Marwan OG
Marwan OG
Marwan OG
2
3
Contraception
5-Mirena counselling
you are at your GP when a 30 year old jane come to you requesting mirena. She had 2
previous pregnancies. She was on OCP before but now she would like to be put on
mirena.
Tasks
further history
counsel the patient
History
1-can you tell me why you want to be put on mirena? (bothered about the pill)- nausea,
bloating, breakthrough bleeding
2-5Ps questions
periods
-when was your LMP? Are they regular?
-how many days of bleeding and how many days apart?
-any pain or heavy bleeding during menstruation?
-any bleeding or pain in between the periods? (Intermenstrual bleeding imp)
Partner or sexual
-are you in a stable relationship?
-have you or your partner ever been diagnosed with STI
- if no stable partner----history of multiple partners and safe sex?
Pregnancy
-how many pregnancies have you had?
-any previous miscarriages? Have you ever had an ectopic pregnancy?
Pill
-how long have you been using the pills?
-are you still taking them?
-what type do you use?
-Have you had any side effects?
Cervical screening
3-contraindications questions (LCP: liver, cancer, PID)
-have you had a history of active liver disease?
4
-cramping pain in lower part of the tummy or back usually settle in a few weeks.
-headache, genital discharge as hormonal effect
-can get extruded out of the body or go somewhere else and cause perforation but these
are very rare to happen.
4-advantages
-high efficacy (99%), also does not interact with oral medications
-forget about pregnancy for the next 5 years system.
-bring down heavy periods, certain ca
5-disadvantage
-does not protect against STI
- Can cause breakthrough bleed, amenorrhea, irregular periods
- Slight increase risk of EP
6-follow up
-I will teach you self-palpation of the strings and it is better to get checked once a month
after each period.
-follow up every 4-12 weeks then annual follow up
7.Explain Other options
- Implanon
- Depoprovera
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- Then i told her i will arrange pregnancy test and then refer her to specialist.
- I explained her the procedure ( measure the depth of uterus with probe, about the string)
Dysmenorrhea
10-Endometriosis
Your next patient at your GP is 28-year-old Samantha, complaining of severe abdominal
pain during menstruation since the last 6 months.
TASKS
- Focused and relevant history
- Examination findings from examiner
- Diagnosis
- Relevant investigations and management
1-Endometriosis
2-Fibroids
3-Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
4-Intrauterine Contraceptive Device
APPROACH
History
1-Pain questions
if in pain now
-Hi Samantha, I'm Dr. ---- your GP for today. I can see from the notes that you've been
having abdominal pains during your periods.
Do you have your period now? are you currently in pain?
-it must be very distressing for you. Let me assure that I’m her to help you. I just want to
ask you a few questions in order to reveal the nature of the problem.
Onset and Duration
- How long have you been experiencing this pain? (I've been having this pain during my
periods for the last 6 months)
-When does the pain start in relation to the periods? (It usually start 2 days before I get
my period, then it gets worse as my period starts)
-does the pain get relieved when the period flow started? (No)
-is there any pain in between the periods? (key issue)
Site and radiation
-Can you point exactly where you feel the pain? (It's around here in my lower tummy,
and it's a sort of a crampy pain )
-Does the pain go anywhere else? (Sometimes it goes right through my back.)
Character and severity (because she is not in pain now you can ask severity later)
-Can you describe it for me (sharp, throbbing pain)
-How severe was the pain from 1-10, 1 is the least 10 is the most? (It's around 8-9 on bad
days doctor)
Relieving and aggravating
- did you take anything to relieve the pain?
2-5P’s questions
Period history
-When was your last menstrual period? Around 3 weeks ago
-are they regular? Yes.
-How many days of bleeding and how many days apart?
- do you have heavy bleeding during menstruation? (fibroid)
-any pain in between the periods? (if you forget to ask this before)
Partner or Sexual history
-Are you currently sexually active?
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4-focus on abdomen
inspection any visible distension, mass?
Palpation any mass (fibroid) any tenderness in the iliac fossae (PID)
5-Pelvic examination (consent and chaperone)
inspection
are there any abnormal/offensive discharge or bleeding from the vulva and vagina?
Vesicles or rash?
Speculum exam
any discharge or bleeding from the cervix?
Per vaginal exam,
is there cervical motion tenderness?
What is the position and mobility of the uterus? Any tenderness?
