Key Things to Remember in Surgery

What causes dyspnea in left heart failure (LHF)?

Pulmonary congestion resulting from increased left atrial pressure.

What are systemic symptoms of right heart failure (RHF)?

Peripheral edema and jugular venous distention (JVD).

What does CHF stand for?

Congestive Heart Failure, which includes both left heart failure (LHF) and right heart failure (RHF).

Cor pulmonale is defined as?

Right heart failure secondary to chronic lung disease, leading to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries.

When should atrial septal defects (ASD) be repaired?

If there is pulmonary HTN, arrhythmia, or paradoxical embolus.

What is the characteristic murmur associated with ventricular septal defect (VSD)?

A pan-systolic murmur with a diastolic rumble.

What is a common cause of mitral regurgitation (MR)?

Post-myocardial infarction (MI) papillary muscle rupture.

What is the treatment for severe mitral stenosis?

Valve replacement.

What is the common cause of tricuspid regurgitation?

Pulmonary hypertension.

What is the initial step in diagnosing asthma?

Spirometry.

What is the first line treatment for a COPD exacerbation?

Inhaled bronchodilators and systemic corticosteroids.

What defines a sliding hiatal hernia?

A condition where part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.

What should be checked before starting antibiotics for infective endocarditis?

Blood cultures should be taken before antibiotics.

What is the primary treatment step for suspected acute kidney injury with prerenal causes?

Assess fluid status and potential dehydration.

What are the four conditions that require endocarditis prophylaxis?

History of endocarditis, any prosthetic material, incomplete repair of cyanotic heart disease, or history of heart transplant.

What is the initial imaging for suspected acute cholecystitis?

Abdominal ultrasound.

What are the signs of superior vena cava syndrome caused by a lung tumor?

Swelling of the face, neck, and upper extremities.

What is the diagnosis method for pancreatic adenocarcinoma?

CT scan.

What is the expected urine finding in acute interstitial nephritis (AIN)?

Eosinophiluria.

What is the first step in managing a patient with renal artery stenosis before considering ACE inhibitors?

Assess blood pressure and renal function.

What is the role of beta-blockers in esophageal varices?

They are prophylactic to prevent variceal bleeding.

What should be done for an infant with a normal APGAR score but develops cyanosis later?

Assess for closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

What is a functional flow murmur?

A systolic murmur heard during infections, anemia, or pregnancy; reassurance and observation are typically sufficient.