Professional Documents
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Golden Tips
Dear collegues a lot of plab2 candidates asked me to explain examination.So I am going to
explain few common examinations which people fail a lot.
GOLDEN TIP 1:-One important thing that I would like to mention that you all know how to
do examinations as you all have done in your medical school just need revision.One essential
thing to pass the examination is that while you are performing the examination pt should feel
respect,dignity and autonomy.This is the most important thingtopass the
examination.GOLDEN TIP 2-:You must stop your examination at 4.30 bell and upto this
point 70% examination must be completed.At 4.30 bell thank the pt and ask him to cover up
in his/her privacy,turn to the examiner that i would like to complete my examition by
doing(remaining part of examination)
-My most probable dx is this(dx)
GOLDEN TIP 3:-While doing examination hold the pt with confidence.
GOLDEN TIP 4:-Explain every step before performing on the pt,also if he/she already has
pain on examination site and ask for permission by non verbal gesture by looking into the
eyes of pt with plesant smile on your face and wait for the response.If the step you are going
to perform can cause pain or discomfort tell the pt and ask for co.operation.Look at the face
of pt for discomfort and say sorry for this.
Golden tip 5:
-If you think that pt is dx with chronic disease causing any disability or complication and
sending pt back to home.ALWAYS ASK IS THERE ANYONE AT HOME WHO CAN
SUPPORT YOU?
GOLDEN TIP6:- MEMORIZE THESE FOUR WORDS
1-THANK YOU
2-LOVELY
3-THAT'S GREAT
4-EXCELLENT
And use these words very frequently during examination and after easch step of examination.
DEAR COLLEGUES:There is no trick to pass the examination station.Practice a lot and be
very very gentle to the pt.
If onset is chronic
Causes
Bladder tumor or stone
BPH
Neurological deficits (CVA, Alzheimers, neoplasms, cord compression)
Surgery
Polyuria (DM, hypercalcemia)
PMHx
Surgery (vaginal, pelvic, prostate)
Childbirth
SIM MAN
DO NOT MISS this station
You will have three sim man stations in which you should do management
1- acute asthma
2- acute limb ischemia
3-CVS simman with preop assessment of Hystrectomy.
I have seen many doctors have struggled in these three stations so I would like to talk about
these three stations
SHORTNESS OF BREATH IN SIMMAN:
-To begin with, as you know shortness of breath in sim man has two stations: One of these is
acute asthma, which involves taking history, examination and management.
- The other is infective exacerbation of COPD, which involves taking history and
examination, NOT management. This means before starting the station you can be sure if
there is management in the task, the station is acute asthma
.
COMMON MISTAKES in acute asthma station;
1-Many doctors forget to fasten the mask properly, maybe they are thinking about choosing a
right mask at the beginning of the station. There is usually only one mask, Hudson with
reservoir, which is the right one. Therefore, it should not distract you. Please fasten the mask
properly when you start your treatment in very early stage of station. Don't expect to pass if
you don't fasten it properly. It is a good idea when you are putting the mask tell the examiner
'' I'm giving my patient oxygen and let the examiner ask you about percentage (high flow
100%), and rate (15 L/ min). The examiner will ask you, however, if he did not so you can
talk about them.
2-Many doctors could not reach to auscultation .To tackle this problem you should aim to
auscultate the chest at least 90 sec before the station finishes because in this station the most
important finding is on Auscultation. The best way to manage your time is you must keep
looking at the monitor and as soon as oxygen saturation drops below 90%, then should start
your next treatment step, so you can save time and don't let sim man to waste your time. For
example, during taking history, you have to give oxygen when you come to know he has
asthma. During the examination, when you see oxygen saturation drop below 90%
immediately talk about nebulized salbutamol 5 mg every 15 minute. The simman may
deteriorate once more, so you keep tracking the monitor and this time please talk about IV
hydrocortisone 5 mg every 4-6 hours .By doing this, you don't let sim man to start showing
you his shortness of breath in which you have to ask him
what is happening? and he can't talk due to shortness of breath you have to wait and ask it
again and .
This approach not only save your time but also gives a good impression to the examiner as
you keep looking at the monitor.
3-Many doctors at the end of the station when the examiner asks them a question they answer
something else!
-When you finishes your auscultation plz talk about your findings,which is wheez and
diagnosis is Acute Asthma.
-If the examiner asks you"what are you going to do now?"plz do not talk about the other
options because when you finish the station simman is usually stable.The examiner does not
look for other steps of treatment.
-Here you should talk about the investigations,which is CXR,ABG and ECG.As you know
after steroids(either IV hydrocortisone or oral prednisolon 40-50mg)If pt deteriorates you
should inform ITU and your seniors so the stage after steroid should not be the examiner's
concern.However if he asks "what are you doing if your pt deteriorates?"Plz tell the examiner
"I informing my senior and ITU team and they may consider megnesium sulphate and
intubation."
BRIEF HISTORY POINTS BOTH IN ASTHMA AND COPD:
-When you enterd the room pt will be gasping for air,sometime asking for help.Immidiately
tell the pt I can see your oxygen saturation is low that is e,g 88%.Do you smoke?Have you
ever smoked?answer would be no ar less number of cigarett not fulfilling the crieteria of
copd.
-Give the pt high flow oxygen.
-Now introduce youself.
-Take brief history.How long have you been SOB.?How did it start?What were you doing at
that time?Do you have asthma?Any chest pain?Any heart problem?Any fever,cough and
spotum?Any recent surgery or travel?Any Hx of Clots in lungs and legs.
-In asthma keep eye on monitor while taking history as you have to manage the pt
simultaneously.
-On examination part directly start from percussion to save your time for auscultation which
is ultimately passing point.
COPD:
-Approach is the same.When you ask for smoking this pt will give you hx of smoking >40
years and >30 cigretts per day.Fever,cough and green spotum +ve.
-Dont give oxygen because in the question it is mentioned that take hx and do relevant
examination.
-Same points of Hx as in asthma.
-On examination part verbalise I,ll look for clubbing,peripheral and central cyanosis.check
for tracheal deviation and chest expansion,and start from percusstion and auscultation.
-Tell the examiner your dx=Acute excerbation of COPD
Vibration:
1-Touch the tuning fork on the fingertips of index and little finger while palm facing upward.
2-touch at tha DIPJ on thumb palm facing downward.
SPECIAL TESTS:
1-Phalen's test: reverse prayer sign for 1 minut:+ve if tingling and numbness in case of carpel
tunnel syndrome.
2-Tinnel sign: Tap along the course of median nerve, tingling become worse in carpel tunnel
syndrome.
FUNCTIONS:
1-Pincer grip
2-Squeez my fingers
3-Hold a cup
4-Undo button
5-Write a sentence
THANK the pt and ask him to cover his sleeves
finger with your eyes and dont move your head.If you see double anywhere plz let me know.
-While moving your finger plz be slow in extreme quadrents and give pt time to give you
findings of diplopia or strabismus.
-Give your findings loudly(e,g my pt doesn't have diplopia or strabismus.so,3,4,6 cranial
nerve is intact.
5th CRANIAL NERVE:Verbalise loudly I am going to check sensory component of 5th
cranial nerve.
-Ask the pt if he has pain or tingling anywhere on his face.
-Tell the pt this is wisp of cotton,i am going to touch it on your face while your eyes will be
closed.plz say yes when you feel it.It feels like this(on sternum)can you feel it?yes
-Touch on ophthalic,maxillary and medibular division of nerve by comparing both sides.
-Same process with neuropin for pain sensation(use the blunt end)
-VERBALISE loudly that sensory component of 5th cranial nerve is intact.
NOW I AM GOING TO CHECK MOTOR COMPONENT OF 5th CRANIAL NERVE.
-Can you please clinch your teeth while I'll be placing my hands on your face to feel the
muscle.
-can you plz move your jaw side to side.
-Ideally I would like to perform jaw jerk and corneal reflex
VERBALISE loudly motor component of 5th cranial nerve is intact.
7th CRANIAL NERVE(Verbalize loudly)
-Can you plz frown at me?
-Can you plz close your eyes tightly I'll try to open them.Don't let me do it.
-Can you plz puff your cheeks I 'll try to break by tapping.Don't let me do it.
-Can you plz smile for me.
-Do you have any problem with your taste?
7th CRANIAL NERVE IS INTACT.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH
PRE-ECCLAMPCIA:
It comes in two scenarios.In first scenario you will be asked to take hx and discuss
anagement with the examiner.2nd scenario take brief hx and talk to the pt and adress her
concern(this pt has been refered by GP with baseline investigations done.Your task at this
station s to convince the pt to stay at hospital for mx and monitoing.