Any mass or tenderness in the adnexa?
Findings in those with secondary dysmenorrhea
Endometriosis- fixed uterus or reduced uterine mobility, adnexal masses, and uterosacral
nodularity.
-Endometrium is the normal inner lining of the womb. During each period and under
hormonal influences, this endometrium is shed and it comes out with the bleed through
the vagina. When this endometrium is present in sites or places outside the uterus like in
the pouches or the ligaments surrounding the uterus or the ovaries this is called
endometriosis.
-So during each period the endometrium at these sites also starts bleeding but there is no
outlet for the blood so the blood clots, form adhesions and scars causing pain during
periods and in between the periods.
-The exact cause is unclear, but one theory is the backward flow of blood through the
tubes or retrograde menstruation. Another theory is it can also spread through blood and
lymphatics.
-If untreated, it can lead to complications such as dysmenorrhea or severe pain during
pain , menorrhagia or heavy bleeding, and infertility.
Investigations (IMP)
- I would order blood exams for you such as a FBC, UEC, LFT, BSL, blood group.
- imaging tests such as pelvic Ultrasound and transvaginal ultrasound.
- Laparoscopy (key issue) refer you to specialist, where a flexible tube with a camera is
passed into your tummy to look for endometrium deposits. This is the investigation of
choice and the benefit is that it is therapeutic as well.
Management
-I would give you painkillers that you could use at the time of your periods, and refer
you to an OB-G specialist. (Key issue)
There are two types of treatment, medical and surgical treatment.
For medical treatment:
-you could take a combined oral contraceptive pill continuously for 6 months,
skipping sugar pills. You will not have your periods and the deposits will not bleed as
well and start shrinking.
-Another option will be progestogens like Depo-provera or minipill and Mirena. Can
cause endometrial regression and can act as a method of contraception as well
-GnRH analogues can also be given which would induce a medical menopause. However
it should not be used for more than 6 months because you might develop severe
menopausal symptoms like hot flushes, bone pain and osteoporosis.
-lastly Danazol can be given which would also induce a medical menopause, but should
not be used for more than 6 months because it could cause you to develop male
characteristics like voice changes, hair growth because it is an androgen.
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If medical management fails or if you present with infertility or severe symptoms, our
next option would be surgical management via laparoscopic excision which is cutting
away or burning away of endometrial deposits using laser or electrocautery.
I will give you reading materials and arrange for a review with you once your blood test
results are in.
Do you have any questions at this point?
D/D: PID: Previous history of PID? Fever? Vaginal discharge? Rash? Lower tummy
pain.
D/d IUCD: Any methods of contraception (pill/iucd)
Previous surgery? (adhesions)
Pap smear?
HOW IS THE PAIN AFFECTINGYOUR LIFE? SADMA? FHx? Past mhx?
(If you ask 5Ps all the dds will be covered)
Exm:
GA: PICKLED (asked whichever relevant- Pallor, Dehydration)
Vitals: Pulse, BP with postural drop
Adbomen: Inspection/palpation: marks, distention, tenderness
Pelvic examination: Inspection, Speculum examination, bimannual examination: Left
adnexal tenderness./this finding was not given to some candidate.
Complete the exam with other system
Explain the diagnosis:
Most likely a condition called endometriosis which is a painful condition in which the
tissues that line the inner lining of the womb is deposited at sites other than the womb
(draw picture). Can also be because of other conditions like any inflammation of womb
or associated organs (PID), any device in the uterus (iucd), any mass/lump in womb
(fibroid), previous procedures or operations done.
(while mentioning the differential diagnosis explain why it can be and why it cannot be
for the particular patient)
Arrange investigations:
- Basic blood tests, USG(scanning), specialist will do futher investigations like looking
inside the womb through a camera which we call laparoscopy.
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Feedback 8-11-2018
15
13-PPROM
25 year old Mary, who is 32 weeks pregnant, presents to you at your GP clinic with
complaints of passing fluid from vagina since the past 1 hour.
TASKS
-Relevant history
-Examination findings from examiner
-Management
Differential diagnosis
1-PROM
2-Urinary incontinence
3-abnormal vaginal discharge
APPROACH
History
1-Fluid questions (duration-action-trauma-amount or severity-colour-odour)
-how long have you been passing fluid?
-what were you doing the time you passed fluid?
