clinical q&a library
Explore a database of clinical questions answered by iatroX, referencing established clinical guidelines, SmPCs, and peer-reviewed literature.
How should I manage a patient diagnosed with Chlamydia who is also pregnant?
Management of a pregnant patient diagnosed with Chlamydia:Refer the patient to a genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic for specia...
How should I approach the management of a pregnant woman who has been exposed to chickenpox?
Management of a pregnant woman exposed to chickenpox:Establish the woman's immunity status by testing for varicella-zoster virus...
When should I consider referring a patient with viral conjunctivitis for specialist evaluation?
Consider referring a patient with viral conjunctivitis for specialist evaluation if:They are a neonate with red sticky eye (opht...
How should I manage a patient with cirrhosis who presents with ascites?
Management of a patient with cirrhosis presenting with ascites involves a comprehensive approach including assessment, symptomatic treatment, prevention of c...
What are the indications for referring a patient with recurrent C. difficile infections to a specialist?
Indications for referring a patient with recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) to a specialist include:Having had ...
How should I manage a patient with bacterial conjunctivitis who has not improved after 48 hours of treatment?
Management of bacterial conjunctivitis not improved after 48 hours of treatment:If a patient with bacterial conjunctivitis has n...
Which initial investigations should be performed in a patient suspected of having cholangitis?
Initial investigations for a patient suspected of having cholangitis should include:Liver function tests (LFTs) to assess for ch...
What investigations should be considered to rule out other conditions in a patient suspected of having ME/CFS?
When myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is suspected, investigations should be carried out to exclude other diagnoses 1. ...
How should I investigate a suspected cholesteatoma in primary care before referring to ENT?
Investigating suspected cholesteatoma in primary care before ENT referral:Perform a thorough otoscopic examination to identify s...
What criteria should I use to determine whether a patient with a concussion requires referral to a specialist?
Refer to a specialist if the person has persistent or worsening clinical features related to the initial head injury, such as vomiting, headaches, or...
What are the current guidelines for referring patients with suspected colorectal cancer for further investigation?
Refer adults using a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for colorectal cancer if they have a faecal immunochemical test (F...
What preventive treatments are available for patients with frequent cluster headache episodes, and how should they be monitored?
Preventive treatments for patients experiencing frequent cluster headache episodes include:Offer prophylactic treatment such as ...
What are the referral criteria for a patient with chest pain who has risk factors for coronary artery disease?
Refer people to hospital as an emergency if they currently have chest pain, or if they are pain-free but had chest pain in the last 12 hours and an abnormal ...
How should I monitor a patient with CLL for disease progression and treatment response in primary care?
In primary care, monitoring a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) for disease progression and treatment response primarily involves close communi...
How should I interpret the results of a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) in the context of colorectal cancer screening?
The faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is used in colorectal cancer screening to detect hidden blood in faeces, which may indicate colorectal cancer or advance...
How should I manage a patient with concussion symptoms who is experiencing persistent headaches after the initial injury?
Management of a patient with concussion symptoms experiencing persistent headaches following the initial injury should begin with reassurance and education a...
When should I consider referring a patient with cluster headaches to a specialist for further management?
Consider referral to a specialist for a first bout of cluster headache to ensure diagnosis confirmation and possible neuroimaging, especially if diagnosis is...
How can I effectively assess the impact of chronic pain on a patient's quality of life during a consultation?
To effectively assess the impact of chronic pain on a patient's quality of life during a consultation, adopt a comprehensive, person-centred approach that ex...
What acute treatment options are recommended for a patient experiencing a cluster headache attack in primary care?
Offer oxygen and/or a subcutaneous or nasal triptan for the acute treatment of cluster headache in primary care 1.Use 100% oxygen at a flow...