Question ::Answer ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What is the definition of meningitis? ::Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, caused by viral or bacterial infection, and marked by intense headache and fever, sensitivity to light, and muscular rigidity. What are the risk factors for meningitis? ::The risk factors for meningitis include impaired immunity in young infants and older adults, sickle cell disease, ventriculoperitoneal shunt, and cochlear implants. Explain the aetiology of meningitis using the mnemonic "Explaining Big Hot Neck Stiffness."::The aetiology of meningitis can be explained using the mnemonic "Explaining Big Hot Neck Stiffness," where E.coli and Group B streptococcus are associated with infants, Haemophilus influenzae with kids, Neisseria meningitides with young adults, and Streptococcus pneumoniae with older adults. What are the signs and symptoms of meningitis? ::The signs and symptoms of meningitis include the classic triad of fever, headache, and neck stiffness, focal neurological signs such as hemiparesis and hemianopia, non-blanching petechial rash in meningococcal septicaemia, and specific physical signs like Kernig's sign and Brudzinski's sign. What investigations are typically performed for meningitis? ::Two sets of blood cultures, CT scan to look for brain herniation and exclude raised intracranial pressure, and lumbar puncture to send cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for microscopy, culture, and sensitivity (MC&S) and Gram staining are the common investigations for meningitis. When should lumbar puncture be avoided or delayed in cases of suspected meningitis?::Lumbar puncture should be avoided or delayed if there are signs of severe sepsis or a rapidly evolving rash, severe respiratory or cardiac compromise, significant bleeding risk, or signs of raised intracranial pressure. How can the type of meningitis be differentiated based on CSF analysis? ::Neutrophils in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) indicate bacterial meningitis, while lymphocytes suggest viral or tuberculous meningitis. What is the management approach for meningitis in a hospital setting? ::In a hospital setting, the management approach for meningitis involves an ABC approach. For stable patients, intravenous (IV) Cefotaxime or Ceftriaxone is administered, while severe sepsis requires IV antibiotics and IV fluid resuscitation. Additionally, IV acyclovir may be considered if consciousness is affected. What is the first-line management for non-blanching rash or meningococcal septicaemia in meningitis?::The first-line management for non-blanching rash or meningococcal septicaemia in meningitis is to admit the patient or call an ambulance and administer IV benzylpenicillin in a hospital setting or IM benzylpenicillin in a pre-hospital setting. What are the complications associated with meningitis? ::Complications of meningitis include sensorineural hearing loss, seizures, and Waterhouse-Friedrichsen Syndrome, which involves adrenal hemorrhage secondary to meningitis. Additionally, petechial rash is associated with meningococcal septicaemia, and focal neurological deficits may occur. What is the definition of infective endocarditis? ::Infective endocarditis is the inflammation of the endocardium as well as the valves that separate each of the four chambers within the heart. What are the risk factors for infective endocarditis? ::The risk factors for infective endocarditis include valvular/heart disease, IV drug use, valve replacement/prosthetic valves, long-standing catheter, dental work/poor dentition, and immunodeficiency. What are the common etiological agents of infective endocarditis? ::The common etiological agents of infective endocarditis include Staphylococci such as Staph aureus (most common) and Staph epidermis (within <2 hours of recent surgery), as well as Streptococci such as Strep viridans (poor dentition/after dental procedure) and Strep bovis (colorectal cancer). What are the signs and symptoms of infective endocarditis according to the "FROM JANE" mnemonic?::The signs and symptoms of infective endocarditis according to the "FROM JANE" mnemonic include fever with sweats/rigors, Roth spots on fundoscopy, new regurgitation murmur, frequency of mitral > aortic > tricuspid > pulmonary, finger clubbing, splenomegaly, splinter hemorrhages, Osler nodes, and Janeway lesions. What investigations are commonly performed for diagnosing infective endocarditis?::Common investigations for diagnosing infective endocarditis include routine bloods (FBC, ESR, CRP), ECG (looking for lengthened PR interval), 3 blood cultures within 24 hours, and urgent transthoracic echocardiogram (transoesophageal if prosthetic valve). What is the Modified Duke’s Criteria used for in the context of infective endocarditis?::The Modified Duke’s Criteria is used for diagnosing infective endocarditis, with definitive criteria requiring two major or one major plus three minor criteria, and possible criteria requiring one major plus minor or three minor criteria. What is the management approach for infective endocarditis? ::The management approach for infective endocarditis involves referring to cardiology and infectious diseases/microbiologist for treatment, empirical antibiotics followed by targeted antibiotics after sensitivity, and considering surgery for severe valvular incompetence, aortic abscess, or recurrent emboli after antibiotic therapy. What are the complications associated with infective endocarditis? ::The complications associated with infective endocarditis include stroke, peripheral emboli, congestive heart failure, and the need for surgery in cases of severe valvular incompetence or aortic abscess. What are the key points summarized in the "FROM JANE" mnemonic for infective endocarditis?::The key points summarized in the "FROM JANE" mnemonic for infective endocarditis include fever with sweats/rigors, Roth spots on fundoscopy, new regurgitation murmur, frequency of mitral > aortic > tricuspid > pulmonary, finger clubbing, splenomegaly, splinter