-did you hurt yourself or have any trauma to your tummy?
-How many pads have you used? are they fully soaked?
-What is the color of the fluid? Is it like greenish or is it just like water? Is it blood
stained? (Key issue)
- Is it smelly?
2-Late pregnancy complications questions
-Any pain in your tummy (preterm labour) (Key issue)
- Any fever , nausea and vomiting or abnormal vaginal discharge before this happened?
(Infection) (Key issue)
- How’s your urine? Any leakage of urine, burning or stinging during urination (urine
problems)
-how’s your bowels habit? (Bowels problems)
- Any bleeding from your vagina? (Placenta Previa, abruption etc..)
-any headaches, bluring of vision or leg swelling? (Preeclampsia)
-do you feel your baby kicking well or not? (Baby problem)
4-General questions (Imp but If I had no more time I would leave them)
-Smoking, alcohol, recreational drugs, medications, allergy
-Past medical and surgical history
-Support from partner
Explanation
-From history and examination you most likely have a condition called premature rupture
of membrane.
Normally when labor sets in, around 40 weeks, it is labour pain that happens first and it is
then followed by the rupture of the membrane or bag of water. But if the membrane
rupture, before the onset of labour pain, it is called premature rupture of membranes or
PROM, and if PROM happens before 37 weeks, it is called PPROM or preterm
premature rupture of membranes.
-There could be several causes of PROM. But anything that overdistends the uterus
can lead to PROM like: (you don’t have to list all the causes) and sometime the cause is
unknown.
1-polyhydramnios (excessive fluid in the bag of water).
2-multiple pregnancy (twins).
3-cervical incompetence.
4-maternal infections.
5-gestational diabetes causing big baby
-preeclampsia (sudden sever rise of BP during pregnancy)
-One of the complications that happens in PROM is infection. WE need to be careful
about this.
Management
1-GP role
-You need to be referred to a tertiary hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit.
(Critical error) I'll arrange for an ambulance and call the hospital and liaise with the ED.
-I need to start you on an IV line with slow IV drip, and take blood for certain
investigations like FBE, ESR, CRP, UEC, Blood group, blood sugar level, coagulation
profile. I will also send urine for microscopic culture and sensitivity.
-I will give you your 1st dose of steroid, to bring about the lung maturity of the baby
just in case you progress into labor. (Key)
-I will also give you your first dose of antibiotic, erythromycin, and you need to be
continued on it for 10 days. (Key)
2-Hospital role
-Once you reach the hospital, you will be:
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If Severe leakage (Do not say mild or severe just talk in general)
-need frequent monitoring, further steroid dose and continued antibiotic use.
-Just in case the labour doesn’t start the labour might need to be induced at 34 weeks
gestation
-If she has any signs of infection like fever, blood counts going high, or baby becomes
unwell, delivery will be planned immediately either by induction or C-section.
-Do you have support? Anybody to phone in to be with you?
-I'll arrange a review with you once you are out of the hospital.
Notes (NOT THAT IMPORTANT)
**If mild
-advise bed rest till leakage stop and once stop and if CTG and US normal then she can
be discharged home and also if swab showed no infection.
-Rest of pregnancy should be managed in high risk pregnancy clinic
-warning signs (running a fever, tummy pain, further leakage, baby not kicking well she
should inform immediately the ED.
-more frequent ANC and scan
**Cervical suture
36 weeks pregnant, cervical suture in place, presenting with PROM.
*usually remove cervical suture at 37-38 weeks
But in this case, in the GP do all bloods and swabs, don't give antibiotics. In the hospital
consider removal of cervical suture (risk for uterine rupture if cervix remains tight), and
sent for microscopic culture and sensitivity. If labor does not set in, induce labor by 34
week if no infection. Once the suture is taken out and sent for microscopic C&S, give her
antibiotics.
Feedback 21-7-2018
Preterm PROM - PASS (G.S – 5)
Stem: 30yr old lady, 30wk primi, in rural hospital 200km from tertiary centre. Presenting
with vaginal fluid loss
Tasks: -History
-PEFE
-DDx
-Mx
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-Primi with spontaneous vaginal fluid loss since the past hour or so, had a significant
loss, ongoing, appreciating fetal movement, no fever, not in labour. ANCs all ok,
singleton pregnancy, no fibroids etc.
