Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Some Employers Are Offering Free Drugs
Employers provide free prescriptions for common, chronic medical conditions hoping to prevent more costly complications from non-compliance. Employees benefit with more access to prescription medications. Employers benefit with lower long-term healthcare costs. Medical system benefits with hopefully decreased incidences of complications from diabetes, asthma, and high cholesterol.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Doctors Who Deliver - Forbes.com
Doctors will visit you in your hotel room or business for $300. Compare this to the alternative of waiting in an ER for nine hours and getting a larger bill.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Bayesian Analysis - Odds Ratio Calculator
Odds Ratio = (a/b)/(c/d)
"estimates relative risk in case-controlled studies"
Monday, December 18, 2006
Iodinizing Salt and global health
This article looks at the progress in iodinizing salt in developing countries and what is left to do. Iodinizing salt is one of the most cost effective public health initiatives.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
electronic health record - Google Patents
Search results for "electronic health record" in the patent database at the US Patent Office.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Five big firms to promote electronic health files - U.S. Business - MSNBC.com
Walmart, BP, and Intel are promoting a centralized electronic health record system for its employers.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Lure of Great Wealth Affects Career Choices - New York Times
Physicians are switching from their practices to other fields such as finance.
Friday, November 03, 2006
dry patches
| Subjective |
| 34 year old white male presents with dry patches on his scalp, back of his elbows, and the front of his knees. They have been present for several months. No itching. |
| Objective |
| Vital signs stable. Skin - dry, scaling plaques, well-circumscribed, silver present on scalp, extensor surfaces of elbow and knee |
| Assessment and Plan |
| A- Psoriasis P- topical corticosteroids, other options include ultraviolet light (sunlight), lubricants, and keratolytics |
| Created with SOAP Note |
ulcers in the mouth
| Subjective |
| 75 year old male presents with ulcers in his mouth. Started five months ago. Ulcers have progressed to around his mouth and on his forearms. |
| Objective |
| Vitals signs stable. Oral- multiple bullae in mucosa Skin - multiple bullae Labs - biopsy shows antibody pattern in fish-net immunofluorescence pattern |
| Assessment and Plan |
| A- Pemphigus P- corticosteroids |
| Created with SOAP Note |
painful red nodules
| Subjective |
| 45 year old female presents with painful, red nodules on her shins. Started 1 month ago. Patient was recently diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. |
| Objective |
| Vital signs stable Extremities - pretibial, tender, erythematous nodules |
| Assessment and Plan |
| DDX - sarcoidosis, coccidiomycosis, ulcerative colitis, streptococcal infection, idiopathic A - erythema nodosum due to ulcerative colitis P - treat ulcerative colitis |
| Created with SOAP Note |
Growth on forehead
| Subjective |
| 25 year old patient notes a growth on her forehead which is the color of her skin. It started about 2 months ago and has stopped growing. |
| Objective |
| Vital signs stable. Skin - flesh colored lesion on forehead with central crater, crater contains keratinous material |
| Assessment and Plan |
| A - Keratocanthoma P - Lesion will likely resolve in a few months, observation for few months, biopsy if needed. |
| Created with SOAP Note |
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
One for the Ages: A Prescription That May Extend Life - New York Times
Calorie restriction diet in rhesus monkeys shows health advantages, however other scientists believe the research may not translate to humans as well.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Forgive Us Our Student Debts - New York Times
Student loan repayment by serving in underserved areas or working for the NIH as a researcher.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
While in Surgery, Do You Prefer Abba or Verdi? - New York Times
The benefits of music in the OR are several including improved psychomotor performance.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Cheap Airfare, Hotel Reservations, Car Rentals - Pinpoint Travel
Going home for break? Here's AOL meta travel site which will search through 100s of sites to find the best deals. Also try the Deals section and the Fare Buzz section. Under Fare Buzz, you can search for top deals from one airport to any location in the world.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Monday, May 29, 2006
Ripples in Water
Changing every moment
Sometimes several, sometimes few
Changed greatly by small influences
Once the disturbance resolves, the surface flattens again
And the water remains
-J. S. 5/29/06
Monday, May 15, 2006
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Heart still beats
Friday, May 05, 2006
Doctors Object to Gathering of Drug Data - New York Times
California and other states are considering legislation to prevent pharmaceutical representatives access to information about physician prescribing behavior.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Sunday, April 23, 2006
US Senior Match
http://www.nrmp.org/res_match/tables/table10ab_05.pdf
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
A new plastic surgery blog
This site has been created to facilitate information sharing for plastic surgeons. See the site for details about e-mailing articles to the blog for publication. Ideas for articles could be interesting news articles, summaries of new research, and interesting patient cases.
