Mirabegron
What medications are a risk factor for gout?
low dose aspirin, thiazide like diuretics and immunosuppressive medications
What test is used to confirm iron deficiency anaemia?
ferritin (below 30mcg/l)
What is the best contraptive method at preventing pregnancy?
The contraceptive implant
Most appropriate antibiotic for bacterial tonsilitis?
Oral penicillin V (phenoxymethylpenicillin)
Can an IUD be used in someone with active chlamydia?
no
What antibiotic is recommended to treat UTIs in elderly patients with CKD?
trimethoprim
What can topical corticosteroids cause in patients with darker skin types
depigmentation
FEV1 of stage 2 COPD
50-80%
FEV1 of stage 3 COPD
30-50%
FEV1 of stage 4 COPD
<30%
Causes or secondary anal fissures
Constipation, IBD colorectal cancer,dermatological conditions such as psoriasis. Bacchanal, viral and fungal infections, anal trauma, pregnancy and child birth
Where do 90% or anal fissures present?
The posterior midline - If elsewhere other conditions such as crohns should be considered
Treatment of anal fissures lasting more than a week
Topical GTN applied twice a day for 6 to 8 weeks is first line
If GTN not effective consider surgery or Botox
Acute treatment of anal fissures
Soften stool- high fibre, high fluid intake, bulk forming laxatives
Lubricants such as petroleum jelly before defecation
Topical anaesthetics
Sitting in a warm bath
What type of reaction is anaphylaxis
Type 1 hypersensitivity reaction
Common causes of anaphylaxis
Food such as nuts - most common cause in children
Drugs
Venom
Resuscitation council uk definition of anaphylaxis
Sudden onset of:
Airway problems: swelling of the throat leading to hoarse voice and stridor
Breathing problems - wheeze, dyspnoea
Circulation problems - hypotension, tachycardia
Presentation of anaphylaxis
Sudden onset of:
Dyspnoea
Wheeze
Tachycardia
Urticaria
Angiooedema
Collapse
Dose of adrenaline in less than 6months
100 to 150 micrograms
Dose of adrenaline in 6months to 6years
150 micrograms
Dose of adrenaline in 6 to 12 years
300 micrograms
Dose of adrenaline in over 12 years
500 micrograms
What test can be done to confirm anaphylaxis after the event
Mast cell tryptase - collected 1-2 hours after onset but no later than 4
Common causes of bacterial vaginosis
Gardnerella vaginalis
Prevotells species
Bacteriodes species
Peptostreptococcus species
How does bacterial vaginosis present
Offensive fishy smelling discharge
No soreness or irritation
Amstel criteria for bacterial vaginosis
Vaginal pH > 4.5
Typical discharge - thin, off-white, homogenous
Positive whiff-amine test
Clue cells on microscopy
Explain the whiff-amine rest
Fishy odour on adding 10% potassium hydroxide to the vaginal fluid
Treatment of bacterial vaginosis in non-pregnant women
Oral metronidazole 400mg BD for 5 to 7 days
OR
Single dose high dose 2g metronidazole
OR
400mg intravaginal metronidazole gel OD for 5 day
Treatment of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women
400mg oral metronidazole BD for 5 to 7 days
Or
400mg metronidazole intravaginal gel OD for 5 day
Complications of bacterial vaginosis
Can increase the risk of transmission of STIs
Can cause pregnancy complications- late miscarriage, low birthweight, premature rupture of membranes
Pathophysiology of BPH
Hyperplasia of the stromal and epithelial cells of the prostate
Usually occurs in the transitional zone of the prostate
Presentation of BPH
Voiding symptoms - weak intermittent urinary flow, straining, hesitancy, terminal dribbling, incomplete emptying
Storage symptoms - urgency , frequency, urinary incontinence , nocturia
How can BPH be diagnosed
DRE - smooth symmetrical enlarged prostate with maintenance of the central sulcus
May use PSA to screen for prostate cancer
Urine dipstick to assesss for haematuria and proteinuria
Treatment of BPH
- Alpha blockers such as tamsulosin
- 5 alpha reductase inhibitors such as finasteride
- TURP - transurethral resection of the prostate
What is Bell’s palsy
An acute unilateral idiopathic facial nerve paralysis
What happens to the forehead in Bell’s palsy
It will be included in paralysis as it is a lower motor neurone lesion - upper lesion would have forehead sparing due to bilateral inner action of the forehead
What additional symptoms may be present in Bell’s palsy
Post auricular pain
Altered taste
Dry eyes
Hyperacusis
What is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
A common cause of recurrent vertigo triggered by head movement
Pathophysiology of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Caused by otoconia - loose debris of calcium carbonate
These are within the semicircular canals (most commonly the posterior canal)
Attacks are triggered by head movements causing movement of the otoconia, abnormal motion of the endolymph and feelings of vertigo
Presentation of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Short episodes of vertigo, usually lasting less than a minute
Episode will be triggered by head movements such as rolling over in bed
Vertigo may cause nausea and vomiting
How is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo diagnosed
Dix- hallpike manoeuvre
The manoeuvre will trigger rotational nystagmus and symptoms of vertigo in positive patients
How is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo treated
Epley manoeuvre
Patient can do Brandt- daroff exercises at home
Most common causes of bronciolitis
Respiratory syncytial virus
Other - rhinovirus, adenovirus
Most common side effect of allopurinol
Rash
What medication does clarithromycin interact with ?
