clinical q&a library
Explore a database of clinical questions answered by iatroX, referencing established clinical guidelines, SmPCs, and peer-reviewed literature.
What criteria should I use to determine whether a patient with suspected puerperal sepsis requires urgent referral to secondary care?
Patients with suspected puerperal sepsis require urgent referral to secondary care if they meet any of the following high risk criteria:...
How should I initiate antibiotic therapy for a patient diagnosed with puerperal sepsis in a primary care setting?
Initiate antibiotic therapy for puerperal sepsis by first taking microbiological specimens for culture, including blood cultures, before starting ant...
What are the key clinical signs and symptoms of puerperal sepsis that I should look for in postpartum patients?
Key clinical signs and symptoms of puerperal sepsis to look for in postpartum patients include:Fever or elevated temperature, ty...
When should I refer a patient with suspected occupational asthma to a specialist for further evaluation?
Refer a patient with suspected occupational asthma to a specialist for further evaluation as soon as occupational asthma is suspected. This ...
What are the recommended management strategies for patients diagnosed with occupational asthma?
Management of patients diagnosed with occupational asthma involves several key strategies. First, early identification and referral to an occupationa...
What specific investigations should I consider for a patient suspected of having occupational asthma?
For a patient suspected of having occupational asthma, consider the following specific investigations:Serial home peak expiratory flow (P...
How can I differentiate between occupational asthma and other types of asthma in my patients?
To differentiate occupational asthma from other types of asthma in your patients, focus on the timing and relationship of symptoms to work exposure....
What are the key diagnostic criteria for identifying work-related asthma in a patient presenting with respiratory symptoms?
Key diagnostic criteria for identifying work-related asthma in a patient presenting with respiratory symptoms include:Taking a d...
How can I effectively support patients with schizophrenia in adhering to their treatment plan in a primary care setting?
Engage patients in shared decision-making by involving them in discussions about their treatment options and respecting their preferences, w...
What are the key considerations for prescribing antidepressants in patients with comorbid physical health conditions?
When prescribing antidepressants in patients with comorbid physical health conditions, key considerations include:Assess the presence of ...
What criteria should I use to determine when to refer a patient with suspected bipolar disorder to a psychiatrist?
Refer a patient with suspected bipolar disorder to a psychiatrist if any of the following criteria are met:There is suspicion of mania or severe ...
How should I approach the management of anxiety disorders in patients who are hesitant to start medication?
Approach to managing anxiety disorders in patients hesitant to start medication:Begin with education and active monitori...
What are the recommended assessment tools for diagnosing depression in primary care settings?
Recommended assessment tools for diagnosing depression in primary care settings include:Using the two key depression identificat...
What role do systemic conditions play in generalized pruritus, and how should they be assessed in primary care?
Systemic conditions play a significant role in the etiology of generalized pruritus, often indicating underlying diseases such as hepatic, renal, hae...
When should I consider referring a patient with generalized itching to a dermatologist?
Consider referring a patient with generalized itching to a dermatologist if:There is unexplained pruritus associated with lympha...
What topical treatments are recommended for managing pruritus in patients with eczema or dermatitis?
Topical treatments recommended for managing pruritus in patients with eczema or dermatitis include:Emollients: ...
What are the key differential diagnoses to consider in a patient presenting with generalized pruritus?
When a patient presents with generalized pruritus, key differential diagnoses to consider include systemic diseases such as cholestatic liver disorders, chro...
When should I consider referring a patient with pruritus ani to a specialist, and what criteria should guide this decision?
Consider referring a patient with pruritus ani to a specialist if:There is diagnostic uncertainty or the cause of pruritus ani i...
What initial investigations should I consider for a patient presenting with perianal itching?
Initial investigations for a patient presenting with perianal itching should include:Careful inspection of the perian...