A new orthopedics blog
This site has been created to facilitate information sharing for orthopaedic surgeons. See the site for details about e-mailing articles to the blog for publication. Ideas for articles could be interesting news articles, summaries of new research, and interesting patient cases.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Baby Boomers Stay Active, and So Do Their Doctors - New York Times
People over 50 want to excercise into their 70s, leading to more wear and tear on their joints.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Medical Specialty Aptitude Test
Questionairre for selecting a residency.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
BMI Calculator
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Cheese Quesadilla Recipe
-Flour Tortilla
-Cheese - American, Cheddar, etc.
-Optional: Meat, Pasta Sauce, hot sauce
Directions
Place tortilla on microwave safe plate and cover one half with cheese. Add meat or sauce if necessary. Microwave on high for 1 minute, and fold tortilla. Cut into fourths with a pizza cutter.
Health Benefits:
Less greasy than fried version.
Cheese is a good source of calcium.
Tortilla can have lower carbs than white bread.
Pasta sauce's tomatos can have heart protective factors.
Bread Recipes:
http://opossumsally.homestead.com/bread.html
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Chemistry 8, SMA 7, Chem-7 Analyzer
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Substance Abuse
Substance | Intoxication | Withdrawal |
Alcohol | - (1+) Slurred speech - Incoordination - Unsteady gait - Nystagmus - Impairment in attention or memory - Stupor or coma (t) folate 1mg , thiamine 100mg | - (2+) Autonomic hyperactivity - Increased hand tremor - Insomnia - Nausea or vomiting - Transient visual, tactile, or auditory hallucinations - Psychomotor agitation - Anxiety - Grand mal seizures (t) Benzodiazepines - oxazepam, IV; Dilantin; Haldol |
Cocaine / Amphetamine | - (2+) Tachycardia or bradycardia - Pupillary dilation - Elevated or lowered blood pressure - Perspiration or chills - Nausea or vomiting - Evidence of weight loss - Psychomotor agitation or retardation - Muscular weakness, respiratory depression, chest pain, or cardiac arrhythmias - Confusion, seizures, dyskinesias, dystonias, or coma (t) self-limited, anti-psychotics | - (2+) Dysmorphic mood - Fatigue - Vivid, unpleasant dreams - Insomnia or hypersomnia - Increased appetite - Psychomotor retardation or agitation (t) self-limited, observation |
Opiates - morphine - codeine - meperidine - hydromorphone | - papillary constriction (dilation) - (1+) drowsiness or coma - slurred speech - impairment in attention or memory - euphoria > dysphoria - psychomotor agitation or retardation - impaired judgement (t) Methadone 5-20 mg> 60-100 mg | - (3+) dysphoric mood - nausea or vomiting - muscle aches - lacrimation or rhinorrhea - papillary dilation, piloerection, or sweating - diarrhea - yawning (t) Clonidine |
Sources : Diagnostic Criteria from DSM-IV, Blueprints Psychiatry 3rd ed
Monday, February 27, 2006
Is Microsoft Dropping Cryptic Hints About a New Gadget? - New York Times
A tablet style pc with wireless internet access would be good for some of the medical related web pages I've posted.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Prescription Writer
How to write a prescription:
Zoloft 500mg 1 tablet PO qday Dispense: 30 Refill: 2
Drug Dosage tablets route frequency Dispense: Refill:
Saturday, February 25, 2006
History and Physical for Paper or USB
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Combined Plastics Residencies
http://www.surgery.vcu.edu/content/edu-plas.htm
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/plasticsurgery/Program/combinedletter.htm
http://www.brighamandwomens.org/surged/Medical/harvardPlasticSurgery.asp
http://www.surgery.upmc.edu/Plastics/Residency/Integrated_Program.htm
http://www.massgeneral.org/plasticsurgery/training/
http://www.mc.uky.edu/surgery/Plasurgery/plasrez.asp
http://www.dhmc.org/plastic_surgery_residency.cfm
http://www.um-surgery.org/education/gme/training/plastic.shtml
http://www.siumed.edu/surgery/plastics/integrated.htm
http://www2.kumc.edu/plastics/gen/resdcy.htm
http://www.siumed.edu/surgery/plastics/resdiency.htm
http://faculty.washington.edu/engrav/PSResLong.htm
http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/surgery/residency/plastics/index.shtml
http://www.surgery.usc.edu/plastics/Residency.html
http://www.llu.edu/llu/medicine/plastics/resltr.html
http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/cs/residency/plastics.html
http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/smd/Surg/Plastic_Surgery_Residency.html
Monday, January 30, 2006
Incision
Made three incisions in the surgery that totaled less than 3 cm. They were for a suburethral sling. Also got to close in both surgeries.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Ovarian Tumors
Ovarian Tumors
1. Introduction
a. Malignant ovarian tumors are the leading cause of death from reproductive tract cancer.
