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 common side effects and complications associated with barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms that I should discuss with my patients?
Common side effects and complications associated with barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms that should be discussed with patients include:...
How should I counsel patients on the correct use of condoms to maximize their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy and STIs?
Counselling patients on correct condom use to maximize effectiveness:Use condoms consistently and correctly every time y...
In what circumstances can consent be considered valid if a patient has impaired capacity due to mental health issues?
Consent can be considered valid in patients with impaired capacity due to mental health issues if the patient is able to make the specific decision at the ti...
How can I effectively communicate the risks and benefits of a treatment to ensure that my patient understands and consents?
Effectively communicating the risks and benefits of a treatment to ensure patient understanding and informed consent involves several key steps:...
What steps should I take to ensure informed consent is obtained before a minor undergoes a medical procedure?
Steps to ensure informed consent before a minor undergoes a medical procedure:Assess the minor's capacity to consent, recognisin...
What are the common complications of systemic sclerosis that I should monitor for in my patients?
Common complications of systemic sclerosis to monitor include:Renal involvement: Scleroderma renal crisis is a ...
What criteria should I use to determine whether to refer a patient with suspected lupus to a specialist?
Criteria for referral of a patient with suspected systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to a specialist:Refer any patient with clin...
How should I approach the management of a patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in primary care?
Initial management in primary care: Refer any adult with a confirmed diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to a specialist rheumatology ser...
Which laboratory tests are most useful in the initial evaluation of a patient with symptoms suggestive of a systemic autoimmune disorder?
In the initial evaluation of a patient presenting with symptoms suggestive of a systemic autoimmune disorder, the most useful laboratory tests include a full...
What are the key clinical features to consider when diagnosing a patient with suspected connective tissue disease?
When diagnosing a patient with suspected connective tissue disease (CTD), key clinical features to consider include a combination of systemic symptoms and or...
When should I consider referring a patient with CRPS to a specialist for further management?
Consider referring a patient with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) to a specialist for further management if:They have seve...
What are the recommended first-line treatment options for managing CRPS in primary care?
In primary care, the recommended first-line treatment options for managing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), classified as a type of chronic primary pai...
What initial investigations should be conducted to support a diagnosis of CRPS in a patient with suspected symptoms?
Initial investigations to support a diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) should primarily focus on excluding other causes of the sympto...
What are the key clinical features to consider when diagnosing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in a primary care setting?
Key clinical features to consider when diagnosing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in primary care include:Persiste...
What resources are available to enhance my skills in shared decision-making with patients?
Resources to enhance your skills in shared decision-making with patients include:Access to quality-assured patient decision aids...
How can I tailor my communication style to accommodate patients from diverse cultural backgrounds?
To effectively tailor your communication style for patients from diverse cultural backgrounds, first establish the patient’s preferred form of addres...
How can I effectively communicate a diagnosis of a chronic condition to ensure patient understanding and engagement?
To effectively communicate a diagnosis of a chronic condition and ensure patient understanding and engagement, follow these key steps:...
What strategies can I implement to improve communication with patients who have low health literacy?
To improve communication with patients who have low health literacy, implement clear, simple language avoiding medical jargon, and use short sentence...
What management strategies should I implement for a patient with a GCS score of less than 8 in a primary care setting?
In a primary care setting, if a patient has a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of less than 8, immediate referral to an emergency department is recommended to ...