1St scenario;
-I understand that you have been refered to us as you are having some complaints.Is that
right?...
-Can you plz tell me what symptoms you are experiencing?-Ask about headache,blurr
vision,epigastric pain or burning,sudden onset of puffiness of face and feet.-Are you feeling
the kicks of your baby?RISK factors:
-Is this your first pregnancy?
-have you attended all your antenatal clinics?
-What was your booking BP?
-Do you have any medical condition like high BP and sugar,,CKD and antiphospholipid
syndrom?
-Anyone in the famly who have high BP during pregnancy?
-If it is not first pregnancy of pt than you can ask hx of pre-ecclampcia in previous
pregnancy?
Thank the pt and now tell the examiner management.
MANAGEMENT.
-I would like to check the BP and urinary protein.
-At this point examiner will tel you that BP is 160/110 and urinary protein 3+.
-Tell the examiner my most probable dx on the basis of hx and ex is pre-ecclampcia.
-I will admit the pt.
-Send blood for CBC,LFT,RFT,Clotting Scren.
-24 hour urinary protein and monitor BP.
-I will connct the pt with CTG machine.
-i will give my pt antihypertensive as per hospital protocol(Methldopa,labetalol,hydralazine)
-i will consider anti convulsant and steroid for lung maturation of baby after discussing with
seniors.
Notes
In preeclampcia you have to convince the pt for admission by telling her that condition is
very dangerous for you as well as for your baby. If you throw a fit, it can cause bleeding
in your brain which is very serious and life threatning condition.2ndly due to this
condition afterbirth(plancenta) can be detached and can cause severe fetal distress.
In PV bleeding if placenta previa and placental abruption has been ruled out.Ask the
mother if she is feeling the kicks of baby.
Tell the mother as you are telling me that you are feeling the kicks of baby, hopefully
your child will be fine however we will connect you to the CTG machine to check the
heart beat of baby and tell you finally.
Sign-posting here is of benefit to ensure the patient (and yourself!) are prepared for the nature
of the questions surrounding the specific sexual health aspect.
Next, Im going to move on to discuss your sexual history. Some of these questions are
sensitive, and can make people feel embarrassed. Its important for me to find out this
information though, so we can assess the risk of you being in contact with a sexually
transmitted infection, and any others involved.
-Timing of last sexual contact
When did you last have a sexual encounter?
Consensual?
Partner demographics
What sex was the partner in question?
Types of sex involved oral (genital & anal) / anal / vaginal /digital
For oral/ anal sex, clarify if the patient gave or received it (or both)
What was involved in this encounter?
Was there more than one other person involved?
-Contraception used condoms / dental dams / etc
-Clarify if contraception was used for all sexual encounters, or only a subset
-Ask if there was any problems with contraception at any point e.g. condom splitting
Was there any point at which contraception was not used during the sex?
Was there any issues with the contraception used?
Other partners in the last 3 months
Have you had any other partners within the last 3 months? If so, repeat the above for
each.
-Past medical / Surgical history:
-Drug and Allergy h
-Social hx:very important to ask about occupation of the pt.
HIV RISK ASSESSMENT:If asked
Identify if positive risk factors are present:
Have you ever had a partner whom is known to be HIV positive?
Have you ever had sex with a bisexual man/engaged in male homosexual activity?
Have you ever had sex with someone abroad, or who was born in a different country?
Have you ever injected drugs?
Are you aware of any of your previous partners having ever injected drugs?
Have you ever paid someone for sex, or been paid for sex?
IRREGULAR BLEEDING(POF):
-At this station no presenting complaints in the question.when you will go inside the cabin
and ask pt she will tell you I have irragular periods.
-How long have you been having irragular periods?
-How often are you bleeding now?
--Is this heavy bleeding?clots?flooding?...
-Were your periods tegular before that?-What was the length of your cycle?-After how many
days did they repeat?-Do you bleed outside of your cycle?-Do you bleed after sex?-Do you
feel pain during mensturation?start/throughout the mensturation?-At what age did you have
your first period?-When was your first sexuall encounter?risk-Are you on any
contraception?-Are you sexually active?Do you feel pain and vaginal dryness?-When was
your last cervical smear?result?-Have you ever done any gynaecological procedure or
operation?-Do you have childrens?
ASSOCIATED SYMPTOMS:-Are you having any hot flushes,palpitations,night sweats and
mood swings?-Do you feel depress and low?-Are you having difficulty sleeping?-Does the
heat and cold bothers you as it does not bothers other people?-Have you gained weight and
noticed any skin changes(oily,greasy and facial hair growth)?-Have you lost weight
recently?-Are you doing any excessive exercise?-How much do you eat food on an average
day?RISK FACTORS:
-Any family history of early menopause before the age of 45.
-Any parental hx of hip fracture?
-Do you have any medical condition?
-Are you taking any regular,Otc or herbal medication?specially steroids?
SOCIAL HISTORY:
-Employment -Alcohol
-Drug of abuse
DX in Exam= POF
-Smoking-Housing
MISCARRIAGE:
This is a semi breaking bad news station,so you have to follow 3 layers instead of 6 layers
before breaking the news.
-AT this station a lady comes with PV bleed and she is almost 10 weeks pregnant.Sometime
it is incomplete miscarriage and sometime missed miscariage(baby does not have heart
beat+os is closed and mother is unaware of it).In case of missed miscarriage you will not
mention that it will abort naturally,you have to do something to abort the product of
conception.
.
YOU CAN EITHER DECIDE NOW,OR THINK ABOUT IT AND LET US KNOW
LATER ON.
WHEN I CAN GO BACK TO WORK?
-You are free to get back to normal activities whenever you feel able.if you need a sick note
for work I can provide you one for 2 weeks.Your GP can provide you another sick note if you
still need one after 2 weeks.
-Do you have anyothe concern?
Thank you
ANTEPARTUM HAEMORRHAGE:
-PV bleeding after 28 weeks of gestation is called antepartum haemorrhage.At this station
you have to discuss mx with pt and adress her concerns.On USG placenta is normal.You have
to take brief history and then management.
-When did it happen?
-How did it happen?
-What were you doing at that time?...-how much blood have you lost?-Are you passing any
clots?-How much sanitry pads have you changed?-What is the color of bleeding?-Are you
running any temperature?-Any tummy pain?-Are you feeling the kicks of the baby?-Do you
have any bleeding disorder?-Any hx of trauma or instrumentation?-Are you taking any
medication?
-SYMPTOMS of Anemia:-are you feeling weak and dizzy?-Is you heart racing?-Are
passing normal amount of urine?
MANAGEMENT:-Well my dear we were worried about two serious conditions that can
present like this,1-when afterbirth is abnormally placed and second when afterbirth is
detached from the womb wall.However, from what you are telling me and USG scan shows
that you have neither of this condition.This is normal bleeding that can be in normal
pregnancy.we wnant to keep you underobservation for further bleeding and to do some blood
test to know how much blood have you lost and for this we need to admit you.HOW IS MY
BABY:-My dear as you are feeling the kicks of your baby,hopefully your baby will be fine
however we will connect you with CTG machine to check the baby heart beat.CAN I HAVE
TERM BABY:-If there is no sever bleeding and your baby is growing well you can have term
baby and normal delivery.Anyother concern?Thank you very much AMENORRHEA:
ASSOCIATED SYMPTOMS:
-Are you having any hot flushes,palpitations,night sweats and mood swings?
-Do you feel depress and low?
-Are you having difficulty sleeping?
-Does the heat and cold bothers you as it does not bothers other people?
-Have you gained weight and noticed any skin changes(oily,greasy and facial hair growth)?
-Have you lost weight recently?
-Are you doing any excessive exercise?
-How much do you eat food on an average day?
-Have you noticed any headache,visual change or milky discharge from your nipple?
-Have you ever been pregnent before?what was the outcome/Any history of miscarriage,any
procedure down below and excessive bleeding?
RISK FACTORS:
-Any family history of early menopause before the age of 45.
-Any parental hx of hip fracture?
-Do you have any medical condition?
-Are you taking any regular,Otc or herbal medication?specially steroids?
SOCIAL HISTORY:
-Employment:Ask about workplace stress
-Housing
-Smoking
-Alcohol
-Drug of abuse
DX IN EXAM=STRESS/PCOS
JAUNDICE:
IN EXAM JAUNDICE+LFTs are given in the exam so try figure out the major causes
according to the LFTs.
ALT is raised=viral hepatitist...