- Asked all PE findings in a proper sequence, including vulval inspection, speculum exam
(os closed, clear fluid noted to be coming from cervix) Specifically said I don’t want to
do bimanual exam. Should have asked for fetal fibronectin, vaginal swab at that point (I
mentioned vaginal swab in investigations later)- maybe the reason for score of 4in choice
of investigation
-Preterm PROM….could be coz of various reasons…many times no reason can be found.
But what we’ll do now is right now do a CTG, USG. Will send you to tertiary hosp by
ambulance. Specialist will see you. Will do blood tests, vaginal swab, give Abx, Steroid,
monitor you continuously. Sometimes ppl go into preterm labour, tocolytics will be given
if that happens. Asked for Blood gp, family support (as for ALL Obs cases)
Antenatal check
Transverse Lie
35 year old Jenny is your next patient at your GP clinic. She is at 37 weeks pregnant and
has come to you for antenatal checks. This is her fourth pregnancy.
TASKS
Take a further history
PE from examiner,
explain diagnosis, Discuss further management with the patient
History
outside the room you might suspect that this case is anemia due to spacing but you should
suspect any late pregnancy complications and all the history will be normal
1-Late pregnancy complications questions
-How’s your pregnancy so far?
-any tummy pain, vaginal bleeding or discharge? (Preterm labour. Placenta Previa or
abruption, PROM)
-any headache, blurring of vision or leg swelling? (Preeclampsia)
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other)
-is the lower pole of the uterus empty or not?
5-Pelvic:
-Inspection of the vulva and vagina: any bleed, discharge, rash, vesicles
-Speculum: cervical os open or closed, discharge or bleed from the os
6-Office test:
urine dipstick, blood sugar level
Explanation (4C)
Condition
-Most likely your baby is in a transverse lie. Normally, the baby lies in a longitudinal
position which means that the baby is parallel to your spine. But in transverse lie, the
baby lies perpendicular to your spine.
*Draw a picture of a longitudinal and transverse lie.
Clinical features
I can say this because on tummy examination I can feel the head on one side and the butt
on the other side
Cause
-The cause of this that I suspect in you is multiparity. As this is your fourth pregnancy,
the uterus could be lax and this allows the baby to adopt abnormal position and lies.
-The other causes can be polyhydramnios, or excessive fluid in the sac surrounding the
baby, but that is not a probability here as the uterine size is less.
-Another causes are:
placenta Previa; when the placenta attaches itself to the lower pole of the uterus,
Fibroids or benign overgrowth in the uterus
birth defects in the baby,
but these could have been detected in the ultrasound that have been done earlier.
Complication
The problem with a transverse lie position of the baby is, when you go into labor, the
labor might now progress, and you will end up having an obstructed labor, and there is a
chance of cord prolapse as well.
The cord usually comes out after the delivery of the baby, but in cord prolapse, the cord
comes out first and the cord can get compressed between the baby's head and the birth
canal leading to decreased oxygen and nutrient delivery to the baby. The baby then
becomes distressed and unwell.
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Management
-I need to refer you to a tertiary hospital, where you will be admitted and seen by the
specialist. -An ultrasound will be done to rule out the other causes of transverse lie,
and a CTG will also be done to look for the baby's wellbeing.
-There are two options for you as far as delivery goes: the first option is an elective C-
section by 37/38 weeks, and second option is to do an external cephalic version.
ECV will be done by the specialist after ruling out contraindications like fetal distress or
unwell baby, placenta previa, a cephalopelvic disproportion, or a short cord or
oligohydramnios. In ECV, the baby will be manipulated over the tummy by using the
hands and finally the head of the baby will be brought down so that the baby will have a
longitudinal lie and a cephalic presentation or head down.
Labor will then be induced by artificial rupture of the membranes.
There are complications associated with ECV such as fetal distress, abruptio placentae or
placenta separates from the wall of the uterus, rupture of membranes, and the most
important complication is the cord can get twisted around the neck of the baby. It is
usually done around 37/38 weeks. After 38 weeks, it is not done anymore.
Do you have somebody to take you to the hospital now?
I will give you reading materials regarding transverse lie.
Feedback 10-5-2018
please tell us in case one what was the presenting complaint? how did you suspect it was
a transverse lie? in pe did examiner ask you how will u tell it is a transverse lie?