b. Majority of ovarian tumors are benign.
c. General lifetime risk is 1.6% and 5% with a first degree family relative.
d. Lifetime risk with BRCA1 gene is 45% and with BRCA2 gene is 25%.
2. Clinical Findings
a. Symptoms and Signs
i. Most patients are asymptomatic.
ii. Mild nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms or pelvic pressure
iii. Pelvic exam can detect early disease.
iv. Advanced disease can present with bloating, abdominal pain, ascites, and palpable abdominal mass.
b. Lab Findings
i. CA 125 level greater than 35 units can indicate malignancy.
ii. CA 125 elevated in 80% of epithelial ovarian cancer and only 50% in early disease.
c. Imaging Studies
i. Transvaginal Ultrasound for screening
ii. Ultrasound helps differentiate from benign and malignant neoplasm.
3. Differential Diagnosis for an Ovarian Mass
a. Functional
b. Benign Neoplastic
i. Premenopausal woman, asymptomatic, mobile, unilateral, simple cystic mass less than 7.5 cm
c. Potentially Malignant
d. Predictive factors include age, size of the mass, ultrasound configuration, CA 125 levels, symptoms, and symmetry
4. Treatment
a. Malignant neoplasm – surgical staging, abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
i. Advanced disease
1. removal of all visible tumor
2. post-operative chemotherapy
a. cisplatin or carboplatin with paclitaxel
b. Benign neoplasms – tumor removal or unilateral oophorectomy
5. Prognosis (5 yr survival)
a. Distant metastases – 17%
b. Local spread – 36%
c. Early disease – 89%
Source:
1. Tierney, Jr,
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Old Main at Penn State
Monday, January 16, 2006
Pregnancy, Preeclampsia, Severe Preeclampsia, Eclampsia
Normal Pregnancy | Preeclampsia | Severe Preeclampsia | |
Blood Pressure | Fall in first 24 weeks, rises to baseline by term | 140/90 after 20 weeks gestation | >160/100 |
Kidneys | GFR increases 50%, renal plasma flow increases serum urea and creatinine decrease; enhanced waste metabolite removal; glycosuria | Vasospasm and capillary endothelial swelling -> reduction in GFR Serum uric acid and creatinine increased Proteinuria > 300 mg in a 24 hour collection | proteinuria > 5 g/24h, oliguria (<500cc/24h) Oliguria <> |
Edema | Normal | Presenting sign but 1/3 don’t have it | |
Hemostatic | Venous stasis from hypercoagulable state | Systemic vasospasm, coagulation system activation, abnormal hemostasis Cycle – endothelial injury, platelet activation, platelet consumption | |
Prostanoid Changes | Both prostacyclin (PGI) and Thromboxane A2 (TXA) elevated, PGI > TXA | TXA > PGI PGI – vasodilator and inhibitor of platelet aggregation TXA – vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation | |
Autonomic | Increased sympathetic state – vasoconstriction | ||
Nitric Oxide | Reduced | ||
Free radical oxidation products | Increased | ||
Hematologic | Plasma vol inc, RBC mass inc à “physiologic anemia” of pregnancy Hgb 11.5 mg/dl WBC count increases Hypercoagulable state – inc fibrinogen, factor VII to X increase – venous stasis | - Thrombocytopenia - <100,000 class="MsoNormal">- fibrinogen decreased - coagulation time increased (PT, PTT) -Can progress to DIC | |
Hepatic | Signs of liver disease Spider angiomata and palmar erythema – elev estrogen Serum – dec albumin, elev alk phos, elev cholesterol Estrogen increased proteins – fibrinogen, thyroid hormone binding globulin, ceruloplasmin Hepatic enzymes – AST/ALT, PTT unchanged | 10% - transaminase elevation | impaired liver function (AST/ALT >70) |
Pulmonary | pulmonary edema | ||
Neurological | Cerebral or visual disturbances Headache | ||
GI | Epigastric pain - hepatic subcapsular hemorrhage -stretch or rupture of liver capsule | ||
Seizures | Severe cases -> Eclampsia |
HELLP Syndrome - hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets - severe preeclampsia.
