clinical q&a library
Explore a database of clinical questions answered by iatroX, referencing established clinical guidelines, SmPCs, and peer-reviewed literature.
What initial investigations should I consider for a patient presenting with suspected obstructive sleep apnea?
Consider offering home respiratory polygraphy to people with suspected OSAHS. If access to home respiratory polygraphy is limited, consider home oxime...
When should I consider referring a patient for a skin biopsy to a specialist?
Consider referring a patient for a skin biopsy to a specialist when the skin lesion raises suspicion of malignancy, particularly if it meets any of the follo...
Which skin biopsy techniques are recommended for different types of skin lesions?
Skin biopsy techniques should be selected based on the type, size, and suspected diagnosis of the skin lesion to ensure adequate tissue sampling for ...
What are the key indications for performing a skin biopsy in primary care?
Key indications for performing a skin biopsy in primary care include:Suspicion of melanoma or other skin cancers, particularly w...
When should I refer a patient with ASD for specialist assessment or intervention?
Refer a patient with autism spectrum disorder for specialist assessment or intervention if there are reported or observed features suggesting possible autism...
What are the current guidelines for the management and follow-up of adults with a diagnosed ASD?
All staff working with autistic adults should work in partnership with autistic adults and, where appropriate, with their families, partners and carers, offe...
Which investigations are recommended for confirming the diagnosis of ASD in a primary care setting?
In a primary care setting, investigations recommended for confirming the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder include a detailed developmental history, asse...
What are the guidelines for rehabilitation and follow-up care after a shoulder dislocation in primary care?
There are no specific NICE guidelines directly addressing rehabilitation and follow-up care after a shoulder dislocation in primary care within the provided ...
What criteria should I use to determine whether to refer a patient with a shoulder dislocation for surgical intervention?
Refer a patient with a shoulder dislocation for surgical intervention if the injury is complicated by any of the following: an open wound, tenting of the ski...
How can I differentiate between a shoulder dislocation and other shoulder injuries during the initial assessment?
During the initial assessment, differentiating a shoulder dislocation from other shoulder injuries relies on a combination of clinical history, physical exam...
What are the recommended immediate management steps for an adult with an acute shoulder dislocation?
Immediate management of an adult with an acute shoulder dislocation involves prompt clinical assessment to confirm the diagnosis and exclude...
How often should I monitor nutritional status and electrolyte balance in patients with short bowel syndrome?
Monitoring nutritional status in patients with short bowel syndrome should be frequent initially and then adjusted as stability is achieved....
Which pharmacological treatments are effective in managing symptoms associated with short bowel syndrome?
Pharmacological management of symptoms associated with short bowel syndrome (SBS) primarily focuses on enhancing intestinal adaptation, reducing diarrhoea, a...
What are the indications for referral to a specialist in the management of short bowel syndrome?
Indications for referral to a specialist in the management and investigations of short bowel syndrome (SBS) include:Complex nutr...
What dietary modifications should I recommend for a patient with short bowel syndrome to improve nutrient absorption?
For a patient with short bowel syndrome (SBS), dietary modifications should focus on optimizing nutrient absorption by tailoring the diet to the reduced abso...
What are the recommended fluid resuscitation protocols for managing hypovolemic shock in adults?
Recommended fluid resuscitation protocols for managing hypovolemic shock in adult patients:Initial assessment should identify hy...
When should I consider referring a patient with suspected shock to secondary care, and what information should I provide to the receiving team?
When to consider referring a patient with suspected shock to secondary care:Refer immediately if the patient meets any high-risk...
What investigations are essential in the primary care setting to confirm the diagnosis of obstructive shock?
Essential investigations in primary care to confirm obstructive shock include:Clinical assessment: A detailed h...
When should I consider referring a patient with Shigella infection to secondary care?
Consider referring a patient with Shigella infection to secondary care if any of the following apply:The patient shows signs of ...