History and PE Flashcards
What mnemonic is used to explore the etiology and significance of a patient’s concerns and symptoms?
OLDCARTS
Provide three open-ended questions that can be used to elicit the chief complaint from a patient.
‘What can I do for you today?’, ‘How can I help you?’, ‘Why did you seek consult?’
A patient presents with a cough lasting for 6 weeks. Classify this cough duration and state two possible diagnoses.
Subacute cough; possible diagnoses: post-infectious cough, exacerbations of underlying illnesses, upper airway cough syndrome
What specific symptom in a patient with cough should prompt immediate referral to the hospital?
Massive hemoptysis (>500ml/24 hrs or >100ml/hr)
Name three conditions that can cause paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.
Left ventricular failure, mitral stenosis, obstructive sleep apnea
What type of chest pain is described as sharp, burning, or catching, worsening with deep breaths, and associated with dyspnea?
Pleuritic pain
Apart from respiratory causes, list three other categories of disorders that can present with dyspnea.
Cardiac, hematologic, metabolic, neuromuscular
State three sleep-related symptoms that can indicate obstructive sleep apnea.
Loud snoring, witnessed apneas, awakening due to gasping
Give two examples of primary malignancies that could later manifest as lung metastases.
Breast cancer, colorectal cancer
Why is it important to inquire about a patient’s last antibiotic intake, particularly those taken within the past 3 months?
To assess for recent antibiotic use that might mask current infections and to identify potential drug-induced cough
Name three cardiometabolic diseases that could contribute to chest pain and/or difficulty breathing.
Coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension
What specific question about diabetes is important to ask, especially in relation to potential pulmonary infections?
Level of diabetes control; uncontrolled diabetes increases the risk of infections like tuberculosis
List three conditions, besides anemia and pregnancy, that could contribute to shortness of breath.
Obesity, chronic kidney disease, liver failure
Give two examples of inhalers used in the management of respiratory conditions and specify their drug classes.
Salmeterol (LABA), fluticasone (ICS)
What formula is used to calculate pack years in a smoker?
Pack years (PY) = pack per day x years of smoking
Name three occupational lung diseases.
Asbestosis, coal worker’s pneumoconiosis, silicosis
Give two examples of diseases endemic to specific regions in the Philippines that could present with pulmonary manifestations.
Paragonimiasis, Malaria
What aspects of a patient’s home environment should be inquired about during history taking?
Ventilation, presence of allergens/pollutants
List four signs of respiratory distress that can be observed during the general survey.
Inability to speak in full sentences, tachypnea, use of accessory muscles, cyanosis
What is the normal respiratory rate for an adult?
12-20 breaths per minute
Explain how to accurately measure a patient’s respiratory rate.
Observe the rate, rhythm, depth, and effort of breathing for a full minute while subtly palpating the radial pulse
Describe the correct positioning of both the patient and the examiner when inspecting the posterior chest.
Patient: seated with arms folded across the chest and hands resting on opposite shoulders; doctor: standing in a midline position behind the patient
What chest wall deformity is characteristically seen in patients with COPD?
Barrel chest