Atrovastatin
What antibiotic should be used if treating a UTI in someone on methotrexate
Pivmacillinam
Emergency contraception in women with bmi greater than 26
Double dose of levonelle
What is an absolute contraindication to the combined pill?
A DVT
In what trimester should nitrofuratoin be avoided
Third
Where does impetigo rash typically start
On the face of it
First line prophylaxis of migraines
Propranolol, tropiramate or amitriptyline
Who should topiramate be avoided in?
Pregnant women
Who should topiramate be avoided in?
Pregnant women
What hormone do ovulation test strips monitor for?
LH- there is an lh surge before ovulation
How is diagnosis of a salivary gland stone made?
Sialogram
What criteria can be used to diagnose rheumatic fever
The jones criteria - evidence of recent strep infection with 2 major of 1 major plus 2 minor criteria
What is a contraindication to the ellaOne emergency contraception?
Severe asthma
What cancers are at increased risk with oral contraceptive pill
Increased risk of breast and cervical cancer
Decreased risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer
What antibiotic is given second line in tonsilitis in the event of penicillin allergy
Clarithromycin
What is seen on the blood film in coeliacs
Howell jolly bodied
What finding on microscopy is indicative of bacterial vaginosis
clue cells
How does tamsulosin work?
it is a alpha 1 antagonist- it decreases smooth muscle tone of the prostate and bladder
What is the first line treatment of BPH in those with moderate to severe voiding symptoms
tamulosin
Side effects of tamulosin
dizziness, postural hypotension, dry mouth, depression
What is the action of finasteride
blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone
which is known to induce BPH
What is an indication for using finasteride in BPH
it is indicated in those with an enlarged prostate that is considered to be at high risk of progression
How long does it take for finasteride to work?
6 months
side effects of finasteride
erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, ejaculation problems, gynaecomastia
What is mastitis
inflammation of the breast tissue typically associated with breast feeding
How does mastitis present?
painful tender red hot breast
may have fever and general malaise
RF for mastitis
smoking, poor breast feeding technique, nipple damage, maternal stress, previous mastitis
What is mastitis called when it is associated iwth breast feeding
puerperal mastitis
Pathophysiology of mastitis
usually occurs due to milk stasis- from inadequate milk removal or infrequent feeding
Cracked sore nipples- provide entry point for bacteria
most common organism associated with mastitis
Staphylococcus aureus
What can mastitis develop into if left untreated?
breast abscess
first line management of mastitis
continue breast feeding
First line pharmacological treatment of mastitis
oral flucloxacillin (10-14 days)
Overview of the treatment of mastitis
continue breastfeeding
analgesia
warm compress
oral flucloxacillin (continue breastfeeding)
When should someone be treated for mastitis
if systemically unwell, if a nipple fissure is present, if symptoms do not improve after 12-24 hours of effective milk removal or if culture indicates infection
What is a breast abscess?
a collection of pus within an area of the breast usually caused by a bacterial infection
what are the two types of breast abscesses?