So the question for transverse lie case was she was coming for regular antenatal check for
her fourth pregnancy. She has been regular with her ANC and her blood test were
normal. 18wks scan showed single foetus with normal liquor and placenta in the
posterior.
Task: take history
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PE from examiner
Explain ur finding to the patient and the reasons for it.
She had no complains at all. All history was normal. When I asked PE from examiner, on
asking Lie and Presentation the examiner asked me how would you check for lie and
presentation so i explained it to the examiner and he replied there is no presenting part.
Then once again i asked and he smiled and said the same.
Then I went on to explain it to the patient. But i did not mention transverse lie coz it just
dint come to my mind. I went abt explaining things abt mobile head at term, so i
explained all the possible causes for it and i told her not to worry as everything in history
taking and PE was otherwise normal. So all the causes for mobile head and transverse lie
are same so i guess i passed this case
I showed him practically how I would check for it by doing the grips ( in air). Fixing one
side and checking the other side and then vice versa. Looking for spine on one side and
looking for baby limbs on the other...
And I kept giving assurance to patient that everything seems fine on history and PE so I
don’t want u to worry. Let us just get a scan and we will know if there is any cause
present.
there was no management.
Feedback 5-12-2018
GP, Lady, 36 weeks, 4 th pregnancy long stem all antenatal test USG, Sugar test 18
normal, all previous checkup normal, BP normal, all details given.
Task:
1. Ask History for 4 min(was thinking what else to ask as everything in the stem)
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2. Ask PEFE from examiner and he will give you specific findings you want
3. Tell mom possible causes of your findings
Greetings, Introduction. Appreciated that she was regular with her ANC and most of her
tests were normal. Just to be confirmed I would ask few more q , is that Ok X?Do you
have any specific concern before I start?
Started HX : ( kept in mind risk factors of transverse lie: poly hydrammions, structural
defect,
Routine Q:
PETQ? Bleeding, discharge baby kick. Any infection or fever?
ANC HX: (most of them given in stem, just asked as gross)
I know all the Blood tests and sugar tests were normal, how about Down screening?, 18
wk USG – single / multiple, position of placenta? Repeat usg at 34-(can’t remember
whether she said—not done or not sure about the result), Bug test- I didn’t ask (probably
it’s the 3rd key point that I missed).
OBS HX: Any complications, mode of delivery (all were NVD)
MED/SX HX: I asked specifically about any tumor / fibroid or any previous sx in the
womb
Asked about folic acid?
(Did not ask about all SADMA)
PEFE:
General appearance; ( I did not ask
Head to toe General PE: Pallor, icterus, oedema
Vitals: started asking BP.. Examiner said vitals normal
Focused abdominal examination: FH : 34, when I ask about lie and presentation: how
will you examine: I said rt and left lateral grip. Examiner asked what you looking for. I
said: babys back abd limbs.
Presentation: I will do pelvic grip placing my both hand in lower pole and I will look for
head or breech.
Then examiner gave me finding: you are feeling: hard ballot able structure in left. Lower
pole is empty.
FHR: normal
Pelvic examination: Examiner said all normal.
Pt counselling:
Hi X, I have examined you good thing is you baby is doing fine but what I found is your
baby is lying transversely in your womb which is not normal. But don’t worry it quite
manageable condition. Let me draw and explain it to you.
Then I explained it and all the possible causes..
Poly hyd: where there is excess fluid in your womb.
Placenta prev: where structure attaching you baby to your womb lying in lowrer part.
Structural abnormality or tumor like fibroid in your womb, or any structural defect in
your baby. But all these are less likely as all the usg and investigations are normal
in your case most likely its lax uterus due to multiparity. Baby gets enough rooms to
freely move and take abnormal position.
I am gonna refer you to Specialist and MDT in TLH. Sp will decide on further mx . There
is 2 options they may try to reposition which we call ECV or they may suggest for C/s.
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29-Thalassemia in pregnancy
You are in Gp when Jane an 8 weeks pregnant comes to you to get the results of her
blood tests that you had ordered for her during the last visit.