hemorrhages, Osler nodes, and Janeway lesions. What is the definition of a urinary tract infection (UTI)? ::A UTI is defined as the presence of a pure growth of > 105 colony forming units per mL of fresh MSU. It may affect the bladder (cystitis), kidney (pyelonephritis), or prostate (prostatitis). What are the risk factors for developing a urinary tract infection? ::Risk factors for UTI include being a woman (due to a shorter urethra and closer proximity of the urethra to the anal/genital regions), age over 50, and urine outflow obstruction (such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, stones, or strictures). What are the signs and symptoms of upper urinary tract infection (pyelonephritis)?::The signs and symptoms of upper UTI (pyelonephritis) include fevers, rigors, flank pain, and renal angle tenderness. What are the signs and symptoms of lower urinary tract infection (prostatitis/cystitis)?::The signs and symptoms of lower UTI (prostatitis/cystitis) include urinary frequency, urgency, dysuria, haematuria, foul-smelling or cloudy urine, suprapubic or loin pain, and low-grade fever. What are the first-line investigations for urinary tract infection? ::The first-line investigation for UTI is a urine dipstick test, which can show positive leucocyte esterase (suggesting white blood cells in the urine) and nitrites. What is the gold-standard investigation for urinary tract infection? ::The gold-standard investigation for UTI is a urine microscopy, culture, and sensitivity (MC&S) test, which can confirm the presence of >105 colony forming units per mL of urine and, in the case of pyelonephritis, white cell casts. What is the management approach for lower urinary tract infection in non-pregnant women?::Non-pregnant women with lower UTI can be managed with trimethoprim or nitrofurantoin for 3 days. What is the management approach for lower urinary tract infection in pregnant women?::Pregnant women with lower UTI should be managed with nitrofurantoin or amoxicillin for 7 days, avoiding trimethoprim due to its teratogenic effects in the first trimester. What is the management approach for lower urinary tract infection in men? ::Men with lower UTI can be managed with trimethoprim or nitrofurantoin for 7 days, as UTIs are more "complicated" in men. What is the management approach for pyelonephritis? ::Pyelonephritis can be managed with cefalexin for 10-14 days. What are the potential complications of urinary tract infections? ::Complications of UTIs can include recurrent infections, urethral strictures, permanent renal damage, and urosepsis. What are the signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis? ::The signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis include sudden-onset diarrhea (>3 movements/day), blood or mucus in the stool, fecal urgency, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or cramps, headache, myalgia, bloating, weight loss, dehydration, and malabsorption. What is the definition of malabsorption? ::Malabsorption is the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract caused by pathogens. What are the risk factors associated with malabsorption? ::The risk factors for malabsorption include ingestion of contaminated food or water, poor personal hygiene, and travel. What are the main presentation types of malabsorption? ::The main presentation types of malabsorption include travelers' diarrhea, food poisoning, and gastroenteritis caused by viral and bacterial pathogens. What are the viral causes of gastroenteritis and their presentations? ::The viral causes of gastroenteritis include norovirus, rotavirus, enteric adenovirus, and cytomegalovirus. Presentations can range from asymptomatic to watery, non-bloody diarrhea. What are the bacterial causes of gastroenteritis and their presentations? ::The bacterial causes of gastroenteritis include pathogens that lead to bloody diarrhea, such as Campylobacter, Helicobacter, E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella. What investigations are recommended for gastroenteritis? ::Routine blood tests, renal function and electrolyte assessments, and stool microscopy and culture (MC+S) are recommended for investigating gastroenteritis. What is the management approach for malabsorption with no systemic signs? ::For malabsorption with no systemic signs, the management approach includes bed rest, fluids, and electrolyte replacement with oral rehydration solution (glucose + salt). When is antibiotic therapy indicated in the management of malabsorption? ::Antibiotic therapy is indicated in the management of malabsorption when systemic signs, dehydration, high fever, or symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, and an infective organism is identified. What are the top serology tips for hepatitis? ::The top serology tips for hepatitis include interpreting the presence of HbSAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc to determine acute or chronic infection, immunity, and carrier status. What is the definition of malaria? ::Malaria is an infection of the red blood cells by plasmodium parasites, spread by female Anopheles mosquitoes. What is the epidemiology of malaria? ::Malaria is endemic in tropical regions, particularly in the tropics. What are the aetiologies of malaria and their associated severity? ::Malaria is caused by plasmodium parasites, with 80% of cases attributed to plasmodium falciparum, which leads to severe malaria, and 20% to plasmodium vivax, the most common form of malaria. What are the protective factors against malaria? ::Protective factors against malaria include sickle cell anemia, G6PD deficiency, and HLA-B53, which is common in western Africa. What are the general signs and symptoms of malaria? ::The general signs and symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, splenomegaly, myalgia, and arthralgia. What are the signs and symptoms of falciparum malaria? ::The signs and symptoms of falciparum malaria include a temperature higher than 39 °C, severe anemia leading to blackwater fever, and the presence of schizonts on a blood film. What