GGT is raised=Alcohlic hepatitisALP is raised=billiary obstructionSometime ALT and GGT
are raised so you are not sure what it is.So at the end of hx you have to explain and council
the pt for viral serology to make a
clear dx.
-Common differentials
Hepatitis (A, B or C)
Viral infections including CMV, EBV
Alcoholic hepatitis
Drug induced hepatitis
Malaria
Hepatopancreatobiliary tumour
PRESENTING COMPLAINTS:
Did your skin or the eyes white areas turn yellow or red?..
o When did you notice that your skin becoming yellow?
o How did it start?all of a sudden or gradually?
o Is it becoming worse or improving since started?
o Any excerbating and releiving factors?
o Is it contineous or intermittent?
o Are you running any temperature?
o Wt loss?
o Do you feel sick?
o Any sore throat?
o Any joint and muscle pain?
o Any abdominal pain?
o Any flank fullness?
o Change in color of urine and stool?
o Have you been recently in contact with a person with jaundice?
RISK FACTOR
TRAVEL HISTORY:(Hep A)
o Hx of eating out?
o Travel abroad?exposure to suspecious source of water?
CONTRACEPTION:
I know about two scenario about contraception.one i got in the exam and other my friend got
in the exam.
1-suitable contraception advice in 28 year old lady with history of DVT.(it is not mentioned
in the question she will tell you only if you ask her the medical condition and she is on
warfarin).
2-forty year old lady,smoker and has two children looking for contraception.
Guys no need to diliver a lecture on all types of contraception methoeds,discuss only those
options that are suitable for her because topic of contraception is so lengthy that you cant talk
about all option.If you will try to do this, you will run out of time only at 2nd or 3rd type or
you will have to make a speech like a robot which is not good at all.
HOW TO APPROACH THE STATION;
-First ask few question to assess that about which option you have to talk.
1-What do you already know about contraception?
2-Do you have any specific concern or question??
NOW ask question about sexual,menstural and medical hx before discussing about
contraception.
1-Sexual Hx:
-Are you currently sexually active?
-Are you in a longterm relationship?
-Are you using any form of contraception?reson for discontinuation?
-Have you or your partner ever been diagnosed with STI?Successfully
treated or not?
2-Menstural Hx:
-When was your LMP?
-Do you have regular periods?
-Any pain or bleeding outside of your bleeding?
-Any chance you could be pregnent?
-Have you given birth to any child recently?
3-Medical and medication Hx:
-Do you have any medical condition e,g high BP,Migrins,blood clots,liver disease,
epilepsy?Any family Hx of Clots,cancer
-Are you on any medication?
-Do you smoke?
-What is your weight and height?
-And you are 28 year old?right?
SUITABLE CONTRACEPTION IN A PT WITH DVT;
1-POP
2-Mirena coil
3-Sterilization.
POP:
-My dear,first option that suits you is called PROGESTRON ONLY PILLS,some people call
it mini pills and it contains synthetic hormone,similar to progestron which is produced by
your bady.
-It works by two methods 1-it thickens the mucus at the neck of the womb and make it
difficult for sperm to reach the egg, 2ndly,it makes the lining of the womb thinner,so make it
less likely for a fertilised egg,from implanting in the womb.
-You start taking pills from 1-5 day of your cycle and continue taking 1 tablet everyday.It is
very important that you need to take medication everyday on the same time otherwise its
efficacy is reduced and wont protect you properly.
-If taken regularly,it is very effective almost 99%
-However,it does not protect you from STI.you need to use condom to prevent STI.
-Advantage of this contraception is that it makes your period lighter and painless. It also
decreases the risk of ovarian and endometrial carcinoma. It carries less risk of having clots as
compared to other contraception that contains estrogen hormone.
-Disadvantage of these pills is that it can cause bloating, headache and wt gain. It also slightly
increase the risk of breast and cervical cancer.
-Do you have any question?
MIRENA:
-2nd option is a mirena coil, is a small T shaped plastic device that is inserted into your
womb through your front passage. It also contains the synthetic progesterone hormone and
acts by the same method as pop. it is also very effective almost 99%.
-The advantage of mirena coil is that you need not to worry about taking any pills or
injection. it'll last for 5 years. If you have heavy periods and looking for long term
contraception, this best option for you as it also makes period lighter .It is very easy to insert
almost in 5 minutes.
-The disadvantage is that it may cause short term cramping pain after we put it also at the
beginning some women experience heavy periods. It can also cause headache and breast
tenderness.
-Do you have any question?
Sterilisation:
-If you have completed your family and want permanent protection from pregnancy you can
have sterilisation. Its a surgical procedure in which the tube that brings egg to the womb will
be blocked by ligation.
-However the disadvantage of procedure is that it is almost irreversible and NHS does not
fund for reversal of procedure.
-Do you have any question?
Thank you very much
Guys this station ends here
2ND SCENARIO:
-Suitable contraception
1-pop
2-Depot injection/Implants
3-Mirena
4-Sterilization
whole station will be same but you need to talk about briefly about injections and implants
-Progestron injections repeated every 3 to 4 months and have the same mode of action as pop
and the same side effects.
-One important thing that I need to mention is that if you wish to get pregnent and stop taking
injection,It takes almost 6 months to reverse your firtility.
-Implants also contains progestron in a small plastic tube that is inserted under the skin.easy
to insert and easy to remove and can protect you upto 3 years.
Thank you very much
Note: anti Hbs is less than 10ug/ml she needs immunoglobulin and if more the vac booster:)
if below 10 than Ig and booster if between 10 - 100.if more than 100 than no need to give
anything.
INFERTILITY:
At this station you have to take hx of female as well as her partner.
While you are taking history plz take detail hx of menstural cycle and gynaecological history.
History Taking:
...
-How long have you been try to get pregnant?
Sexual Hx:
-Are you in a stable relationship?
-Are you practicing regular unprotected intercourse?
-How often?
-Do you know about your fertile days?
-Are you satisfied with your relationship?
-Do you feel pain while having sex?
-Do you bleed after having sex?
-Any discharge hx down below?
-Are you on any contraception?
MENSTURAL HX:
-Do you have regular periods?
-What is your cycle length?
-Do you pass any clots?flooding?
-Do you feel pain during mensturation?at start or throughout the mensturation?
-Do you bleed outside of your normal cycle?
-When was your last cervical smear test.
-Have you get pregnant ever before?What was the outcome?Any history of excessive
bleeding or instrumentation down below?
-Have you noticed any change of hair growth pattern specially on the face and weight gain?
-Any milky discharge from the nipples.
-Do you feel hotflushes,palpitation and night sweats.
-Does the heat and cold bothers you as it does not bother other people.
-Any FH of Infirtility,early menopause before age of 45.
-Do you have any medical condition or on any medication?
Now lets talk about your partner:
-What is the age of your partner?
-What is his occupation?
-Does he smok?drink alcohol/
-any stress in his life?
-Is there any chance that he has any previous relationship before yours?---Does he have
GMC Do not
patients can assume that doctors will keep details of the consultation
confidential. You therefore do not need to say this, and indeed it could sound
odd to a patient.
Signposting when you are changing the line of questioning can sometimes be
helpful; for example when moving from asking about symptoms to lifestyle
habits. Id like to ask you about lifestyle habits.
As in real life, you can assume that patients (unless detained under the Mental
Health Act) have sought the consultation with you. They will expect a doctor to
ask questions and they will generally wish to be cooperative. In routine
consultations expressions such as May I ask you some questions? or adding Is
that OK? to statements can sound odd coming from a doctor.
It is however appropriate when examining a patient to say I would like to
examine you, is that OK? to check implied consent before proceeding.
The stations are designed to within the capability of a doctor at the level of the
beginning of Foundation Year 2 in the UK, and the examiners want to hear what
your advice is. There will not be any circumstances under which this is an
appropriate response. Similarly, be wary of telling patients that you will discuss
with a senior colleague. You will not gain any marks if this is not an appropriate
response.
This is likely to sound strange and it would be more natural to say something
like "What would you like me to call you?"
Prefix the given, or forename with a title. For example, if your patient's name is
'John Smith' and he has agreed that you should call him John, it would not be
considered normal to address him as Mr John
Most patients will know the commonly-used names for parts of the body, so
there is no need to over-simplify, unless you think the patient has not
understood. For example, it would be reasonable to expect most people to know
the terms 'bladder', 'ovary' and 'vein'. Expressions such as 'water bag', 'eggproducing gland' and 'blood channel' are likely to sound odd. If you doubt that
the patient has understood what you are saying, check.
PRIMARY SURVEY:
-Tell the examner i am gowned and gloved and trauma team is with me.
