This page contains a collection of quick reference guides intended for healthcare and other professionals. It is not designed for public or patient use. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no guarantees can be given. Always use clinical judgment and refer to official guidance where appropriate.
Abdominal swelling requires a careful assessment to distinguish benign causes from serious pathology. It may be due to distension of any intra-abdominal organ, fluid, fat, flatus, or a mass. History and Examination Take a focused...
Angina is chest pain caused by myocardial ischaemia, typically due to coronary artery disease. Recognising the differences between stable and unstable angina is crucial for risk stratification and management. Here’s a table comparing...
Hereditary haemochromatosis is a common autosomal recessive disorder causing increased intestinal iron absorption, leading to iron overload. Epidemiology Clinical Features Often asymptomatic early on. Consider in patients with: Red...
Hepatitis B serology interpretation Marker Meaning HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) Positive = current infection (acute or chronic) Anti-HBs (Hepatitis B surface antibody) ≥10 IU/L = immunity (from past infection or vaccination)...
Initial assessment Start with ABCDE if acutely unwell. Otherwise, take a focused history: Consider risk factors: IHD, smoking, diabetes, HTN, recent surgery, travel, cancer history. Red flags Refer same-day or call 999 if: Differential...
HRT-Treatment-Options-Mar-2023 Treatment Pathway PDF
Hypertension affects over a quarter of UK adults and is a major modifiable risk factor for stroke, MI, CKD, and heart failure. Most patients are asymptomatic. Management focuses on accurate diagnosis, cardiovascular risk assessment, and...
Introduction Hypocalcaemia is a condition defined by a serum calcium level below the reference range (typically <2.2 mmol/L total calcium). It can present with neuromuscular, cardiac, and cognitive symptoms, requiring prompt recognition...
Hyponatraemia, defined as a serum sodium concentration of <135 mmol/L, is one of the most common electrolyte disturbances encountered in primary care. It can be associated with significant morbidity, particularly in elderly and frail...
Components of the LFT panel Initial pattern recognition Common scenarios in primary care
Spirometry is essential in diagnosing and monitoring chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. Accurate interpretation hinges on understanding the key parameters and patterns. Key Spirometry Values Spirometry Interpretation...
Correct interpretation of Thyroid function tests (TFTs) is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Key Tests TSH Free T4 Free T3 Likely Diagnosis Notes ↑ ↓ – Primary hypothyroidism Most common; treat with...
Mastoiditis is a bacterial infection of the mastoid air cells in the temporal bone, typically a complication of acute otitis media (AOM). Though less common due to widespread antibiotic use, it remains an ENT emergency due to potential...
Otitis media is a common childhood condition, with most cases occurring in those under 5 years. It encompasses acute otitis media (AOM), otitis media with effusion (OME), and chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). AOM is the most...
Introduction Accurate assessment of vital signs in children is critical in detecting illness severity and guiding clinical decisions. Normal ranges vary significantly by age, making age-specific reference values essential. Visual...
Pyloric stenosis is a condition in infants where hypertrophy of the pyloric muscle leads to gastric outlet obstruction. It typically presents in the first few weeks of life and requires prompt diagnosis and surgical management....
Primary Care Networks (PCNs) are groups of general practices working together with community, mental health, social care, pharmacy, hospital, and voluntary services in their local areas. Introduced in England as part of the NHS Long...
A community physiotherapist provides specialist physiotherapy care to patients within their homes or local community settings. They play an essential role in managing mobility, function, and rehabilitation, particularly for patients...
A district nurse is a registered nurse who provides community-based care primarily in patients’ own homes or residential care settings. They play a crucial role in primary healthcare, ensuring continuity of care and supporting...
A palliative care nurse specialises in providing care to patients with life-limiting or terminal illnesses. Their primary focus is improving quality of life by managing symptoms, providing emotional support, and ensuring holistic care...
Hemianopsia is a visual field defect involving loss of vision in half of the visual field in one or both eyes. It is most commonly caused by lesions along the retrochiasmal visual pathway. Types of hemianopsia Clinical features Patients...
An elevated mean corpuscular volume (MCV) indicates macrocytosis, commonly defined as MCV >100 fL. It’s often picked up incidentally on routine blood tests. The clinical significance varies and should be assessed in context. Common...
The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme was launched in England in 2008 to provide evidence-based treatments for common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety disorders. It is now rebranded under...
The steroid cream ladder refers to the stepped approach to prescribing topical corticosteroids based on their potency and appropriate use for different body areas and conditions. It’s a useful framework for GPs to safely escalate or...