We have developed a list of some of the most common mistakes to avoid during PLAB 2.
Including:
If you would like to know what other mistakes to avoid, book one of our two-day intensive courses.
You see a 54year old at his GP practice. He was discharged 8 weeks ago from hospital. A diagnosis of acute anterior MI was made, and he had coronary stents. He has been feeling more breathless on climbing stairs in last week. On examination there is a pan systolic murmur at the left sternal edge. What structural damage could cause this?
2. Papillary Muscle Rupture
During a pre anesthetic check up for laparoscopic cholecystectomy; 56 year old man is found to have a systolic murmur. He is asymptomatic and never known about this. ECG is normal sinus rhythm. BP 118/66 mmHg. There are no known medical or surgical conditions or on any regular medication. What is the most appropriate next step?
5. Book urgent outpatient echocardiogram
1. Asymptomatic murmur is most likely to be benign
2. Any signs or symptoms of cardiac decompensation i.e.; exertional dyspnea, chest pain, radiation of murmur, fever or peripheral edema
3. If suspected endocarditis or MI urgent referral to ED and speak to cardiologist
4. Choice of investigation for structural heart disease Transthoracic echocardiogram
5. No indication to cancel procedure at present
10 month old has been brought by his mother, as he is not gaining weight and height at 30 th percentile. He was born at 29th week of pregnancy. This mother says that he is easily tired. There is a “to and fro ” murmur at sternum, with left ventricular thrill. What is the most likely pathology?
4. Patent Ductus Arteriosus(PDA)
How would you manage a conscious patient, with this cardiac rhythm?
3. IV Adenosine
60 year old man is brought in by ambulance with breathlessness. He is drowsy and unable to give any history. His ambulance card shows BP 100/60, RR 26, SpO2 92%, HR106. His past medical history includes type 2 diabetes, hypertension and asthma. An ECG is performed. What is your diagnosis?
4. Hyperkalemia
You are working in Emergency department ; asked to see a 20 year old university student. She woke up with numbness over left leg and unable to lift her left foot. She went out with friends and had a few drinks, last night. She cant recall any falls; but fell asleep on an armchair. On examination , there is reduced sensation on lateral part of leg and reduced power in left foot dorsiflexion. What structures might be damaged?
3. Peroneal Nerve
A 35 year old banker noticed a lump in right side of scrotum. He was seen at his GP practice. On examination his right testicle is firm and enlarged to size of golf ball. There were no palpable lymph nodes. Urine dip showed +leukocytes. Ultrasound scan revealed testicular mass. He goes on to have CT scan after attending a Urology clinic at local hospital. The CT reports lymphadenopathy , but no metastasis. Which lymph nodes might be affected?
2. Para-aortic Lymph Nodes
An 84-year-old man being treated for pneumonia on a general medical ward develops profuse diarrhoea. He has been treated with broad spectrum intravenous antibiotics for 6 days. The F1 examines him and finds his clinical exam to be unremarkable apart from a slightly raised temperature compared to the last few days. His blood results show that the WCC has markedly increased, it had been decreasing earlier in the admission. What is the SINGLE most important diagnosis to consider in this scenario?
2. Clostridium difficle infection
Difficle is an antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and can occur with anyone on antibiotics but the classic affected person is usually an elderly hospitalized patient. The WCC is usually markedly raised. Apart from diarrhoea, other symptoms and signs are more vague and include abdominal pain and fever. The diarrhoea usually has a distinctive foul smell!
A 48 years old gentleman with celiac sprue presents to the GP for annual check-up. He is in relatively good health and has a family history of coronary artery disease: his brother had a myocardial infarction at the age of 55 years. He has a blood pressure of 125/80 mmHg and heart rate of 70 beats per minute. He mentions that his friend has just been diagnosed with prostate cancer and wants to know what screening test would be appropriate for him?
4. None of the above
Routine screening won’t be offered, to asymptomatic men <50 years of age. More explanation on the course