-Proceed the pt silently with both hands in ATLS manner.
-In exam collar is already applied,tell the examiner that collar has been placed,I would like to
do triple immobilization.
-Now introduce yourself and ask for the pt identity.Are you OK?
-Guys pt is concious and talking and not in any distress plz use your common sense, no need
to give oxygen.
-Ask my assisstant to connect pt with all the monitor(BP,Pulse and cardiac monitor)I will
also ask him to do primary series of Xrays(neck,ches,pelvis)
AIRWAY:
-Ask the pt to open his mouth and look for any FB or loose denture.
Mr./Ms.., Where are you now?What day of the week is today?
To the examiner Patient is alert, oriented, speaking, no noisy
breathing, airway is patent.
-If collar is applied no need to open it and check for tracheal deviation,as pt is not in any
distress and breathing normally.Just mention as my pt is not in any distress so I assume his
trachea is central.
BREATHING:
-Tell the pt that for the purpose of examination you need full exposure,I'll maintain your
privacy.examiner says at this point assume you have full exposure.
-Now whatever you are going to do verbalise loudly.
-On inspection of chest I'll look for any chest asymmetry,swelling,bruise,open wound and
flail chest.
-Ask the pt if he has pain anywhere in chest as I am going to feel your chest.
-On palpation I cannot appreciate any crepitus, flail segments,
sucking wounds or subcutaneous emphysema.
-I am going to tap on your chest plz bear with me(by comparison on both sides)
-I canot appreciate any hyper resonance or dull not on percussion.
-tell the pt that I am going to listen your chest plz breath in and out when i say.
-Air entry is bilateral equal,I cannot appreciate any wheez,stridor or crepts.
CIRCULATION:
-i cannot appreciate any blood on the cloths and bed of the pt.
-I would like to check the vitals of pt(at this point examiner will show you vitals)
-Tell the pt that Iam going to feel your hands and feet(to check signs of shock...cold
periphres.
-If hypotesion and tachcardia resussitate the pt.
-1) I want 2 wide pore gauge 14-16 IV lines established, please.
2) Start Normal Saline/ Ringer Lactate, one liter on each at 125-1000
ml/h each (choose according to the patients BP).
3) Take a blood sample and send for:
- Blood group, Rh and cross-match,
- CBC, Lytes, (ABGs, CK-MB, Tropinin) if respiratory/cardiac case
- Liver function test (ALT, AST, ALP, and amylase),
- Renal function tests (BUN, Cr),
- Coagulation profile (INR/PTT),
- Rapid bedside Blood sugar,
- Toxicology screen
ABDOMEN:
-On inspection I'll look for bruising,swelling and distension.
-Tell the pt that I am going to feel your tummy.Do you have pain anywhre in your tummy?
-Do superficial palpation and look at the face of pt.
-I can't appreciate any rigidity,tenderness and gaurdning
-Tell pt I am going to listen your tummy.(bowel sounds)which are positive.
PELVIS:
-In exam findings are in pelvis.
-On inspection of pelvis i'll look for perineal bruising,meatal bleeding and scrotal hematoma.
-Tell the pt I am going to feel your hip,Do you have pain in your Hip.Pt replies i have taken
painkiller.so,touch the pelvis with great care and look at the face of pt.
-Pelvic tenderness is positive,my most probable dx is Pelvic fracture
"I'll apply the pelvic strap and refer the pt to the orthopedic team(no need to say i'll resussitae
or pelvic xray as you have resussitated pt earlier and sent pelvic xray with primary series of
xray)
LEGS:
-I can't appreciate any bleeding,bruising,swelling or deformity in legs.
-Palpate the legs and pulse in feet(dorsalis pedis and post tibial)
Are you ok?
-Cover the pt to prevent hypothermia.
-I'll pass NG tube and suprapubic catheter.
-If pt insists than offer blood test to check HBV and HIV(tell the pt that we will take blood
and check it now and after 3 months(serum gel to store) and then we can tell you the result of
blood test as this bug can take almost 6 to 8 weeks to appear in blood.
-No need to offer PEP to community acquired NSI untill unless it is high risk(1.source known
to be infected with a blood born virus.2.NSI from deliberate assault.3,deep large volume
injection with hollow bore needle.4.personal hx of injecting drug use) or pt is non
immunised.
-Other concern that pt shows that will you give me antibiotics?
-Needle might be contaminated so there could be chance of infection,thats why pt ask for
antibiotics.
-Ask the pt generally we give antibiotics to the pt who have signs of infection.Let me check if
you have redness,swelling or any discharge from injury site/no
-Tell the pt you dont need any antibiotic as we want prescribe antibiotic un necssarily as it
can cause resistence which means that antibiotic wont work if you need them in future.
-This is the all story if pt immunisation is up to date.
WHEN YOU GIVE PEP IF PT SAYS
TETNUS
-My tetnus booster was given >5 years than give booster dose.If < than 5 year no need to give
booster.
-If not immunised at all give immunoglobulin as well as vaccine and refer pt for full course
of tetnus vaccination.
HEP B:
-If vaccinated against hep B is up to date.no need to give any tx pt will recive vaccine booster
on time.
-If not vaccinated;give immunoglobulin and 1st dose of vaccine and than reffer to the GP for
further routine vaccination course.
Note: booster is repeated normally after 10 years.but if there occurs tetnus pron injury you
can repeat booster if the previous dose was given more than 5 years.
LYMPHORATICULAR EXAMINATION:
-Greet the pt
-Introduce yourself+ask the pt identity
-Explain that today I am here to examine some glands in your body.For the purpose of
examination you need full exposure but you can remain in your briefs,I'll ensure your privacy
and request for the chaperon.Is it ok for you?
-During the examination I 'll come closer for the inspection,Do some menouver and will
touch you.Is it ok with you?...
-If you feel uncomfortable at any point plz let me know I'll try to be as gentle as
possible.Now lets start with examination.
node.
-Ideally I 'll check the inguinal lymph nodes.
CHRONIC
KIDNEY
DISEASE:
-Do you have any medical condition like High BP,Diabtes,Heart failure.
-Are you taking any regular medication?any OTC e,gNSAIDS
-Have you ever passed any stone in your urine or told that you have stones on USG.
-Do you tend to suffer from recurrent water works infection?
-Have you noticed any blood in your urine.
-Anybody in family who have kidney disease?
-Do you smoke?
What you will do for me now?
-This disease is chronic and progressive we cant cure it,But we can do lot of things to slow
down its progression.
-We also will do USG of your kidneys to check how much damge has been done.
-With this condition there are certain lifestyle modification that are very important along with
medication.
1-you need to avoid salty and fatty food
2-Limit your daily water intake.
3-decrease your meat and protein intake
for further advice I'll refer you to the dietician
-Do you smoke?yes...smoking can make this condition worse.Have you ever thought about to
quite smoking?
-Do you drink alcohol?yes...It is advised that you need to cut down on your drinking.
MEDICAL TX:
-To make your blood strong well we'll give you Iron tablet and an injetion.
-Water tablet to get rid of swelling by removing extra fluid from the body.
-Asprine to decrease the risk of stroke(risk of stroke increases with CKD).
-ACE inhibitor to control the blood pressure and also to protect your heart and kidney.
-Statin to lower the lipids in the body(in CKD hyperlipidemia is very common)
-Vit.D and calcium to strengthn your bones.(when kidneys are not functioning calcium and
vitamin d level becomes low and this causes weakning of bones)
do you have anyother concern?
thank you very much
For NSTEMI you will tell the ex that ECG is normal on the basis of hx I am suspecting
ACS to confirm my dx i would like to do cardiac enzymes.
say that we will do cardiac enzymes after 6 hours of onset of pain !! If examiner says
if it is clear than say ok I will repeat cardiac enzymes after 12 hours of onset of pain
We are not doing any cardiac enzymes at the moment
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS:
-Greet the pt.
-Introduce yourself and explain your purpose of meeting and take permission to talk.
-How can I help you?(pt will tell you that i have been dx with MS because dx is made by
your consultat.You have to adress the pt concern)
-Would you like me to talk about MS or you have some other concern?
-If yes than explain the MS
-MS ,is a condition in where there is a problem in the way some of the nerves work.Nerves
usually have a covering around them called myelin.It's like insulation,and makes sure the
electrical impulse travels fast and accurately.In MS this outer layer is damaged by your own
immune system by accident.This means electrical signals from the brain and spinal cord,to
the rest of the body, don't work properly.This is the reason you been having your
symptoms.Does that make sense?
-Do you have any specific concern?
-Why I have this disease?
