clinical q&a library
Explore a database of clinical questions answered by iatroX, referencing established clinical guidelines, SmPCs, and peer-reviewed literature.
How should I counsel patients regarding the potential causes and implications of haematochezia?
Counsel patients on the potential causes of haematochezia by explaining that it refers to the passage of fresh blood per rectum, which can a...
What management strategies are recommended for patients with mild to moderate rectal bleeding without alarming features?
Management strategies for patients presenting with mild to moderate rectal bleeding without alarming features include:Conduct...
What are the referral criteria for patients with haematochezia to secondary care?
Referral criteria for patients presenting with haematochezia (rectal bleeding) to secondary care:Patients aged 50 and over with ...
How do I differentiate between benign and serious causes of fresh rectal bleeding in adults?
To differentiate between benign and serious causes of fresh rectal bleeding in adults, consider the patient's age, associated symptoms, and examinati...
What initial investigations should I consider for a patient presenting with haematochezia in primary care?
Initial investigations for a patient presenting with haematochezia in primary care should include offering a quantitative faecal immunochemical test ...
What are the indications for blood transfusion in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding?
Blood transfusion is indicated in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding who are actively bleeding and have a platelet count of less than 50 x 1...
How should I manage a patient with upper GI bleeding who is on anticoagulant therapy?
Management of a patient with upper gastrointestinal bleeding on anticoagulant therapy involves the following key steps:Immedi...
What are the key investigations to determine the cause of upper GI bleeding in a primary care setting?
In a primary care setting, the key investigations to determine the cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding include:Clinical assessment a...
When should I consider urgent referral to secondary care for a patient with upper gastrointestinal bleeding?
Consider an urgent referral to secondary care for a patient presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding if they are haemodynamically unstable or ...
What initial assessments should I perform for a patient presenting with haematemesis or melaena?
Initial assessments for a patient presenting with haematemesis or melaena include:Perform a formal risk assessment using the Bla...
How can I effectively counsel patients on contraceptive options and their associated risks?
Effective counselling on contraceptive options and their associated risks requires a personalised, comprehensive approach that respects the patient's individ...
What are the current guidelines for the management of menopausal symptoms in primary care?
Offer hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to people with vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause, discussing the possible duration of treatment and review...
What criteria should I use to refer a patient with suspected endometriosis to a specialist?
Refer women or people with suspected or confirmed endometriosis to a specialist endometriosis service (endometriosis centre) if they have suspected or confir...
How should I manage a patient with suspected polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in primary care?
In primary care, management of a patient with suspected polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) should begin with a comprehensive clinical assessment including deta...
What are the recommended first-line investigations for a patient presenting with abnormal vaginal bleeding?
Recommended first-line investigations for a patient presenting with abnormal vaginal bleeding include:A thorough history and phy...
How should I approach the referral of a patient with suspected growth hormone deficiency to a specialist?
Approach to referral of a patient with suspected growth hormone deficiency:Refer the patient to a specialist with the appropriate ski...
What are the current guidelines for the management of growth hormone deficiency in children?
Management of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children involves a comprehensive approach starting with accurate diagnosis, followed by in...
Which diagnostic tests are recommended for confirming growth hormone deficiency in adults?
Recommended diagnostic tests for confirming growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in adults primarily involve growth hormone stimulation tests, as basal GH...
What are the signs and symptoms of neonatal GBS infection that I should be vigilant for in newborns?
Signs and symptoms of neonatal Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection to be vigilant for include both red flag and other clinical indicators. Red flag...