are the signs and symptoms of non-falciparum malaria? ::The signs and symptoms of non-falciparum malaria include cyclical fever every 2 days for Plasmodium vivax/ovale and cyclical fever every 3 days for Plasmodium malariae, which is also associated with nephrotic syndrome. What is the gold standard investigation for malaria? ::The gold standard investigation for malaria is Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood smears. The thick smear detects parasites present with higher sensitivity, while the thin smear identifies species with higher specificity. What is the management for uncomplicated malaria? ::Uncomplicated malaria is managed with Chloroquine/Artemisinin combination therapy (ACT), but ACT should be avoided in pregnancy. What is the management for complicated/severe malaria? ::Complicated/severe malaria is managed with IV artesunate, but it can cause hemolysis, so it should be monitored with blood tests. What are the complications associated with malaria? ::Complications associated with malaria include coma, cerebral malaria, and renal failure. What are the general signs and symptoms of COVID-19? ::The general signs and symptoms of COVID-19 include dyspnea, fever, cough, headache, altered smell and taste, and gastrointestinal disturbances. What are the differentials for COVID-19? ::The differentials for COVID-19 include pneumonia and influenza. What is the aetiology of malaria? ::Malaria is caused by the infection of the red blood cells by plasmodium parasites and is spread by female Anopheles mosquitoes. What is the aetiology of COVID-19? ::COVID-19 is a potentially severe acute respiratory infection caused by the novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which attaches to the ACE2 receptor on target host cells. What investigations are used for COVID-19? ::Investigations for COVID-19 include RT-PCR to test for SARS-CoV-2 viral DNA, pulse oximetry to measure low O2 saturation if moderate/severe, routine blood tests, and CXR/Chest CT to detect ground glass opacity and consolidation in the lungs. What are the management options for mild/moderate COVID-19? ::The management options for mild/moderate COVID-19 include bed rest, paracetamol, ibuprofen, maintaining hydration, and monitoring O2 saturation. What are the management options for severe COVID-19? ::Severe COVID-19 requires hospital admission and may involve oxygen therapy, VTE prophylaxis, dexamethasone, remdesivir, IL-6 inhibitor (e.g., tocilizumab), Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor (e.g., baricitinib), and consideration of ICU admission for ventilation/ECMO. What are the complications associated with COVID-19? ::Complications of COVID-19 may include ARDS, thrombosis (due to hypercoagulable state), and post COVID-19 syndrome (long COVID). What are the aetiology and management/prevention strategies for surgical site infections (SSI)?::The aetiology of surgical site infections (SSI) involves breaches in tissue surfaces allowing normal commensals and other pathogens to initiate infection. Management/prevention strategies include shaving the wound using a razor (preferably a disposable clipper), using a non-iodine impregnated incise drape if necessary, avoiding routine body hair removal, and administering antibiotic prophylaxis in specific surgical procedures. What are the risk factors for brain abscess? ::Risk factors for brain abscess include sinusitis, otitis media, meningitis, positive Kernig or Brudzinski sign, increased head circumference in infants, and papilloedema. What are the first-line management options for brain abscess? ::The first-line management for brain abscess involves surgery, specifically a craniotomy to debride the abscess cavity, along with IV antibiotics such as a 3rd-generation cephalosporin and metronidazole, and intracranial pressure management (e.g., dexamethasone). What are the complications associated with brain abscess? ::Complications of brain abscess may include seizures, hydrocephalus, hyponatremia, and ventriculitis. What is the purpose of a summary slide in a presentation? ::A summary slide serves to recap the key points and takeaways of the presentation, providing a quick review for the audience. How can a summary slide benefit the audience? ::A summary slide can benefit the audience by reinforcing important information, helping them remember key points, and providing a clear overview of the presentation's content. What should be included in a summary slide? ::A summary slide should include the main topics covered in the presentation, key findings or conclusions, and any actionable insights or recommendations. How should the content of a summary slide be organized? ::The content of a summary slide should be organized in a logical sequence, following the flow of the presentation, and presented in a concise and clear manner. Why is it important to avoid writing full prose on a summary slide? ::It is important to avoid writing full prose on a summary slide to maintain brevity and ensure that the key points are easily digestible for the audience. What are some best practices for creating an effective summary slide? ::Some best practices for creating an effective summary slide include using bullet points or concise phrases, using visuals to reinforce key points, and keeping the slide uncluttered. How can a presenter use a summary slide to engage the audience? ::A presenter can use a summary slide to engage the audience by verbally elaborating on the key points, encouraging discussion, and inviting questions or feedback. What role does a summary slide play in the overall structure of a presentation? ::A summary slide serves as a crucial component of the overall structure of a presentation, providing closure and reinforcing the main message before concluding the session. How does a summary slide contribute to the audience's retention of information? ::A summary slide contributes to the audience's retention of information by reinforcing key points, providing a visual aid for memory recall, and summarizing complex concepts in a simplified format. Generated by TMS AI