-Unfortunately,We don't know exactly why people get MS.We think it is related to genes or
infections.
I herd this is is a bad disease,will I be wheelchair bound?
-.This disease generally progress in 3 patterns,most common one is RElapsing and
REMITTING one in which people have normal function called remissionn period and when
they have symptoms called relapse.Some people become wheelchair bound when they have
symptoms.MS affects different people in different ways.so it is difficult to tell you how its
gonna affect you.Everyones different,thats why we treat every pt as an individual.
Is there any cure for the disease?
-Unfortunately we don't have any cure for it at the moment.so,once you have MS,you have it
for life.But,with the help of specialist team like the one here we can help you to manage the
symptoms.
I herd about canabis.Does it have some role in the treatment of this disease.?
-I really appreciate your knowledge. Yes Canabis do have some role to control the stiffness.
If you need at anytime my consultant will definitely prescribe it for you.
What will you do for me now?
Don't worry my dear we have a very good team called "Specialist neurological rehabilitation
team" to look after you. So whatever the symptoms you have, we have someone here to help
you.
-So, if it's a problem with muscle weakness, we have physiotherapist who can help you
strengthn your muscles.
-If you need any special arrangement at home we have social services to help you with it.
-If you need any specific symptoms treating,specialist nurse,or myself will help you to try to
get on top of it with medication.
-If you suddenly get new symptoms,you need to see your GP,who will assess you.You may
need steroid treatment which act as anti inflammatories and your symptoms will disappear
quickly.
-If the symptoms are really affecting your activities,your GP can refer you to a specialist who
may consider to give you medication called interfeon to decrease the number of attacks you
have.(interferon act by suppressing your immunity).
-Any other concern?
I have two kids what who will take care of them?
-Dont worry my dear NHS will take care of you and your children?
-WILL I Die doctor?
My dear,there is no immidiate danger.people who have MS live almost normal life span and
healthy life quite for a long time.They face problem when there is relapse of symptoms.
Notes:
In
BNF
dose
of
cannabis
is
clearly
mentioned
for
MS.
In English culture when ppl address each other they use my dear, my love v frequently and
in this culture it is not weird to call pt my dear.
PALPITATIONS:
DDS:
-Anemia
-Anxiety...Arrythmia
-Hypoglycemia
-Hyperthyroidsm
-Pheochromocytoma
-Hypotension
-IHD
-Drug
-Coffe
HX taking:
Palpitation: Have you ever felt your heart racing/ fluttering/ funny?
DURATION: When did it start?
ONSET:How did it start?(suddenly/gradually)
SETTING: What were you doing when it started (Dusting/ Exercise)?
HOW long do they last?Does it terminated spontaneously?
QUALITY: How does it feel like?Can you please tap it for me?
SEVERITY: How frequent?... How many times a week?
IS it related to exercise?
EFFECT ON PATEIENT LIFE:How has this been affecting you?What activities are you no
more able to do?
Do you become SOB as well?
Any warning signs before this?
Any hx of LOC associated with palpitations?
Are you cosuming a lot of coffe?
Do you use any recreational drug(cocaine)?
Have you been started or stop taking any drug recently?
ASSOCIATED SYMPTOMS:
Chest pain,wt loss,Heat intolerance,Tremors and sweating,Headache,Pallor,weakness,feeling
of anxiety/panic attack.
ASK ABOUT ALCOHOL
Rest of the hx as in cardiovascular system.
DX IN exam= DRUG ABUSE(most of the time)
WEIGHT GAIN;
DDS:
1-Lifestyle
2-Endocrine causes...-Hypothyroidsm
-Cushing syndrom
-Acromegally
-DM type 2
-PCOs
3-Depression
4-Drug
5-Pregnency
HX TAKING
-Have you gained wt recently?
-How much?Over how long?
-Have you noticed any recent change in your appetite?
-Are you gaining weight despite eating less?
-Are you living a sedentry lifestyle or having any physical activity?
-What type of food do you prefer to eat?
-Have you noticed if certain areas of your body are getting fatter or thinner?
(Redistribution)Any pigmentation or dryness of your skin?
-Does the cold bother you more than you think it bothers other people?Any change in your
voice?any change in your bowel habit?
-Have you noticed any change in your facial features?coarsning of features or facial hair
growth(female only)
-Are you drinking a lot and peeing a lot?
-How about your mood?
-Do you feel depress and down?
-Have you been started or stopped any drug recently?
-Is there any chance that you could be pregnant?(female only)
-Take menstural hx if pt is female.
Past Medial Hx:
-Do you have any medical condition like htn,DM,Thyroid problem or any other problem.
-Are you on any regular or OTC drugs?
-Any allergy to any medication?
-Any surgry?
Family HX:
-Any family hx of DM,Thyroid problem,Depression,PCOs
Social Hx:
-Smoking
-Alcohol
-drug of abuse
-Housing and employment
-Travel and hobbies
DX IN exam=HYPOTHYROIDSM
WEIGHT LOSS:
THIS station I got in my exam and one thing that irritated me was ODPARA.
Dear collegues everything is not going to be fit in ODPARA.People who charged you 550
pounds or more get rid of everything in ODPARA despite the fact either it is going to fit in
ODPARA or not.Think sensibly andask proper question from the pt because sometime asking
in foolish manner can irritate the examiner and patient.
Major DDS of weight loss:
1-Malignancy
2-HIV
3-TB
4-Lifestyle
5-GIT CAUSES
-Dysphagia
-APD
-Malabsorption
-Malnutrition
-IBD
-Bowel cancer
6-ENDOCRINE CAUSES
-DM type 1
-Hyperthyroidsm
7-PSYCHIATRIC CAUSES
-Anorexia nervosa
-Bulemia Nervosa
-Depression
HX TAKING:
-Have you lost weight recently?
-How much?Over how long?
-Are you losing weight intentionally?
-Do you still feel yourself overweight?
-Hom much food you consume on an average day?
-Any recent change in lifestyle and social circumstances?
-Do you tend to suffer from hearburn or indigestion?Any swallowing difficulty.
-Do you tend to suffer from recurrent chest infection?
- Do you fell sick?Any vomiting or dirrhea?
-Any mucous or blood in your stool?
-Do you feel thirsty and going to the loo more frequently?
-Do you feel intolerance for heat?
-Any racing of heart?
-Sweating and tremors in hands?
-Are you in habit of binge eating?
-How is your mood?
-Do you feel depress and low?
ASSOCIATED SYMPTOMS:
-Mensturation?regular or irragular?
-Anemia,feel weak and tired?Any SOB?
-Any rash,skin and nail changes?
-Any lumps and bumps in body?
PAST MEDICAL HX:
-Do you have any medical problem like diabetes,thyroid problem,Pepti indigestion,celiac
disese or anyother IBD, TB.Depression.
-Have you done any surgery ?
-Any important investigation e,g Usg,ct etc
SEXUAL HISTORY
Are you sexually active?
- Is your partner male or female?
- Is your partner stable or unstable?
- Do you practce safe sex?use condoms?
- How many sex partner do you have in previous 3 months?
- Any sex partner known iv drug abuser?
- Do you use any recreational drud by injection?
Drug HX:
- Are you using any regular medication specially thyroxin and other laxtative,purgative and
water tablets
- Any recent hx of over the counter drug?
- Allergy to any medication?
FAMILY HISTORY:
-Anyone in the family with similar symptoms?
-Any family hx of bowel,breast,lung cancer?
Social Hx:
- Drink alcohol?Type?How much?
- Occupation
- Housing and employment
- smoking
DX IN exam=HYPERTHYROIDSM (most of the time. it could be anything else)
DIARRHEA:
- ONSET: How did it start?.. Was it all of a sudden or gradually?
- DURATION: When did it start? (>2 weeks: Chronic), So it is less/ more than two weeks
(Chronic)? Does it come and go? Yes How frequent
does it come?.. For how long does it stay each time?.. Does it...
alternate with periods of constipation?
- QUALITY: Is it loose or watery?. Is it bulky shapeless?
- TIMING: Is it worst in a particular time of the day? Morning: IBS.
Nocturnal: Organic
ARE You vomiting as well?yes
How much?.. How frequent?.. any blood?
Is it forceful (projectile) or with retching?
ASSESSMENT OF DEHYDRATION;
Do you get lightheadedness?, ...What about when you stand up or get
out of bed in the morning? (pre-syncope/ Anemia),... Do you feel thirsty and
your mouth dry?,... Have you ever felt your heart racing?,... Do you
void less?
ASSOCIATED SYMPTOMS;
Are you running any temperature?
Ant tummy pain?
Wt loss?