FBC shows low Hg and low MCV Anaemia Q (Susan 184)
iron studies are normal
Intake – Diet – what kind of a diet? vegan? red meat?
rest blood tests normal
blood group id AB +ve Loss – Resp S*/N/V/ Bowels-Bleeding? LOW? Period
tasks (excessive bleed)
take further history Origin- Mediterranean, Middle East, Asian and African
tell diagnosis to patient people.
management chronic disease- PMH
Differential diagnosis FHx blood disorders/ anyone in family having blood
1-Iron deficiency anemia transfusions
2-thallassemia
SADMA – If relevant
3-chronic disease
NSAIDS,OTC, recreational drugs,
History alcohol,smoking
it nice to see you again I’ve got your blood tests results to discuss with you but before
that can I just ask you a few questions in order to get a better view for the diagnosis.
1-anaemia questions
-do you feel dizzy, tired?
-do you have shortness of breath, funny racing of the heart or chest pain?
-have you ever had any of these symptoms before?
2-current pregnancy questions
-how is your pregnancy so far
-do you have tummy pain, vaginal bleeding or discharge?
3-General questions
-can you tell me briefly about your diet?
-do you exercise regularly?
-do you smoke? Drink alcohol? Take any medications?
-do you have enough support from your partner?
-any past medical or surgical illnesses?
4-thallassemia questions (all key issues)
-have you had history of miscarriage?
-can I know please which country are you from? (Italy)
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-Usually this sort of blood picture is seen when someone is deficient in iron but we have
already ordered iron studies, which revealed to be normal. So it is unlikely that low hg id
caused by Iron deficiency.
Another reason could be due to any chronic illnesses but they are unlikely because your
general health is good.
-So what I am suspecting is a condition called thalassemia have heard about it?
Condition and cause
-This is a group of inherited blood disorder where there is a defect in production of
hemoglobin so it happens when your gene becomes mutated or permanently altered
affecting the body’s ability to make health hemoglobin.
-This is a lifelong condition and most common in Mediterranean, Middle East, Asian and
African people.
Clinical feature and complication
-Let me assure that you have a minor form of the disease in which you have no symptoms
except sometime mild anemia that could become more prominent during the latter half of
the 2nd trimester and early 3rd trimester, this is because pregnancy demands higher rate of
RBC production.
-Normally baby won’t have any birth defects because of this but depends on the genetic
constitution the baby might get thalassemia.
Management
-first I would like to confirm thalassemia by another test we call hg electrophoresis for
which I would like to refer you to the specialist hematologist.
-Once it is confirmed, your partner also needs to be tested for thalassemia and DNA
gene testing also needs to be done.
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-if you alone has got thalassemia the baby has a 50% chance of having the minor form
and 50% not having thalassemia.
if both you and your partner have thalassemia then there is 25% chance that you baby
doesn’t have thalassemia, 50% a minor form and 25% got the disease or major form.
- I will refer you for genetic counselling as well (CVS, amniocentesis, fetal blood
sampling)
-the rest of your pregnancy will be monitored in high risk pregnancy clinic.
- I’m gonna start you on folic acid 5mg/day and it will be given throughout the
pregnancy.
-you will be followed up with frequent blood check, US etc…
-I will give you reading materials regarding Thalassemia, and I will arrange a review
with you when the results of the hemoglobin electrophoresis come in.
Feedback 19-7-2018
STATION 15 PASS(all Key steps Yes score 6,6,6,7)
Thalassemia minor in pregnancy
24 years old primary gravida found to have Hb 9 on first antenatal visit and u ordered
iron profile which came out to be normal ,now she is here for her reports,
Task , further focused Hx , Most likely Dx, Further Investigation, council
Young girl sitting I asked about planned pregnancy and congratulated her, then asked abt
how pregnancy going, all anemia questions ( intake/loss/origin/ch disease) Fhx and
sadma.
Then I explained Hb , Anemia , Iron ,thalassemia minor and major .
Advised Hb electrophoresis , partner testing and if positive chances in baby and diagnosis
and all.
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Case (5/10/2017)
First trimester complication
Fail
9 weeks pregnant lady who is 24 yrs old comes back to be reviewed by you after the
antenatal blood tests. All the tests are normal except Hb 90, MCV 65. You ordered Iron
studies which came back normal.
Task:
Brief history
Explain what investigations you want to do to patient
Explain Dx and DDx to patient and Management
Introduced myself and reassured confidentiality. Asked if it is a planned pregnancy and
she said yes and congratulated her. She said this is her first pregnancy. Coping well
with the pregnancy and good support from her partner. No dizziness, SOB, Chest pain.
