Overview Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) are synonymous with unstable angina (Chest pain lasting >10-20 minutes not relieved by rest) and may represent myocardial infarction (MI). They are caused by complete or partial occlusion of a coronary artery. ACS requires prompt…
Overview Angina refers to chest pain on exertion. The chest pain is always sub-sternal, and is described as crushing/heavy, lasts minutes to hours, and may radiate to the upper arm or shoulder. 99% of cases are due to coronary artery…
Overview Emphasis in thoracic trauma is on proper airway and breathing (since injury can be to the airway structures themselves). Patients with thoracic trauma should be put on 100% O2 via NRB mask (not nasal cannulas) since hypoxia is an…
Overview Trauma is the leading cause of death and disability in pts < 40yo, and is the third most common cause of death overall. The formula patient + mechanism = injury is key in assessing and managing trauma patients .…
Overview HIV/AIDs is caused by the retrovirus Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1 and HIV-2). Most patients with acute HIV infection are asymptomatic but some may present with a flu-like illness in the weeks following exposure. Transmission HIV is spread parentally via…
Summary of important cognitive milestones Age Milestones 1 month old Reacts to voice, established eye contact 2 months old Tracks object 180* 4 months old Recognizes hand 6 months old Grasps, visualizes, manipulates objects 9 months old Object permanence; recognizes…
Overview and Approach to Unexplained Seizures A seizure is defined as a sudden change in consciousness, behaviour or movement of the body caused by electrical hypersynchronization of neuronal networks in the cerebral cortex. This sudden change tends to be transient.…
Approach to Chest pain with Shortness of Breath Wells score: pretest clinical probability scoring for DVT Criteria Points each PE most likely diagnosis (sx of DVT) 3 Heart rate > 100 1.5 Immobilization 1.5 Surgery within 4 weeks 1.5 Hemoptysis…
How fractures occur A fracture is a break in the structural continuity of bone. Simply put, it is a broken bone. Types of fractures Type Description Complete fracture Bone is completely divided into 2 or more fragments Incomplete fracture Bone…
Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism is an elevation of thyroid hormone (T3 and T4). Classification Classification Description Examples Primary hyperthyroidism Elevated thyroid hormone due to increased autonomous production by the thyroid gland. Has a low TSH, high T3 and T4 Grave’s disease, Toxic…