clinical q&a library
Explore a database of clinical questions answered by iatroX, referencing established clinical guidelines, SmPCs, and peer-reviewed literature.
When should I consider referring a patient with suspected ALS to a specialist, and what information should I include in the referral?
When to refer: Refer a patient without delay if you suspect amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), specifying the possible diagnosis in the re...
What are the current guidelines for the management of ALS, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions?
Pharmacological interventions for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS):Riluzole is recommended as a disease-modifying treatment o...
What are the key clinical features to consider when diagnosing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in a patient presenting with motor symptoms?
When diagnosing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in a patient presenting with motor symptoms, key clinical features to consider include progressive muscul...
What are the guidelines for managing soft tissue injuries in the hand, including splinting and follow-up care?
Management of soft tissue injuries of the hand involves careful splinting and follow-up care to maintain function and prevent complications....
When should I consider referring a patient with a hand injury to a specialist for further management?
Consider referring a patient with a hand injury to a specialist for further management if the injury is complex or affects hand function significantl...
How should I assess for tendon injuries in a patient with a laceration to the hand?
When assessing for tendon injuries in a patient presenting with a hand laceration, begin with a thorough clinical examination focusing on active and passive ...
What are the appropriate pharmacological treatments for managing hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia?
Appropriate pharmacological treatment for managing hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia primarily involves the use of oral antipsychotic medication....
When should I consider referring a patient with hallucinations to a mental health specialist?
Consider referring a patient experiencing hallucinations to a mental health specialist without delay if they are distressed, have a decline in social...
What initial investigations are recommended for a patient experiencing visual hallucinations in primary care?
For a patient presenting with visual hallucinations in primary care, the initial investigations should focus on identifying reversible causes and underlying ...
How should I assess the severity and impact of hallucinations on a patient's daily functioning?
Assessing the severity and impact of hallucinations on a patient's daily functioning involves a comprehensive mental health assessment that covers mu...
When should I refer a patient with scalp psoriasis to a dermatologist?
Refer a patient with scalp psoriasis to a dermatologist if:There is no satisfactory control or clearance of scalp psoriasis afte...
What are the recommended protocols for monitoring and supportive care in patients with an intracerebral haemorrhage in a primary care environment?
In a primary care setting, patients with intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) require urgent referral to secondary care for specialist assessment and management r...
What criteria should I use to determine whether a patient with an intracerebral haemorrhage requires urgent referral to a neurosurgical unit?
Criteria for urgent referral of a patient with intracerebral haemorrhage to a neurosurgical unit include:Presence of hydrocephal...
How should I manage blood pressure in a patient with an acute intracerebral haemorrhage?
In managing blood pressure in a patient presenting with an acute intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), rapid blood pressure lowering should be considered if the p...
What initial investigations should be performed in a patient suspected of having an intracerebral haemorrhage?
Initial investigations for a patient suspected of having an intracerebral haemorrhage should include urgent non-contrast CT imaging of the head....
What are the key clinical features that differentiate an intracerebral haemorrhage from other types of stroke in a primary care setting?
Key clinical features differentiating intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) from other types of stroke in a primary care setting include:...
What management strategies should be considered for a patient with recurrent haemoptysis?
Management strategies for a patient presenting with recurrent haemoptysis should begin with a thorough clinical assessment to determine the ...
What are the referral criteria for a patient with haemoptysis to a respiratory specialist?
Referral criteria for haemoptysis to a respiratory specialist:Any patient presenting with haemoptysis should be considered for r...
How do I differentiate between benign and serious causes of haemoptysis in primary care?
To differentiate between benign and serious causes of haemoptysis in primary care, consider the patient's age, smoking history, and associated symptoms. Haem...