clinical q&a library
Explore a database of clinical questions answered by iatroX, referencing established clinical guidelines, SmPCs, and peer-reviewed literature.
How can I implement a QI project to improve the management of chronic diseases in my practice?
To implement a quality improvement (QI) project aimed at enhancing the management of chronic diseases in your practice, start by identifying specific, measur...
What are the potential side effects of systemic corticosteroids in the treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum, and how can I mitigate them?
Potential side effects of systemic corticosteroids used in pyoderma gangrenosum include immunosuppression leading to increased infection ris...
When should I consider referring a patient with pyoderma gangrenosum to a dermatologist for further management?
Consider referring a patient with pyoderma gangrenosum to a dermatologist promptly when the diagnosis is uncertain, the lesion is rapidly progressing...
What clinical features should I look for to differentiate pyoderma gangrenosum from other ulcerative skin conditions?
To differentiate pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) from other ulcerative skin conditions, look for the following clinical features:...
What follow-up actions should I take for patients with confirmed COPD based on spirometry findings?
For patients with confirmed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) based on spirometry findings, follow-up actions should include:R...
How can I differentiate between obstructive and restrictive lung disease using PFTs?
To differentiate between obstructive and restrictive lung disease using pulmonary function tests (PFTs), the key parameters to assess are the FEV1 (forced ex...
What are the referral criteria for patients with abnormal pulmonary function test results?
Referral criteria for patients with abnormal pulmonary function test (PFT) results include the following clinical indications:Diagnostic uncertai...
How should I interpret spirometry results in a patient suspected of having asthma?
To interpret spirometry results in a patient suspected of having asthma, first assess the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and the ratio of FEV1 t...
What are the key indications for performing spirometry in primary care settings?
Key indications for performing spirometry in primary care settings include:Suspected diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary ...
How can I effectively educate new mothers about the signs of puerperal sepsis to ensure early detection and treatment?
To effectively educate new mothers about the signs of puerperal sepsis for early detection and treatment:At the first postnatal ...
What investigations are recommended to confirm a diagnosis of puerperal sepsis in a postpartum woman?
To confirm a diagnosis of puerperal sepsis in a postpartum woman, the following investigations are recommended:Obtain microbiological specimens f...
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...