Normal period before pregnant and no history of heavy period, as well as no bleeding
disorder. Diet is balanced and she is not on any special diet and no family history of
coeliac disease and no family history of low blood count either. Italy descent and her
partner is from same country too. Then, i explained her about blood test. ( In our blood,
there's 3 main blood cells, RBC , WBC and platelet. For now, i will focus on RBC to
explain to u. It helps carrying oxygen to various parts of the body and it has protein called
Haemoglobin which helps carrying oxygen. In you, there is low Hb count and it also
shows cells are small. We call it Microcytic Anaemia and usually most likely due to iron
deficiency but in ur case, iron studies is normal. So, I am suspecting u have the condition
called Thalassemia, which is a genetic condition in which u have small cells with low
blood count. I will arrange a blood test called Hb electrophoresis to confirm the
diagnosis, and Patient asked me what is that and i explained to her. Then, i asked her that
i would like to see her partner as well and would like to arrange some blood tests on him
as well to rule out this condition. I explained to her possible other differential dx with
reasons ( iron def, coeliac, bleeding disorder and multiple very close pregnancies). I
told her that i will refer her to high risk clinic where she will b followed up very closely
by specialists. I offered her reading materials and told her red flags. I told her i will start
her on folic acid and she said she is already on folic acid.
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I totally forgot to mention about detail antenatal care ( 8 week dating scan, Sweet drink
test at 26 wks, USG at 28 and 32 wks, Bug test at 36 wks ).
Covered 3 key steps out of 5
History 3
Dx and DDx 4
Choice of InVx 4
Global score 3
I didnt ask details about 5 P as the task mentions brief history. I forgot to ask about LMP
and blood group.
Feedback 25-10-2018
Scenario: 1st trimester complication
Stem.
Young primi, returned for the blood reports. U ordered iron profile as her hb was low.
Iron profile comes out to be normal.
Tasks
Further relevant hx
explain results
further inx after greeting took a short hx that’s why got (3 in hx) thought relevant hx
should be short. Well then explained her the results. Explained her whats hb whats mcv n
what is the significance of them being low -> anemia i.e hypo micro anemia there are 2
most common causes of this type of anemia, 1 is iron but we did ur iron profile and its
normal which means theres some thing else going wrong, as u r of Greek ethnicity also ur
dad had some form of anemia(she told me this when i asked anyone in family having
anemia or blood transfusions) it shows most likely this is something we call thalaseemia.
Have you ever heard of it before ( NO)
explained thalaseemia . and that she could be minor type need to do hb electrophoresis.
And later if it comes out to be positive will test parter as well. Explained risk of having a
baby with thalassemia, n that we can do some tests to check baby n if major dx its
incompatible with life and she can decide to abort but don’t need to worry at this point as
u don’t have any symptoms I will see u again after hb electrophoresis and then will go
from there, if needed willl refer u to specialist, bell rang.
Grade: pass
GS:4
30
5-Abdomen:
-hepatosplenomegaly, soft or tender, mass
6-pelvic examination
-inspection (vulva and vagina) bleed, discharge, vesicles, rash
-speculum (cervix) healthy or not
-bimanual examination: cervical motion tenderness, uterine size and tenderness, adnexal
mass and tenderness
7- Office test: UDT, BSL, ECG (ECG not available)
Explanation
-From history and examination I think you have a structural defect in your heart called
mitral stenosis
-Draw a diagram
The heart has 4 chambers, two upper and two lower chambers. Blood normally flow from
upper to lower chambers and this is controlled by valves. The valve on the left side called
mitral valve and in mitral stenosis the opening of this valve become narrow so blood does
not flow freely from the upper to lower chamber of the left side and this causes a back
pressure on your lungs causing shortness of breath.
-the infection that you had during childhood could be a rheumatic fever and this can
affect the valves of your heart if you do not take a long-term treatment with antibiotics.
-And why you are SOB now is due to pregnancy which is a hyper dynamic state with
increased volume of blood so the heart need to pump more blood.
-This is considered a high-risk pregnancy as you can develop complications like heart
failure and the baby can also go for growth restriction. But you do not need to worry
about complications at this stage because you will be working by a MDT trying to make
your pregnancy and baby as safe as possible.
Management
-I will refer you to a cardiologist, and he will arrange further tests like echocardiography
which is a scan of the heart and its blood flow, for the confirmation of the diagnosis and
assessing the severity, and the functioning of the heart.