Sources:
1. Rubin, Emanuel . Rubin's Pathology: Clinicopathologic Foundations of Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005 : 986-7.
2. Tierney, Jr, Lawrence M., Stephen J. McPhee, and Maxine A. Papadakis. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2005. 44th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2005: 747-9.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Sensitivity Specificity Positive Predictive Value and Negative Predictive Value Calculator
Thursday, January 05, 2006
First Day of Ob-Gyn
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Nagel's Rule for Pregnancy Due Date
Can calculate a due date based on LMP. Similar to a Pregnancy Wheel and Ovulation Calendar
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
History and Physical for Pulmonary Embolism
| Chief Complaint | ||||||||||||
| chest pain and shortness of breath | ||||||||||||
| History of Present Illness | ||||||||||||
| 23 year old female with past medical history significant for birth control use of five years and 15 smoke pack years presents witch chest pain and shortness of breath. Four days prior to admission, she started to experience a dull, substernal pain with deep breaths. Two days prior to admission, she experienced shar pain in lower left anterior axillary line with deep breaths. One day prior to admission, she started to experience upper left sided chest pain. While at her Ob-Gyn office on the morning of admission, she was experiencing shortness of breath, and she was told to go to the ER. Currently, her chest pain is constant on the left side. She says she can walk ten steps before becoming short of breath. She denies palpitations, leg pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, pain radiation. Previously, she experienced chest pain during this current summer which went away in four days without hospital admission. | ||||||||||||
| Past Medical History | ||||||||||||
| Patient denies hypertension, diabetes, stroke, coronary artery disease, rheumatic fever, asthma, or spontaneous abortions. Patient has been on Depo-provera for five years prior to current birth control of Norgestrel. | ||||||||||||
| Past Surgical History | ||||||||||||
| Patien did not have previous surgeries. | ||||||||||||
| Medications | ||||||||||||
| Norgestrel Unisom | ||||||||||||
| Immunizations | ||||||||||||
| Patient has not received her pneumococcal, hepatitis, or flu vaccine. | ||||||||||||
| Allergies | ||||||||||||
| NKDA | ||||||||||||
| Family History | ||||||||||||
| Father is alive, 52 years old without hypertension, diabetes, coagulopathy, or coronary artery disease. Mother is alive, 46 years old. She has hypertension. She has no history of coronary artery disease, coagulopathy, or diabetes.Both grandmothers had strokes at old ages. Her family has no history of cancer or coagulopathy. | ||||||||||||
| Social History | ||||||||||||
| Alcohol - She drinks up to 12 beers during the weekend over one to two nights. Tobacco - She has been smoking 1.5 packs per day for 10 years Substance - She denies any substance abuse. Psychosocial - She denies any changes in her general behavior. She lives with her friend after leaving her family residence. Functional - She believes she has normal function. | ||||||||||||
| Review of Systems | ||||||||||||
