clinical q&a library
Explore a database of clinical questions answered by iatroX, referencing established clinical guidelines, SmPCs, and peer-reviewed literature.
What are the current guidelines for managing obesity in adults, and when should I consider referring to a dietitian?
The current guidelines recommend discussing the severity of overweight or obesity and associated health risks with adults, including long-term conditions suc...
How can I assess the nutritional status of elderly patients in my practice, and what interventions are recommended?
Assessment of Nutritional Status in Elderly Patients:Screen elderly patients at initial registration and when there is clinical ...
What dietary modifications should I recommend for patients with type 2 diabetes to improve glycaemic control?
Dietary modifications for patients with type 2 diabetes to improve glycaemic control include:Encourage a balanced diet that supp...
How should I manage a patient presenting with symptoms of a notifiable disease, and when should I consider urgent referral?
When managing a patient presenting with symptoms of a notifiable disease, immediate assessment to identify signs of serious or life-threaten...
What is the process for reporting a suspected case of a notifiable disease in the UK, and what information is required?
Process for Reporting a Suspected Notifiable Disease in the UK: When a healthcare professional suspects a case of a notifiable disease, they...
What advice should I provide to patients recovering from norovirus regarding diet and hydration?
Advice for patients recovering from norovirus regarding diet and hydration:Encourage the patient to continue drinking plenty of ...
When should I consider referring a patient with norovirus for further investigation or management?
Consider referring a patient with norovirus for further investigation or management if any of the following apply:There are symptoms or signs sug...
What infection control measures should be implemented in a primary care setting to prevent the spread of norovirus?
Infection control measures to prevent the spread of norovirus in a primary care setting include:Ensure thorough handwashing with...
How should I manage a patient with norovirus who presents with severe dehydration?
Management of a patient with norovirus presenting with severe dehydration involves prompt assessment and rehydration therapy.For seve...
When should I consider referring a patient for specialist assessment regarding non-invasive ventilation therapy?
Consider referring a patient for specialist assessment regarding non-invasive ventilation when they develop worsening respiratory impairment, such as increas...
How should I monitor a patient on NIV for potential complications or treatment failure?
Monitor the symptoms and signs listed in table 1 to detect potential respiratory impairment, including breathlessness, increased respiratory rate, orthopnoea...
What are the key contraindications for the use of non-invasive ventilation in a primary care setting?
Key contraindications for the use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in a primary care setting include:Severe bulbar impairment o...
How can I differentiate between patients who would benefit from CPAP versus BiPAP in the management of respiratory distress?
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is generally indicated for patients with respiratory distress who require maintenance of airway p...
What are the indications for initiating non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in patients with acute respiratory failure?
Indications for initiating non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in patients with acute respiratory failure include:Presence of hyperca...
How can I effectively communicate with parents or guardians when there are concerns about non-accidental injury?
Effectively communicating with parents or guardians when there are concerns about non-accidental injury involves several key steps:...
What documentation and reporting procedures should I follow when I suspect a case of non-accidental injury?
Record in the child's clinical record exactly what is observed and heard from whom and when, and why this is of concern. At this point, consider, suspect or ...
What are the referral criteria for suspected non-accidental injury to child protection services or paediatric specialists?
Referral to child protection services or paediatric specialists should be considered if there is suspicion of child maltreatment based on specific injury pat...
How should I approach the initial assessment of a child with suspected non-accidental injury in a primary care setting?
In the initial assessment of a child with suspected non-accidental injury, it is important to listen and observe, gathering information from various sources ...
What are the key clinical signs and symptoms that may indicate a non-accidental injury in children?
Suspect child maltreatment if a child has bruising in the shape of a hand, ligature, stick, teeth mark, grip or implement 1....