lactation and non lactational breast abscess
What is the most common causative agents of breast abscesses
staphylococcus aureus
Presentation of a breast abscess
a swollen, fluctuant lump within the breast
(fluctuant means the fluid can be moved around within the lump using pressure on palpation)
If active infection the abscess may be hardened
May also have features of mastitis- tender, swollen red breast
How are breast abscesses confirmed
USS
1st line treatment of a breast abscess
surgical intervention - needle aspiration or surgical incision and drainage
plus antibiotics
What are causes of parkinsonisms (not just parkinsons)
parkinsons disease
drug induced (antipsychotics, metoclopramide)
progressive supranuclear palsy
multiple system atrophy
wilsons disease
post encephalitis
dementia with lewy bodies
Are the symptoms of parkinsons symmetrical or asymmetrical
they are characteristically asymmetrical
Who is most commonly affected by parkinsons
men aged 65
Triad of parkinsons
bradykinesia
resting tremor
cogwheel rigidity
How many bradykinesia present in parkinsons
poverty of movement
short shuffling gait with reduced arm swing
small handwriting
reduced facial movements
Describe the tremor associated with parkinsons
resting tremor
usually 3-5 Hz
worse when tired or stressed
improves with voluntary movement
described as ‘pill-rolling’
Features of parkinsons (apart from the classic triad)
mask like face
flexed posture
soft voice
drooling saliva
Depression (affects about 40%)
postural instability
loss of sense of smell
sleep disorder
How does drug induced parkinsons differ from parkinsons disease in its presentation
drug induced is mroe likely to have a rapid onset and bilateral symptoms
it is less likely to have rigidity and resting tremour
How is parkinsons diagnosed
clinical
may use SPECT or CT/MRI scan
First line treatment of parkinsons if affecting quality of life?
levodopa
first line treatment of parkinsons if not affecting someones life
dopamine agonist (cabergoline), monamine oxidase B inhibitor or levodopa
If a patient with Parkinson’s is on the optimal dose of levodopa but still has symptoms what medication may be added?
MAO-B or COMT inhibitor
pathophysiology of parkinsons disease
loss of dopaminergic neurones in the substantia nigra of the basal ganglia
Side effects of levodopa
dry mouth
anorexia
palpitations
postural hypotension
psychosis
How does levodopa work?
it breaks down into dopamine once it crosses the blood brain barrier
What may be combined with levodopa to prevent peripheral breakdown and release of dopamine outside of the brain
decarboxylase inhibitor (carbidopa or benserazide)
What is the end-of-dose wearing off phenomenon that occurs with levodopa
symptoms worsen towards the end of the levodopa interval
What is the on-off phenomenon associated with levodopa
there are large variations in motor performance with normal function during an on period and weakness and restricted mobility during a off
what may parkinsons patients experience when on the peak dose of levodopa
dyskinesias - chorea, dystonia and athetosis (involuntary writhing movements)
What may parkinsons patients experience if they stop levodopa suddently
acute dystonia
Which parkisnons medication is known to cause problems with impulse control
dopamine agonists (cabergoline)
What complications is associated with dopamine agonists that requires monitoring investigations before beginning?
pulmonary and cardiac fibrosis
Patients should have an ECHO, ESR, creatinine and chest ray before starting
how do monamine oxidase B inhibitors work?
inhibit the breakdown of dopamine secreted by dopaminergic neurones
what is an example of a MAO-B inhibitor
selegiline
How do COMT inhibitors work
inhibits the breakdown of dopamine- used as an adjunct to levodopa
Give some examples of COMT inhibitors
entacarpone, tolcapone
What disease is parkinsons disease commonly related to?
lewy body dementia
how does lewy body dementia present?
progressive cognitive impairment - typically before parkinsonisms
parkinsonsism
visual hallucinations
How can you differentiate between parkinsons disease and lewy body dementia
in parkinsons motor symptoms are usually present for a year before cognitive impairment whereas in lewy body dementia cognitive impairment usually comes first
How is lew body dementia diagnosed?
usually clincial however SPECT scans are increasing used
How is lewy body dementia treated?
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (rivastigmine, donepezil) and memantine can be used
what type of drug should be avoided in lewy body dementia and why
neuroleptics - associated with irreversible parkonsonisms
What complications can occur with both antipsychotics and parkinsons drugs (levodopa)
neuroleptic malignant syndrome
how does neuroleptic malignant syndrome present?