| General: () weight loss () fever () night sweats () weakness/fatigue () appetiteEndocrine: () heat intolerance () decreased energy () thyroid/reanl dz () polydipsia () polyuriaLympatics: () lymphadenopathySkin: () itching () pale () palmar creases Hematology: () anemia () bruising () bleedingHead: () seizures () trauma () loss of conscioussness () headache () vertigo () dizzinessEyes: () visual changes (X) blurred vision () loss of vision () dischargeEars: () discharge () ear pain () tinnitus () ototoxic drug history () hearing lossNose: () discharge () rhinorrhea () epistaxisMouth and Throat: () lip cracking () gum soreness () gum hypertrophy () dryness () thirst () excessive salivation () throat pain () hoarsenessCardiorespiratory: (X) SOB () valvular disease (X) orthopnea (X) dyspnea on exertion () nocturia () edema (X) paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea () cough () cyanosis () hemoptysisGastrointestinal () dysphagia () abdominal pain () vomiting () hematemesis () melena () hematochezia () change in appetite () diarrhea () constipation () jaundiceGenitourinary: () change in bladder function () change in amount () dysuria () hematuria () dischargeNeuropsychiatric: () weakness () motor/sensory deficit () depression () anxietyPain: Chest pain on left side | ||||||||||||
| Physical Exam | ||||||||||||
| General Appearance:Vital Signs:Temperature: 98.1 F Oxygen Saturation: 100% on RA Blood Pressure: 125/82 Respiratory Rate: 18 Pulse Rate: 117Skin/Nails:Head:Eyes:Ears:Nose:Throat/Mouth:Neck:Lymph:Pulmonary: CV:Abdomen:Breasts:Rectal:Genitals:Peripheral pulses:Musculoskeletal:Neurologic:Mental StatusCN ICN IICN III,IV, VI CN V, VIICN VIICN VIIICN IX, XCN XICN XIICerebellarDTRs | ||||||||||||
| Labs | ||||||||||||
| Troponin I <0.05,>D-Dimer 3.20 Imaging CT - Multiple pulmonary embolisms on the right upper lobe, right lower lobe, left upper lobe, and left lower lobe in the segmental and subsegmental branches. Her right middle lobe does not have a pulmonary embolism.
| ||||||||||||
| Assessment/Plan | ||||||||||||
23 year old female with a past medical history significant for smoking and contraceptive use presenting with multiple, acute pulmonary embolisms. She presented with some classic signs of pulmonary embolism including dyspnea and chest pain (1). 1. Tierney, Lawrence M., ed. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment. 44th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2005. | ||||||||||||
| Created with H and P |
Friday, November 25, 2005
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Open CD 2.0
Provides free programs such as Open Office, Blender, Mozilla, GAIM, and others. Can be bought or downloaded for free.
Friday, November 18, 2005
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Chronic Diarrhea
- Secretory Causes
- Medications
- Bowel Resection, Mucosal Disease, Enterocolic Fistula
- Hormones
- Carcinoid Tumor
- Serotonin
- Histamine
- Prostaglandins
- Kinins
- Gastrinoma
- VIPoma
- Calcitonin
- Somatostatinoma
- Carcinoid Tumor
- Congenital Defects in Ion Absorption
- Osmotic Causes
- Osmotic Laxatives
- Carbohydrate Malabsorption
- Steatorrheal Causes
- Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency
- Chronic Pancreatitis
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Pancreatic Duct Obstruction
- Chronic Pancreatitis
- Mucosal Malabsorption
- Tropical Sprue
- Whipple's Disease
- Abetalipoproteinemia
- Medications - colchicine, cholestyramine, neomycin
- Chronic Ischemia
- Tropical Sprue
- Postmucosal Lymphatic Obstruction
- Inflammatory Causes
- Idiopathic Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis
Saturday, November 05, 2005
History and Physical for SOB
Age: 79 Sex: Male
CC: Chest pain, SOB for one day
Reason for Admission: Chest pain, SOB for one day
HPI: 79 yo AAM c right sided CP, not radiating, sharp, pleuritic, no aggravating or relieving factors. CP accompanied with SOB with acute to sub-acute onset. Pt has cough producing whitish sputum. He has chills, and currently, the patient is feeling better than last night.
PMH:
Sarcoidosis
COPD
PVD
DM
Glaucoma BL
Immunizations - he recieved his pneumo and flu vaccines last year.
