Summarising and investigations

Question 1

How do you summarise a patient?

Answer 1

When finished presenting a patient:
Say in summary --> key positive and negative findings
 What the problem is?
 How severe it is?
  Impact on life?
 Risk factors?

Question 2

Why do U&E’s and LFTs?

Answer 2

U&E’s - check kidneys (can affect anaemia); electrolyte imbalance, dehydration
LFTs - Mets, may affect certain abx or drugs you give
BOTH of these done to see baseline for drugs
remember clotting factors aren’t included in LFTs, need to order these separately

Question 3

when are tumour markers done?

Answer 3

Tumour markers are usually done after cancer diagnosis

Question 4

What should be done after summarising a patient?

Answer 4

Say top 3 DDx!

This should then link to… –> INVESTIGATIONS

Investigations

(1) Bedside e.g. vitals and examinations
(2) blood test [and say why, to prove your knowledge]
(3) imaging