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 recommended referral criteria for a patient suspected of having CUP in primary care?
Refer patients with a suspected cancer of unknown primary (CUP) if they present with symptoms or signs suggestive of malignancy that warrant urgent investiga...
What are the recommended monitoring protocols for patients diagnosed with dry AMD in primary care?
Patients with dry AMD should be advised to self-monitor their condition and report any changes in vision to their eye-care professional as soon as po...
When should I consider referring a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy to a cardiologist?
Consider referring a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy to a cardiologist if they have:Severe heart failure symptoms (New York ...
How should I manage a patient with a partial thickness burn to ensure optimal healing and prevent infection?
To manage a patient with a partial-thickness (superficial dermal) burn and ensure optimal healing while preventing infection, follow these steps:...
How can I differentiate between CUP and other malignancies in a patient with metastatic disease and no identifiable primary site?
To differentiate cancer of unknown primary origin (CUP) from other malignancies in a patient presenting with metastatic disease and no identifiable primary s...
What clinical features differentiate a lipoma from other soft tissue masses in primary care?
Clinical features that differentiate a lipoma from other soft tissue masses in primary care include its typical presentation as a soft, mobile, painl...
Which patients with AMD should be referred to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation and potential treatment?
Refer patients with suspected late AMD (wet active) urgently to a macula service, ideally within 1 working day, regardless of visual impairment, to confirm d...
What are the recommended surveillance protocols for patients at high risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)?
Recommended surveillance protocols for patients at high risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) include:Perform hepati...
What are the recommended first-line treatments for managing menorrhagia in primary care?
The recommended first-line treatment for menorrhagia in primary care is the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), especially for wom...
How should I approach the initial management of a child presenting with suspected bacterial meningitis?
Arrange emergency medical transfer to hospital by telephoning 999 without delay 1. Do not delay transfer to hospital to give antibiotics to...
How should I approach the management of a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who presents with exertional dyspnoea?
Approach to managing a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) presenting with exertional dyspnoea involves a comprehensive assessmen...
How do I determine the appropriate timing for referral to ophthalmology for cataract surgery?
The decision to refer a person with a cataract for surgery should be based on a discussion that includes how the cataract affects their vision and quality of...
How can I differentiate between oral candidiasis and other causes of oral lesions in a patient?
To differentiate oral candidiasis from other causes of oral lesions, a thorough clinical assessment is essential, focusing on characteristic features, risk f...
How should I approach the initial assessment of a patient suspected to have bulimia nervosa?
Initial assessment of a patient suspected to have bulimia nervosa should include:Taking a detailed history focusing on eating be...
How can I differentiate between septic and non-septic bursitis in a primary care setting?
To differentiate between septic bursitis and non-septic bursitis in a primary care setting, the key step is to perform bursal aspiration for fluid an...
What are the recommended pharmacological treatments for managing LUTS in men, and how do they differ based on symptom severity?
Pharmacological treatments for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men include:Alpha-blockers (alfuzosin, doxazosin, ...
Which investigations should be considered to confirm a diagnosis of lymphoedema in a primary care setting?
Investigations to confirm a diagnosis of lymphoedema in primary care are primarily clinical, as there is no specific diagnostic test routinely recomm...
How should I counsel a patient with a previous caesarean section regarding the risks and benefits of a trial of labour versus repeat caesarean?
When counselling a patient with a previous caesarean section about the risks and benefits of attempting a trial of labour (TOL) versus having a repeat caesar...
What are the recommended prophylactic medications for malaria prevention in travelers to endemic areas?
Recommended prophylactic medications for malaria prevention in travellers visiting endemic areas include:Suppressive chemoprophy...