PSH:
Fem-Pop bypass on left leg
Injuries/Disabilities: none
Medications:
Lovastatin 20 mg PO qday
Lasix 20 mg PO qday
Prednisone 5 mg PO qday
Lasix 40 mg PO qday PRN edema
Calcium 600 mg PO bid
Immunizations:
Pneumo and Flu received in 2004
Family History:
NA
Social History:
lives alone
past smoker for 50 years
past etoh
no IVDU
Review of Systems:
nausea, vomiting 2-3 times, no change in bowel movements, no dysuria
Physical Exam:
VS: Temp-101.5 BP-127/70 HR-90 Pulse Ox 80s in Er, currently went from 90 to 99, 101.5 degrees
Gen: mildly tachypnic, AO*3
HEENT: -JVD, carotid pulse- 2+ with no bruits, PERRL
Chest: CTA BL, -w/c/r
CVS: irregular rhythm, SEM II/VI
Abdomen: NT/ND, soft, +BS
Ext: -edema. -DP, Left calf tenderness
Neuro: no focal deficits present
Imaging:
CXR - Infiltrates R side and base
Labs:
Na - 140
K - 4.1
Cl - 101
CO2 - 29
BUN - 14
Cr - 1.0
Glucose - 137
Ca - 8.4
WBC - 11.4
HGB - 13.2
HCT - 39.3
PLT - 268
MCV - 81
EKG - freq PACs, LAD, Q waves in V2-V3, TWI in V1
CKMB - 1.3
Myoglobin - 142
Troponin - 0.05
Assessment:
79 yo AAM presented with intermittent SOB and chest pain on right side.
Problems List:
1. SOB
2. Chest pain
Differential Diagnosis:
1. COPD exacerbation - can present with cough, sputum production, and SOB.
2. Pulmonary Embolism - Pain in left calf could be a sign of a DVT and subsequent clot could have moved to the lungs. This could have caused the current symptoms of SOB and chest pain.
3. Pneumonia - CXR infiltrates, SOB, and chest pain can be from a community acquired pneumonia. Possible organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria meningitidis, Moraxella catarhallis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
4. Sarcoidosis - a sarcoid inflammation of the lung can present with malaise, fever, and dyspnea. No hilar lymphadenopathy was present on CXR. No other findings of sarcoidosis were present: erythema nodosum, parotid gland enlargement, hepatosplenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. Symptoms referable to other organs were not present either.
5. MI - a myocardial infarction can present with chest pain and SOB. The patient's location of pain on the right side, and lack of radiation make this less likely. His cardiac chemistry levels were well within normal limits.
Diagnostic Plan:
1. CT angio scan of chest
2. Pulmonary function tests
3. Pulse oximetry
4. Consult pulmonology
Therapeutic Plan
1. DVT prophylaxis
2. Heparin qtt
3. Antibiotics - Zithromax 500mg IV qday
4. O2 support 2L
5. Steroids
History and Physical for Sickle Cell Crisis
Informant: Patient - reliable
Age: 43
Sex: M
CC: pain in head, neck, arms, stomach, and legs
Reason for Admission: pain in head, neck, arms, stomach, and legs
History of Present Illness:
Patient 43 yo AAM presented with pain in arms, back, stomach and legs which started yesterday morning. His last crisis was 2-3 years ago. It is well localized to the areas mentioned. He tried using Percocet and Oxycontin but they were ineffective in controlling his pain. He also complains of a productive cough with yellow phlegm for 2-3 weeks. He had no associated chest pain. He had no nasal congestion, but he did have post nasal drip. He has no nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever or chills.
Past Medical History:
Sickle Cell Disease (SC) diagnosed at age 12. Not significant for any other chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
Past Surgical History:
No surgical history.
Injuries/Disabilities: Considers SC a disability.
Medications:
Oxycontin 80 mg po bid
Percocet 5 mg 1-2 tablets q 4-6 hours prn pain
Folic Acid 1mg po qday
Herbal Meds: none
Immunizations: Pneumo and flu vaccines up to date since last year
Allergies: hay
Drugs: Morphine - lack of coordination, nervous; toradol - lack of coordination
Food: none
Family History:
Mother has sickle cell disease and diabetes. His family has no history of hypertension, cancer, cardiac diseases, or thalassemia.
Social History:
He lives in an appartment with his fiance. He's currently unemployed due to his sickle cell disability. He has no history of alcohol abuse. He smokes 3-4 cigarettes per day.
