describing chest X-ray quality
Rotation = look at spinous processes/clavicular heads Inspiration = 7 ribs anteriorly Penetration = vertebrae behind heart Exposure = good definition
describing an abnormality on XR
1) . number: single, multiple
2) . shape/size: round, lobulated
3) . composition: radiolucent/opaque, fluid level
4) . location
5) . margin: well circumscribed?
6) . associated features
colostomy vs ileostomy
colostomy = flat, formed stool, left sided ileostomy = spouted, liquid stool, right sided
nephrostomy bag would be central and collecting urine
SPIKES
Setting Perception Invitation Knowledge = chunk and check, diagram? Empathy Summarise and strategise = questions? treatment plan, teams involved, leaflet, specialist nurse, follow up appt
chronic disease review
ATHLETICS
Action Timeline How to take Length of treatment Effects (time taken to act) Tests (monitoring) Important SEs Complications Supplementary advice
fasting rule
usually 2-6 rule:
nil by mouth for 2 hrs before procedure
clear fluids only from 6 hrs before surgery to 2 hrs
post-operative
wake up in recovery area
general potential complications of surgery
ATHLETICS SSRI
A = affect NT serotonin T = once daily H = tablet L = may stop 3-6mo after feeling better (tapered off) E = ~month to take effect T = n/a I = tummy upset, appetite, weight, drowsiness, sexual dysfunction, suicide risk C = suicide risk S = www.mind.org.uk /headspace
ATHLETICS methotrexate
A = DMARD, reduces inflammation and immune response T = once weekly with folic acid on other days H = tablet L = long term E = ~month to take effect T = FBC, LFT, U+Es before starting then every 2 weeks until stable, then every 3 mo I = alopecia, myeosuppression (A+E if infection signs), bleeding/bruising/anaemia C = myelosuppression, liver disease, lung disease, pregnancy (inc male if trying) S = no NSAIDs/aspirin, versusarthritis.org.uk
ATHLETICS lithium
A = mood stabiliser
T = once or twice daily
H = tablet
L = lifelong if effective (regular psychiatrist review)
E = 2 weeks
T =
> before starting: FBC, U+Es, TFTs, BhCG, ECG
> Check Li level weekly until stable then every 3 mo
> Check TFTs, U+Es, Ca2+ every 6 mo
I = tremor, water symptoms, GI, metallic taste, toxicity (GI, neuromuscular, drowsiness)
C = pregnancy 1st trimester, renal toxicity, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, hypothyroid
S = www.bipolaruk.org
ATHLETICS atypical antipsychotics
A = tones down overactivity of NTs T = once daily H = tablet or depot every 4 wks L = long term E = days-wks T = LFTs, FBC for agranulocytosis, ECG for clozapine I = anti-dop = movement disorders, anti-cho = constipation, anti-hist = weight, drowsiness, anti-adren = hypotension C = liver failure, epilepsy, parkinsons, pregnancy S = www.rethink.org.uk
ATHLETICS levodopa
A = replaces dopamine brain cannot make T = 3-4x daily with food H = tablet L = as long as is effective (effect wears off usually after 5 yrs) E = fast-acting T = n/a I = psychosis, GI, dyskinesia C = glaucoma S = parkinsons.org.uk
ATHLETICS bisphosphonates
A = helps rebuild bone and reduce bone loss, lifestyle factors further help T = weekly (or smaller daily dose) H = swallow on empty stomach with full glass of water, be upright for 30 mins after L = long term E = n/a T = dental check ups regularly (BRONJ) I = indigestion, GI, headache C = BRONJ, pregnancy, dysphagia, stomach ulcer S = theros.org.uk
ATHLETICS warfarin
A = thins the blood, vit K T = daily H = tablet L = DVT = 3mo, PE = 6mo, lifelong for AF E = 2 days T = regular INR monitoring I = bleeding, GI C = pregnancy, bleeding risk S = avoid liver, spinach, cranberry juice, alcohol binges. no NSAIDs/aspirin
ATHLETICS levothyroxine
A = synthetic thyroid hormone T = daily before breakfast H = tablet L = lifelong E = few weeks T = TFTs 2 weeks after start dose then every 2 months until stable, then annual I = possible hyperthyroid symptoms or continued hypothyroid symptoms if too low dose C = n/a S = free prescriptions for everything
ATHLETICS statin
A = stops liver making cholesterol T = daily in evening H = tablet L = lifelong E = decreases risk over years T = LFTs before starting, at 3 mo then at 12 mo. review in 4wks then 6 monthly I = muscle pains, GI C = pregnancy S = avoid grapefruit, www.bhf.org.uk
ATHLETICS metformin
A = increases effect of insulin T = daily with breakfast H = tablet with meal at same time each day L = lifelong if effective E = n/a T = U+Es before starting, then annually I = GI C = lactic acidosis, renal impairment S = if miss a dose, take ASAP unless nearer to next dose time, diabetes.org.uk
ATHLETICS iron tablets
A = replace iron, used for RBCs T = 1-3x daily H = tablet L = usually ~4mo E = month T = FBC - Hb in month I = GI, dark stools, taste bad C = n/a S = leaflet
rotator cuff pathology
acromio-clavicular joint pathology
scarf test
note tenderness over ACJ
MRC grading for power
No contraction = 0
Flicker or trace of contraction = 1
Active movement, with gravity eliminated = 2
Active movement against gravity = 3
Active movement against gravity and resistance = 4
Normal movement = 5
myotomes
C4: shoulder shrugs C5: shoulder abduction and external rotation; elbow flexion C6: wrist extension C7: elbow extension and wrist flexion C8: thumb extension and finger flexion T1: finger abduction L2: hip flexion L3: knee extension L4: ankle dorsiflexion L5: big toe extension S1: ankle plantarflexion S4: bladder and rectum motor supply