Recurrent chest infection?
Yellow dicoloration of skin?
Any joint pain and eye pain?
HX OF CONTACT:
Any other family member having the same symptoms?
Any hx of eating out?
Recent canned food?
HX OF TRAVEL:
Have you travelled abroad recently?
Any suspecious source of water and food?
PAST MEDICAL HX:
Has this happend before?
Any hx of IBD,Malabsorption,pancreatic insufficiency,TB.
SOCIAL HX
Sexuall history in detail?
IV drug abuse
Alcohol
Smoking
Housing and employment
Any drug?
DX=VIRAL DIRRHEA
If q says counselling.
Tell the pt to drink plenty of fluid.
Wash your hands after toilet use
Dont share the bath towel
Clean the toilet seat regularly
Eat simple, palin and cold food
Avoid hot ,creamy and spicy food
IF you feel dizzy
Not passing urine
Unable to tolerate oral intake
blood in stool
plz come to the hospital
SPACER EXPLANATION.
Counsel mum of the child who suffers with asthma about how to use the spacer.
In GMC exam, Patient is a 5 years old child.
Good morning I am Dr X...
Ask Mum: How is your little one doing? I have come through notes that your little one is
suffering from asthma
She says: Yes
Say: I am very sorry to hear that. I am here to introducing a device called spacer. Have you
ever heard about it?
She says: No
I am here to talk you about it. If you have any question, stop me whenever you want. Hold
the spacer in your hand and say: Actually it is a device which contains of two ends one is
called the mouthpiece and the other end is called inhaler adaptor.show the mum that end.
Do you have the medication with you? Do you know how many puffs you have to give?
Tip: If she doesnt know prescription, dont tell her on your own. I am giving you example,
once you get your prescription you will find it out. If any question, come back to us we will
describe it to you.
Three spacers are present on the table in GMC shown below,pick up the blue one and then
demonstrate it.
Ask: Does little one go to school? If yes, the school nurse should have a spacer too.
11.sometime the mum asks if my child start coughing what should i do.tell her to remove the
spacer from his face and allow your child to cough.once setteled repeat the dose because the
medication you have given earlier is wasted.
12.sometime she ask what should i do if my child dont like spacer.tell her that you can make
it attractive by putting cartoons pictures.
DYSPHAGIA;
DDS FOR DYSPHAGIA
1-ESOPHAGEAL CANCER
2-CARDIA ACHLASIA
3-STRICTURES SEC TO CORROSIVE...4-GORD
5-MYESTHENIA GRAVIS
6-SCLERODERMA
7-OESOPHAGITIS
8-GLOBUS HYSTERICUS
9-BULBAR PALSY
10-PHARYNGEAL POUCH
11-OESOPHAGEAL SPASM
12-SEC TO ENLARGED GOITOR
HX TAKING;
SWALLOWING: What about your swallowing, any difficulty?YES
- Course: Is it getting worse? (Progressive)
- Duration: Does it come and go? (Intermittent)
- Quality: Is it difficult to swallow liquids (Neuromuscular & mechanical) or
solids (Mechanical)? Do you feel a lump in your throat?
- Timing: Do you feel the difficulty immediately at the beginning of
swallowing (Oropharyngeal) or does food stop in your chest a few
seconds later (Esophageal)?.. Is it followed by vomiting?.. Choking or
cough?..
-Screen for:
Thyroid: Does the heat or cold bother you more than you think it
bothers other people?.. How?..
Scleroderma: Any skin tightness on your face or hands?
CNS: Do you have Headaches?... Do you feel lightheadedness?
Do you feel any pins & needles sensations? .. Where?..
Any muscle weakness?.. Where?
Associated symtoms:
-Wt loss
-Anorexia
-Fever
-Night sweats
-Nausea/vomiting
-Heartburn
-Change in bowel habit
-Malena+PR bleeding
-Jaundice
SYMPTOMS OF ANEMIA:
-Tirdness+weakness
-Palpitation
-SOB
IMPRTANT TO ASK:
SOCIAL HX:
-Smoking
- Alcohol
-Lifestyle....eat fatty,spicy pickled food+beetlenut chew
-Recreational drug
-Travel
-Housing
-Employment
Rest of the history same as for other GIT hx.
DX IN EXAM= CA OESOPHAGUS
INVESTIGATIONS
-Blood test
-Barium swallow(special xray)
-Endoscopy(Camera test to look inside your food pipe and biopsy)
CONSTIPATION:
Common DDs:
Drugs
Dietary
Dehydration...
IBS
Anorectal disease e.g. fissure
Depression
Bowel Cancer
Hypothyroidsm
Hypercalcemia
Hx TAKING;
Open question: tell me a bit more about it and then allow the patient to talk.
Specifically ask about:
o What exactly they mean by constipation- is it decreased frequency, hard consistency or
difficulty in opening bowels?
o How long have you had this problem?
o Any noted exacerbating or alleviating factors?
o Recent changes in diet and lifestyle- including new drugs?
o Additional symptoms e.g. nausea and vomiting, alternating diarrhoea, abdominal
bloating or pain, perianal swelling or pain, and anorexia.
o Has this happened before?
o Changes to mood
o Do you feel cold in normal environment?Gained weight recently?
o Do you feel thirsty all the time?
o STOOL: Does your stool look as it was before or different?
No Explore:
o Shape: Is it wider, more bulky or narrower?.. Softer or harder?.
o Content: Is it greasy?.. Does it stick to the bowel or float?,.. Any
mucus?, .. Pus?.. Undigested food?.. .
- Colour: What colour is it?: Pale? (Fat)/ Black? (Malena)/Green? (Pus)
- Blood: Any blood? Yes Is it fresh bright blood (after Splenic
flexure) or altered or clots (before)? How much blood?.. A cup?.. Is it
gross or only streaks on the stool surface?.. Does the blood appear at
the beginning, at the end, all through the motion, or only on the
toilet tissue?
- Smell: How does it smell?
MELENA:
Bleeding before splenic flexure present with malena(black stool)
D/DS FOR BLACK STOOL.
1-APD
2-STOMACH CANCER
3-NSAIDS...
4-HEMETAMSIS
5-SMALL BOWEL CANCER
6-IRON SUPPLIMENT
7-DIETRY FACTORS
HX TAKING:
DURATION:How long have you been having this problem?
ONSET:Did the color of your stool become black gradually or all of a sudden?
PROGRESSION:IS it becoming worse or improving?
IS it contineous or intermittent?
HEARTBURN: Do you have water brush?.. Any burning sensation in the
middle of your chest that radiates to your mouth?
SWALLOWING: What about your swallowing, any difficulty?
NAUSEA / Vomiting: Do you feel sick? (Nausea), Did you throw up?(vomiting)
BLOATING: Any gases?YES
Does the gas escape upwards or downwards?... Does it smell?
GIRTH: What about your stomach girth?.. Is it bigger?.. Do you feel any
lumps or bumps? Yes Where do you feel the lump?
PAIN: Any stomach pain?YES
- Place: Where do you feel it, point with one finger please? (Localized
or generalized)?
- Quality: How does it feel like?.. Is it colicky/ diffuse/ sharp/
stabbing/dull/ tight/ cramps/ Squeezing..?. Burning?
APPETITE: Any change in your appetite recently?YES
Is it more or less than usual?
ASOCIATED SYMPTOMS:
DRUG HISTORY:
o Prescribed medications. Ask specifically about corticosteroids, NSAIDs,
antibiotics, and the contraceptive pill.
o Overthecounter medication.
o Recreational drugs.
o Allergies.
FAMILY HISTORY:
o Parents, siblings. and children. Ask specifically about colon cancer, irritable
bowel syndrome, innammatory bowel disease, jaundice, peptic ulcer, and
polyps.
SOCIAL HISTORY:
o Ask about lifestyle
o Alcohol consumption.
o Smoking.
o Travel.
o Employment, past and present.
o HOUsing.
o Contact with jaundiced patients
DX IN EXAM=BOWEL CANCER
WHEEZE:
ONLY HX TAKING STATION:
Before starting ask the patient are you comfortable or need inhaler.
D/D...
Allergy
URTI
F.body
Asthma(could be exercise induced or asthma)
Copd
Pneumonia
GREET the pt.take permission
How can I help you?
WHEEZ: Do you hear noises in your chest with breathing?
OR does it comes from your throat?(Stridor?)
- ONSET: How did it start? Was it all of a sudden or gradually (PE)?
- SETTING: What were you doing when it started (Dusting/ Exercise)?
-PROGRESSION:Is it becoming worse or improving since it started?