Review of Systems:
Summary: - f/c, -n/v/d, -dysuria, + cough for 3 weeks, - rhinorrhea, - headache
Physical Exam
General Appearance: Pt in acute distress from pain
Vital Signs:
Temperature: 96.7 F Oxygen Saturation: 98% Room Air
Blood Pressure: 100/46
Respiratory Rate: 16 Pulse Rate: 68
Skin/Nails: no clubbing
HEENT: PERRL, clear nasal turbinates, non-erythematous pharynx, no thyroid enlargement, no lymphadenopathy
Pulmonary: CTA BL, -w/c/r
CV: S1S2, RRR, II/VI SEM
Abdomen: soft, NT, ND
Peripheral pulses: 2+ DP
Musculoskeletal: pain in both arms, legs, and neck
Imaging:
CXR - clear and normal
Labs:
WBC 18.4
HGB 7.3
HCT 21.8
PLT 482
Na 138
K 4.7
Cl 108
CO2 26
BUN 6
Cr 0.6
Glucose 81
Ca 8.4
Retic 8.71
Retic Index 8.9
Assessment: 43 yo AAM with sickle cell crisis in arms, legs, neck, and head.
Problem List:
1. sickle cell crisis
2. increased white count
Differential Diagnosis:
He's presenting with acute onset of pain which is most likely related to a sickle cell crisis. He presents with no other signs, symptoms, or lab values suggesting other etiologies such as acute rheumatic fever, osteoid arthritis, or any other polyarticular arthritis. His pain is spread throughout his bones and joints which makes an SC crisis more likely.
His white blood count could be due to an infection, but he is not presenting with fever or any inflammatory reaction symptoms. He has no tachypnea, but he does have upper respiratory infection symptoms. His pulse ox is normal. His CXR is clear and this does not appear to be pneumonia. He should be worked up with urine cultures, urine analysis, and blood cultures.
Diagnostic Plan:
1. CBC w diff
2. Screen 8
3. Retic count and Retic Index
4. Blood Cx
5. Urine Cx
6. Urine Analysis
Therapeutic Plan:
1. Dilautid 4mg IV q4h
2. 125 cc/hr D5W
Causes of Chest Pain
Chest Pain |
| Non-Cardiac |
| Pulmonary |
|
| Gastrointestinal |
|
| Musculoskeletal |
Chostochondritis |
| Other |
psychiatric |
| Cardiac |
|
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Internal Medicine
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
H and P for PDA
H and P
Patient Name:
Hospital Unit:
Time of Admission:
Informant:
Birthdate:
Age:
Sex:
CC:
Reason for Admission:
History of Present Illness:
Past Medical History:
Past Surgical History:
Injuries/Disabilities:
Medications:
Herbal Meds:
Immunizations:
Allergies:
Drugs:
Food:
Family History:
Social History:
Review of Systems:
General: ( ) weight loss ( ) fever ( ) night sweats ( ) weakness/fatigue ( ) appetite
Endocrine: ( ) heat intolerance ( ) decreased energy ( ) thyroid/reanl dz ( ) polydipsia ( ) polyuria
Lympatics: ( ) lymphadenopathy
Skin: ( ) itching ( ) pale ( ) palmar creases
Hematology: ( ) anemia ( ) bruising ( ) bleeding
Head: ( ) seizures ( ) trauma ( ) loss of conscioussness ( ) headache ( ) vertigo ( ) dizziness
Eyes: ( ) visual changes ( ) blurred vision ( ) loss of vision ( ) discharge
Ears: ( ) discharge ( ) ear pain ( ) tinnitus ( ) ototoxic drug history ( ) hearing loss
Nose: ( ) discharge ( ) rhinorrhea ( ) epistaxis
Mouth and Throat: ( ) lip cracking ( ) gum soreness ( ) gum hypertrophy ( ) dryness ( ) thirst ( ) excessive salivation ( ) throat pain ( ) hoarseness
Cardiorespiratory: ( ) SOB ( ) valvular disease ( ) orthopnea ( ) dyspnea on exertion ( ) nocturia ( ) edema ( ) paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea ( ) cough ( ) cyanosis ( ) hemoptysis
Gastrointestinal ( ) dysphagia ( ) abdominal pain ( ) vomiting ( ) hematemesis ( ) melena ( ) hematochezia ( ) change in appetite ( ) diarrhea ( ) constipation ( ) jaundice
Genitourinary: ( ) change in bladder function ( ) change in amount ( ) dysuria ( ) hematuria ( ) discharge
Neuropsychiatric: ( ) weakness ( ) motor/sensory deficit ( ) depression ( ) anxiety
Pain:
Physical Exam
General Appearance:
Vital Signs:
Temperature: Oxygen Saturation: Blood Pressure:
Respiratory Rate: Pulse Rate:
Skin/Nails:
Head:
Eyes:
Ears:
Nose:
Throat/Mouth:
Neck:
Lymph:
Pulmonary:
CV:
Abdomen:
Breasts:
Rectal:
Genitals:
Peripheral pulses:
Musculoskeletal:
Neurologic:
Mental Status
CN I
CN II
CN III,IV, VI
CN V, VII
CN VII
CN VIII
CN IX, X
CN XI
CN XII
Cerebellar
DTRs
Labs:
Assessment:
Problem List:
Differential Diagnosis:
Diagnostic Plan:
Therapeutic Plan:
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Flash Drives Make Any Computer 'Personal'
Flash drives with built in software such as Migo allow users to carry their personal settings and files to any computer. Apparently, plugging in the USB flash drive will allow access to personal documents, e-mail, and internet favorites. It's a great idea for people who work in places with several computers and move among them, such as a hospital.
CMDT Review by MS3
Although CMDT appears as a tome of medicine at 1888 pages, its proven to be a good home reference book. Diseases are covered in a few pages, while still maintaining good attention to detail in presentation and management. This book is all text with a few tables and no pictures. More pages are dedicated to common diseases with varying presentations like pneumonia. It's main advantage over other books is it's updated every year. |
Washington Manual Handbook Review by an MS3
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Removing an Ink Stain from a Silk Tie
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Tom Evans' ECG Cribsheets - PDA Version
This is a great guide to reading ECGs, and this can also be downloaded to a Palm PDA device. Download the zip file for Pocket PCs, and then install Pluckr for your Palm PDA and Sunrise Desktop for your computer. After extracting the zip file, send the index.html file to Sunrise, and then synch your Palm PDA.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
More than 100 Links for Medical Students
This page links to several free online resources. I especially like the anatomy links.
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Indications for Oxygen Therapy to Treat COPD
Source:
The Washington Manual of Medical Therapeutics, 31st edition.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Practice questions for USMLE Step 2
Books for MS3 Surgery
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Free USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 practice questions
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Medical Student Surgery Hours
Start seeing patients 5 am
Round with the team 6 am
Operating Room 8 am to 4 pm
Evening Sign Out 6-7 pm
Sleep 9pm
Overnight Call every four days, Weekend call 24 hours starting at 6 am
Scrub Attire
Sunday, August 21, 2005
AccessMedicine on a PDA
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Technology in Medicine
USMLE Score Reports
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Blueprints in Pediatrics
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Buying a PDA on eBay
Monday, July 11, 2005
Babies in Peds
Friday, July 08, 2005
First Full Day of Peds
Thursday, July 07, 2005
What I learned my first day of pediatrics
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Saturday, July 02, 2005
PDA for Rotations
| Palm LifeDrive Its got a 4 gigabyte hard drive, which sets it apart from any other PDA on the market. Another distinguishing aspect is its price, $500. It might be more than I need for rotations at the hospital, but it would also serve as an mp3 player. | |
Treo 650 This PDA has everything bundled into one small package, including a a camera and a phone. I would only have to carry one device to the hospital, and its memory is expandable with SD cards. One drawback is its small size. The Treo has a much smaller screen than other PDAs after seeing it at an electronics store. The size is good for carrying it around as a phone, but I wouldn't be too happy staring at a small screen in the hospital. | |
Tungsten T5 The T5 is the top of the line flash drive based PDA, with a large 256 mb of internal memory. This is its main selling point, along with its fast processor and large screen. | |
Tungsten T3 The T3 is probably the best value for the money among the high end PDAs. Its got a large screen accessible by pulling open the PDA. Its a unique design, but I would rather have a large screen available at all times. | |
Tungsten E This is the minimum suggested PDA for rotations. Its got 32 mb of internal memory, which is enough for medical applications. |







