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Acute exacerbation of COPD: quick reference

…of dyspnoea, cough and sputum in particular that exceeds the patient's normal variation and requires a change of treatment. Common precipitants are viral infection…

Cardiovascular effects of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019)

…outcomes. The vast majority of infections with COVID 19 result in mild disease, with symptoms similar to seasonal flu (influenza) and other viral respiratory infections…

Endocarditis: definitions, causes, diagnosis, echocardiography & treatment

…some kind of damage to native (own) valves is required to become vulnerable and contaminated by bacteria . Infections are difficult to heal because the heart…

Wound suturing

…The commonest cause of wound infection is retained contamination, not poor suture technique — and the commonest cause of permanent loss of function is a tendon…

Central venous catheter

…the most stable dressing, lowest risk of infection and thrombosis with prolonged dwell time Highest risk of pneumothorax, the vessel cannot be compressed after arterial…

Endotracheal intubation

…a rising pCO₂ and respiratory acidosis, or a markedly increased work of breathing with impending exhaustion. Threatened airway obstruction: inhalation injury, anaphylaxis, deep neck infection…

Pleural aspiration and chest drain

Procedurer Almost all the complications of pleural aspiration arise from two errors: the needle is placed in the wrong site, and too much is drained…

Neutropenic fever: quick reference for emergency management

…a suspected infection and organ dysfunction must therefore be managed as neutropenic sepsis even if the temperature criterion is not met. The first hour Step…

Common laboratory tests

…0 mmol/L Triglycerides < 1.7 mmol/L 10 carries a risk of pancreatitis Cardiac markers and coagulation Test Reference Comment : : : High sensitivity troponin…

Gynaecological examination and cervical smear

…Assessment of prolapse. Sampling for a suspected sexually transmitted infection — although chlamydia and gonorrhoea can be tested on urine or a self taken vaginal sample…

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