pyrexia, muscle rigidity, autonomic lability (hypertension, tachycardia and tacypnoea) , agitated delirium
What might bloods show in someone with neuroleptic malignant syndrome
raised creatinine kinase is present in most
may have AKI and leukocytosis in severe
What is the most prevalent STI in the UK
chlamydia
what bacteria causes chlamydia
chlamydia trachomatis
How common is chlamydia
affects approx 1 in 10 young women
what type of pathogen is chlamydia
an intracellular bacterium
gram negative bacilli
Incubation period of chlamydia
7 to 21 days
what % of patients with chlamydia are asymptomatic
70% of women, 50% of men
How does chlamydia present in women
cervicitis- discharge, bleeding
dysuria
how does chlamydia present in men
urethral discharge
dysuria
how is chlamydia diagnosed
NAAT- from vulvovaginal swab in women and first void urine in men
treatment of chlamydia
7 days doxycycline
complications of chlamydia
pelvic inflammatory disease
epididymitis
reactive arthritis
conjunctivits and pneumonia in neonates if infected mother
perihepatitis (Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome)
infertility
increased ectopics
if doxycycline is contraindicated in chlamydia what may be used?
azithromycin (1g OD and then 500mg OD for 2 days)
what is used to treat chlamydia in pregnancy
azithromycin, erythromycin or amoxicillin
How long after exposure should chlamydia testing be done?
2 weeks
What bacteria causes gonorrhoea
gram negative diplococci neisseria gonorrhoeae
incubation period of gonorrhoea
2 to 5 days
what percentage of patients with gonorrhoea are aysmptomatic
90% of men and 50% of women
how does gonorrhoea present
men- urethral discharge
dysuria
women - vaginal discharge (yellow green thick)
abdominal pain
dyspareunia
how is gonorrhoea diagnosed?
NAAT taken from vaginal swab in women and first pass urine in men
treatment of gonorrhoea
IM ceftriaxone 1g
RF of gonorrhoea
young age
new sexual contact
inconsistent condom use
MSM
current or prior STI
incareration
complications of gonorrhoea
pelvic inflammatory disease, pregnancy complications, development of stricture
epididymitis, orchitis, prostatitis, infertility
What causes infectious mononucleosis
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV- also known as herpesvius 4)
What is a less common cause of infectious mononucleosis
cytomegalovirus and HH6
Triad of infectious mononucleosis
sore throat (with whitewash exudate)
pyrexia
lymphadenopathy (commonly in the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck )
how does lymphadenopathy differ in EBV and tonsilitis
EBV more likely to be in the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck
Tonsilitis more likely to be in the upper anterior cervical chain
presentation of EBV
triad: lymphadenopathy, pyrexia, sore throat
- malaise
- palatal petechiae
- splenomegaly
- hepatitis
- lymphocytosis
- haemolytic anaemia
How long does it usually take for EBV to resolve?
2-4 weeks
How is EBV diagnosed?
heterophil antibody test (monospot test)
FBC- may show haemolytic anaemia and lymphocytosis
LFTs may be elevated
Why can you get haemolytic anaemia in EBV
due to cold agglutins (IgM)
Differentials for EBV
strep throat, lymphoma and leukaemia, viral illnesses (e.g mumps)
Treatment of EBV
rest and analgesia
Avoid playing contact sport - splenic rupture
what type of virus causes mumps
an RNA paramyxovirus
how is mumps spread
respiratory droplets
incubation period of mumps
14-21 days
when are patients with mumps infective
7 days before and 9 days after parotid swelling starts
pathophysiology of mumps
spread via respiratory droplets
replicates in the upper respiratory mucosa
spreads to the parotid gland
How does mumps present?
fever
malaise
parotitis (usually presents as ear ache or pain on eating)
how does parotitis present in mumps?
ear pain or pain on eating
usually begins unilateral and then spreads to be bilateral
How is mumps diagnosed?
usually clinical - can be confirmed with saliva sample to detect IgM
differentials for mumps
viral infections- EBV
acute supparative parotitis
parotid duct obstruction
Treatment of mumps
no specific treatment- fluids, rest, analgesia
notifiable disease
complications of mumps
parotitis
orchitis- occurs in post-pubertal men and can lead to impairments in fertility. May present as pain and swelling of the testicals
hearing loss- usually transient
meningoencephalitis
pancreatitis
what type of pathogen is trichomonas vaginalis
a highly motile flagellated protozoan parasite
Presentation of trichomonas vaginalis
vaginal discharge- offensive, yellow/green frothy discharge
vulval itching
dysuria
Examination findings of trichomonas vaginalis
strawberry cervix
pH greater than 4.5
yellow-green frothy discharge with a fishy odour
inflammation of the vulva and vagina
How can the diagnosis of trichomonas vaginalis be confirmed
microscopy of a wet mount shows motile trophocytes
how does trichomonas vaginals present in men
usually asymptomatic- can have urethritis