-EXCERBATION:Anything that brings it on?(What brings it on? What makes it worse? Is
it worse with
dust?.. Pollen?.. Cold air?.. Pets? (Asthma).
-RELIEVING FACTORS:Anything that relieves your symptoms?(rest,inhaler)
SEVERITY:How frequent?... How many times a week?
DO you become SOB as well?if yes
QUALITY:How does it feel like?.. Is it like air hunger, suffocation, or
heavy breathing (cardiac)?,.
Is it like rapid shallow breathing? (chest wall),
Chest tightness? (Asthma), ..
Increased breathing effort? (COPD/ ILS)
SEVERITY:When you get shortness of breath, are you able to speak?,
Got blue?, Felt tired to breath?, Blacked out?,.. Sweating?
- ORTHOPNEA: Are you able to lie flat in bed without becoming short of
breath?.. How many pillows do you sleep on at night?(asthma>COPD)
Do you sometimes wake up gasping for air? (Sleep apnea / Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea in
CHF)
HEMOPTYSIS:
DDS IN EXAM= LUNG CANCER =COPD(pt was heavy smoker but has now stoped
smoking.ask pt do you smoke=pt says no.ask him have you ever smoked=pt says yes and
then ask further question.
HX IS same as I described for T.B but here presenting complaint is coughing blood so you
will start asking about hemoptysis.
GREET the pt and take permission....
How can I help you?
- BLOOD: Do you cough up blood? Yes Fresh blood or altered?
How much blood? How frequent do you cough up blood?
How long are you coughing blood?any previous episode?
COUGH: Do you have cough?
Yes: Explore:
- DURATION: You said it started ago, does it come and go? If yes
For how long it dose stay each time? Acute vs. chronic (>3 months for 2
years).
- PLACE: Do you feel it coming from something in your throat or deep
in your chest?
- QUALITY: Is it dry or with sputum / phlegm? Yes
- SPUTUM: How much sputum would you say? A cup a day?..
Is it thin or thick?.. What colour is it?.. How does it smell?
- TIMING:: Is it worst in a particular time of the day or season?
How often does it come? (Morning: smoking,Nocturnal: Postnasal drip, CHF, asthma.)
- EXCERBATING FACTORS: What brings it on? What makes it worse? Is it worse with
dust?.. Pollen?.. Cold air?.. Pets? (Asthma)..Position? (GERD).
ASSOCIATED SYMPTOMS: (wheeze, stridor,fever,night sweats, anorexia, loss of weight,
chest pain, dizziness).
SMOKING HX:
Do you smoke?
Have you ever smoked?
How long?
How many cigaretts a day?
PAST MEDICAL HX:
- Current, past, and childhood illnesses. Ask specifically about atopy
(asthma/eczema/hay fever), pneumonia, bronchitis,COPD and tuberculosis.
- Previous investigations (e.g. bronchoscopy, chest X-ray).
- Surgery.
DRUG HX
- Prescribed medication (especially bronchoditators, NSAIDs, ~blockers, ACE inhibitors,
amiodarone, and steroids).
- Over-thecounter medication.
- Recreational drugs.
- Allergies.
FAMILY HX:
- Parents, siblings, and children. Focus especially on respiratory diseases such as atopy, cystic
fibrosis. tuberculosis, and emphysema (lXt-antitrypsin deficiency).
SOCIAL HX:
- Employment. past and present. Ask about occupational exposure (mining,
farming, asbestos).
- Housing.
- Travel(e,g Pakistan,India,Africa)tuberCulosis contacts.
- Use of alcohol.
- Hobbies (especially pigeons and budgerigars!).
DRY COUGH
DX IN EXAM=TUBERCULOSIS
Greet the patient and take permission and then ask
How can I help you?
...
COUGH: Do you have cough?
Yes: Explore:
- DURATION: You said it started ago, does it come and go? If yes
For how long it dose stay each time? Acute vs. chronic (>3 months for 2
years).
- PLACE: Do you feel it coming from something in your throat or deep
in your chest?
- QUALITY: Is it dry or with sputum / phlegm? Yes
- SPUTUM: How much sputum would you say? A cup a day?..
Is it thin or thick?.. What colour is it?.. How does it smell?
- BLOOD: Do you cough up blood? Yes Fresh blood or altered?
How much blood? How frequent do you cough up blood?
- TIMING:: Is it worst in a particular time of the day or season?
How often does it come? (Morning: smoking,Nocturnal: Postnasal drip, CHF, asthma.)
- EXCERBATING FACTORS: What brings it on? What makes it worse? Is it worse with
dust?.. Pollen?.. Cold air?.. Pets? (Asthma)..Position? (GERD).
ASSOCIATED SYMPTOMS: (wheeze, stridor,fever,night sweats, anorexia, loss of weight,
chest pain, dizziness).
PAST MEDICAL HX:
- Current, past, and childhood illnesses. Ask specifically about atopy
(asthma/eczema/hay fever), pneumonia, bronchitis, and tuberculosis.
- Previous investigations (e.g. bronchoscopy, chest X-ray).
- Surgery.
DRUG HX
CHEST PAIN:
5 Histories comes with chest pain
1-ACS STEMI (take hx discuss mx with examiner)
2-ACS NSTEMI (take hx discuss mx with examiner)
3-PCP(pneumocystitis cranii pneumonia) (Hx and Dx)
4-CAP(community acquired pneumonia)(Hx and discuss mx with examiner)
5-Pulmonory embolism(chest pain with SOB in an air hostess on ocps)
ACS:
Is the major killer worldwide and purpose of this station is to assess your ability to identify it
and give immidiate rescue treatment which reduces the mortality.
SOCRATES will rule oute the d/ds but most important thing is to identify the risk
factors(previous
MI/angina,AF,Diabetes,Hypertension,Hypercholestremia,Lifestyle,smoking,Alcohol,Occupat
ion and family hx)
The only difference between two is that in STEMI THERE WILL BE ST elevation on ECG
which will be normal in NSTEMI.thats why you need to do cardiac enzyme to make the dx.
DIAGNOSTIC crieteria
for ACS is based on 3 things and 2 must be presnt to make the dx.
1.Hx
2-ECG
3-Cardiac enzyme
In STEMI hx plus ECG is sufficient for dx start the tx.In NSTEMI Hx is positive but ECG is
normal so cardiac enzyms are necessary to make the dx.
PRESENTING COMPLAINTS:
o Ask about the nature of the chest pain. Use open questions and give the patient time to tell
history. Also remember to be empathetic: chest pain can be a very frightening experience.
o Elicit the patient'S ideas, concerns, and expectations.
o For any pain. determine its:
o Site and radiation:central chest pain radiating toward jaw and left arm.
o Character:Heavy,squeezing,burning,sharp stabbing.
o Severity (e.g. 1 to 10, sleep disturbance).
o Onset and duration:How did it start?what were you doing at that time?How long did it stay?
o Aggravating and alleviating factors (exercise, cold air, large meals, alcohol,movement).
o Associated symptoms and signs. Ask specifically about nausea and
Social history:
o Employment. past and present. Ask about occupational exposure (mining,
farming, asbestos).
o Housing.
o Travel, tubefCulosis contacts.
o Use of alcohol.
o Hobbies (especially pigeons and budgerigars!).
THANK th Pt
DX=PCP
DIZZINESS/FUNNY TURNS
DX in EXAM=BPV(Hx +Dx)
If Dx and Ix to examiner than it is POSTURAL Hypotension(MX=24 hrs ambulatory B.P)
D/ds
Vestibular neuritis
Labrynthitis
BPV
Menier's disease
Acoustic neuroma
Stroke
cerbellar ataxia
Vasovagal syncopy
cardiac problem
postural hypotension
Drug induced
HX
Dizziness: Have you felt unsteadiness (vertigo) or light-headedness
(presyncope)?
Did you remembers falling?
What were you doing before the fall?
- Duration: For how long?
- U: Does it change with your head movement?.. Opening or closing
your eyes?.. How?(Vestibular)
Does it only occur for a minute in certain head
positions? (BPV, VBI)
Does it change with exercise? (Cardiopulmonary)
Had you just arisen from bed? (postural hypotension)
Did you suffer an Intense emotion? (syncope)
Had you been coughing or straining? (syncope)
Had you been extending your neck? (vertebrobasilar insufficiency)
Did you have any palpitations? (arrhythmia)
Any loss of consciousness and its duration.
Prodromal symptoms such as aura, change in mood, strange feeling in the gut,
!llll5atlon of deja vu.
Fitting. frothing at the mouth. tongue biting. incontinence?
Headache or confusion upon recovery?
Injuries sustained.?
