Medical Conditions and Management

This set of flashcards covers key medical conditions, their symptoms, management, and treatment guidelines that are important for examination preparation.

What is Empyema?

Accumulation of purulent material within the pleural space in the lung.

What are common causes of Empyema?

Malignancy, recent thoracic surgery, trauma, pneumonia.

What management is recommended for Empyema?

Blood cultures, thoracentesis, chest tube, broad-spectrum antibiotics like Zosyn and Vancomycin.

What electrolyte abnormalities are associated with Refeeding Syndrome?

Hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, and hypomagnesemia.

What condition is associated with crush injury regarding electrolyte levels?

Hyperkalemia.

What laboratory findings indicate Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)?

Low haptoglobin and presence of schistocytes.

What is the treatment for TTP?

Pulse dose IV steroids, plasmapheresis, and monitoring ADAMTS13 levels.

What are the symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Back pain, bladder or bowel dysfunction, saddle anesthesia, sexual dysfunction, and lower extremity radicular pain.

What key sign is associated with splenic injury?

Kehr’s sign: pain in the left shoulder due to irritation of the diaphragm.

What is the usual cause of outpatient cellulitis?

Streptococcus pyogenes.

Which condition does weight loss and hyperglycemia suggest in a young male?

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

What does the Ranson's criteria predict?

The severity of acute pancreatitis.

What minimum assessment results are necessary for initiating intracranial pressure monitoring?

A normal CT scan plus a Glasgow coma scale reading of < 8.

What are common screenings for colorectal cancer at 50 years of age?

Fecal occult blood test annually, sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, or colonoscopy every 10 years.

What is the initial therapy for Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) in healthy patients?

Macrolide such as Clarithromycin or a combination of amoxicillin and doxycycline.

What is the cause of Hyponatremia with decreased serum osmolality and increased urine sodium?

Addison’s disease (mineralocorticoid deficiency/Hypoaldosteronism).

How is sustained release opioids used in terminal illness?

For the management of persistent dyspnea.

What is Courvoisier's sign associated with?

Palpable gallbladder and painless jaundice related to Pancreatic Cancer.

What ECG changes are observed in hypermagnesemia?

Drowsiness, diminished DTRs, hypotension, bradycardia.