Previous episodes?
LOSS OF CONCIOUSNESS
In EXAM young patient found unconcious outside the pub after drinking beer brought by
Ambulance.While you are taking Hx ask the event before the episode,any witness during the
LOC and what happened after the episode.Never forget to ask has this happend before.In this
station after taking hx ask examiner I would like to know about the GCS,vitals and
examination findings.EX will tell you findings.
DX: LOC due to head injury+tell the management to the examiner
Mx:keep under neuro observation
ECG,CT scan and blood test if needed.
D/Ds
Head injury.
SAH
Hypoglycemia
Meningitis
stroke/TIA
Drug abuse/alcohol
vasovagal syncopy
arrythmias
MI
Aortic dissection
HX TAKING:
How can I help you?
Ooh did you hurt yourself?(empathy)
BEFORE the Incident:What were you doing before this incident?
DURING the Incident:
Duration: For how long did that last?
- Completely: Did you lose consciousness completely or could voices be
heard?
- Body Position: What was your position during the attack?
- Body Movements: Did any body movements occur?
- Tongue-biting: Did any tongue-biting occur?
- Confusion/ sleepiness after attack: How did you feel after the attack?
- Urinary/ bowel Control: Was there any loss in bladder or bowel
control?
If Seizures: At what age did it start? How often dose it happen?
- Warning signs: Was it preceded by warning signs?.. such us
lightheadedness?
ANOREXIA NERVOSA:
YOUNG GIRL BROUGHT BY THE MOTHER.
Greet the patient and ask about do you know why you have been here?
listen the pt carefully and then ask permission that i need to ask you some question regarding
your weight and eating habit.
WEIGHT AND PERCEPTION OF WEIGHT:
Determine:
can you pleaase tell me your current weight and height?
How much weight have you lost? and over how long?
Are you losing weight intentionally? Why?
Do you still considers yourself that you are overweight?
How often do you weighs yourself?
How often do you looks at yourself in the mirror?
Who is your role model?
What type of cloths do you like to wear?
DIET AND COMPENSATORY BEHAVIOURS:
Ask about:
Do you eat balance diet?
What Amount of food do you eat in an average day?
Are you in habit of Binge eating?
Are you Vomiting?
Are you using any laxatives, purgatives. diuretics. appetite suppressants, and stimulants to
lose your weight?
Are you doing physical exercise?How many times a day going to gym?
OTHERS:
Ask about:
Menstrual periods.Do you have regular periods?
Effect on patient'S life:how has this been affecting you?
Relationships.Are you single or in relationship?
Medical complications, e.g. anaemia, peptic ulceration, constipation.
MOOD,INSIGHT,SUICIDE,PSYCHOSIS QUESTIONS:
Do you feel depress and low?
Have you lost interst in activities that were enjoyable to you?
Any change in your appetite,sleep and concentration level?
How do you see your future?
ANXIETY:
This station comes as only history taking.
Greet the pt ask what bring you to the hospital.
Listen carefully to the pt.Dont interrupt.
Now start digging the History
How long have you had these symptoms?(GAD>6 month)
How did it start?sudden or gradual?
Did anything happen just before you start feeling like this?
Has it been building or remained steady state?
Anything that makes this condition worse?
Anything that relieve your symptoms?
Is it contineous or intermittent?
Are you experiencingciated symptoms?e,gSOB,muscle tightness,lump in throat,palpitation
and sweating.
DIFFERENTIALS:
Have you experienced tremors,change in bowl habit and feel more hot in normal
temperature.?
Do you experience sudden onset of intense fear and discomfort?
Do you have fear of any specific thing,place or situation?e,g snake,open spaces.
Do you get any thoughts over and over and feel compulsion to do certain task?
Are you taking excessive amount of coffe or stimulants?
How has this been affecting you?How are you coping?
MOOD,INSIGHT,SUICIDE,PSYCHOSIS QUESTIONS:
Do you feel depress and low?
Have you lost interst in activities that were enjoyable to you?
Any change in your appetite,sleep and concentration level?
How do you see your future?
Have you ever tried to take your life?Any plans?
Have you ever tried to harm anyother person?any plans?
Are you sensing the things which other people think that they are not real?(it covers all type
of hallucinations e,g tactile auditory and visual)
Do you drink alcohol?or anyother recreational drug?
Are you working or unemployed?
PAST MEDICAL PSYCHIATRIC HX:
FAMILY HISTORY
DRUG HX:
Are you taking any regular medication or have you stop taking any medication abruptly.
DO YOU HAVE ANY CONCERN REGARDING YOUR SYMPTOMS:
Reassure the pt as in question it is mentioned that all medical causes have been ruled out.
Thank the pt:)
MANIA(Feeling high):
This pt brought by the police as he/she was trying to enter into a closed shop by window and
injured herself.Ask her why did the police bring you here?(this pt has mania and will describe
the whole story as she is talkative)
dont interrupt the pt.when he stop talking than start asking questions of MANIA
Have others around you noted a persistently elevated, expansive
mood, energy, or self-esteem?
Mania screen. Yes:
- COURSE:
Is it constantly feeling high (mania) or there are periods that
you felt down (Bipolar II)?.. How often does your mood alternate in a
year?.. So, it is more (Rapid cyclic)/ less than 4 times a year?
- DURATION: .., So, youve been feeling down for less/ more than 1
weeks? (Manic episode)
- V: Has it happened before? ... When? (Yes: Bipolar I disorder,
No: Manic episode).
For how long youve been having these episodes on & off?... So, it
is more (chronic)/ less than 2 years
BEFORE THIS EPISODE:
- How was your feeling before?
Does anything happened or changed in your life?
Are there any stresses at this point in your life?
Were you taking any medications that you stopped recently?
- GST PAID: 3 of the 7:
- Grandiosity: Do you feel you are a very important person with
special talents, power, mission, or role?
- Sleep: How is your sleep?.. Do you feel you can get by through the
day with less sleep than usual
- Talkative: Do people say that you are more talkative than usual?
- Pleasurable activities:
Painful consequences: Do you drink & drive?
Do you use a substance a lot?
Do you spend more than you can afford?
PSYCHOSIS:
I am going to write about another station.This pt brought by the police as wondering in the
park.This is a calm pt.Ask him do you know why you have been brought by the police here?
What were you doing?
I have written everything in detail.You will ask further detail if pt says yes for any question.
SCHIZOPHRENIA: 2 of the followings for > 1 month active phase & residuals
for > 6 months.
1. Hallucinations: Auditory, visual, tasting, olfactory.
Are you sensing things that others think they are not actually there,
like seeing, hearing, or smelling things?If yes
- DURATION: When did it start?( So it is less than a month (Brief
psychosis)/ more than a month but less than 6 months (Schizophreniform)/
more than 6 months? (Schizophrenia).
- What?. Where?.. When?
- IF AUDITORY: Are these voices familiar?
Whose voices are you hearing?
. Are they voices of one or more persons talking?. What do
they say?
(Diagnostic if two voices conversing to each other or one commenting on
his actions:)
Are they telling you to do things?... What things?
Are they commenting on your actions?.
2. DELUSIONS:
Do you believe that there are unusual things happening concerning
you?If yes
- NON-BIZARRE:
- Persecutory: Are you being followed?
- Grandiosity: Are you having special power, task, role?
- Erotamia: Are you being loved by another person?
- Jealous: Do you think your partner is unfaithful?
Yes: When did it start? non-bizarre for > 1 month: Delusional disorder.- BIZARRE:
- Reference: Are there events having direct reference to you?
- Control: Are you being controlled by some external sources?
- Thought broadcasting/Insertion/ withdrawal: Do others know
your thoughts?
- Religious: Are you having a religious mission or task?
3. Disorganized: Do you get agitated, excited, or hostile?
MOOD,INSIGHT,SUICIDE,PSYCHOSIS QUESTIONS:
Do you feel depress and low?
Have you lost interst in activities that were enjoyable to you?
Any change in your appetite,sleep and concentration level?
Do you think that you have problem with Alcohol and you need help?
Have you ever tried to take your life?Any plans?
Have you ever tried to harm anyother person?any plans(bcz in alcohol abuse persecutory
delusions are very common)
Are you sensing the things which other people think that they are not real?(it covers all type
of hallucinations e,g tactile auditory and visual)
How has this been affecting you,your job and relationship and how are you coping?
Have you ever tried to to stop drinking?if yes then ask
why it was unsuccesful?
ASK FOR FAMILY HX OF ALCOHOL ABUSE, DEPRESSION,DEVORCE AND DRUG
ABUSE
Thanks the patient