Further blood tests also would be arranged if necessary.
just in case you need any medications the cardiologist will put you through.
-I will also refer you to the high-risk pregnancy clinic where you will be looked after by
MDT consisting of obstetrician, cardiologist, pediatrician and anesthetist.
you need to go for more frequent antenatal visits. Like US at 18 weeks , sugar test 28
weeks, repeated US at 32 weeks, bug test at 36 weeks.
I will give you referral for down syndrome screening now.
-as far as delivery goes unless severe mitral stenosis or heart failure happens, you can
have a normal vaginal delivery, but it should be in a tertiary hospital under the guidance
33
21-C-section request
You are at your GP when jenny, 25 year old, at her 20th week of her first gestation
presents to you with a request of C-section to be conducted as she does not want a
vaginal delivery.
TASKS
Take a further history
Counsel the patient
34
History
1-WHY
-hi jenny I can see from the notes that you are pregnant at 20th week, is it a planned
pregnancy?
Congratulation!
-So I can see that you come to ask for CS instead of vaginal delivery, can you tell me
why?
(Because of pain one of my friend had CS and had lots of pain)
2-recurrent visit questions
-How is your pregnancy going so far?
-have you had regular antenatal checkup?
-have you done down syndrome screening at 11-13 weeks?
-US at 18 weeks (no) ok I’ll give you a referral because it is important to have one
-have you done blood tests, blood group? Did you take folic acid?
3-late pregnancy complications questions
-any headache, blurring of vision, leg swelling?
-tummy pain?
-any vaginal bleeding or discharge?
-any fever, nausea and vomiting?
-burning or stinging on passing urine? How’s your bowel habits?
- Have you started to feel the baby kicks?
4-General questions
-SAD
- exercise
-support
-past medical and surgical history
Counselling
1-explain the mode of delivery (draw a diagram)
-Vaginal birth is a natural way of giving birth to your baby. Whereas C-section is a
surgery where we a cut is made in the lower part of your tummy along the bikini line and
another similar cut along the lower part of your womb through which the baby and
placenta will be delivered under anesthesia.
2-Indications
-We usually go for a C-sections if there are definite indications.
-C section can be done in a planned or an elective way or as an emergency procedure.
*So Indications for elective CS are:
35
OTHER CASE:
when you ask why the reason they give you: incontinence following vaginal birth
(all the same but you can say these instead of pain relief options)
Incontinence sometimes happen after vaginal birth, which is due to weakness of pelvic
floor muscles that support the womb, birth canal and vagina.
Vaginal birth is not always the cause of incontinence. There are other causes like:
- weight gain after delivery
- chronic constipation,
- chronic cough
- injury or tears of the birth canal
To deal with these
1-make sure that your weight is in the normal range after delivery
2-healthy diets with fibers and fluids to prevent constipation
3-just in case you developed a chronic cough report immediately
4-tears also will be repaired at the time of delivery
Key things you need to do is pelvic floor exercises, you can go to prepartum and
postpartum classes where you will be taught correct way of doing such exercises which
you can continue lifelong.
38
up to you. Obstetrician will be the best person to discuss delivery plan in late pregnancy.
Are you with me so far?
36- Subfertility
27 year old Janet is your next patient at your GP. She tells you that she had been trying to
fall pregnant since more than 1 year now but she could not and she is quite worried about
this.
TASKS
1.Appropriate history
2.Examination findings from examiner
3.Relevant investigations
4.Management
Subfertile - if less than 35 y/o, unprotected sexual intercourse x 12 months; if >35 y/o
unprotected sexual intercourse x 6 months or more
Differential diagnosis:
-Unknown
-Infrequent sexual intercourse and ignorance about fertile period
-PCOS
-PID
-Endometriosis
-Fibroids
40
6-Pelvic examination:
-Consent
with her consent and in the presence of a chaperon I need to do pelvic examination.
-Inspection of vulva and vagina
any bleed, discharge, vesicle, rash? (No bleeding or discharge)
-Speculum exam
is cervix healthy? Discharge and bleed? (No discharge or bleed from the cervix)
-Per vaginal exam (CMT+ Bimanual)
is there CMT? (None )
What is the size, position and mobility of uterus? Any Tenderness? (Uterus size is
normal, anteverted, mobile, no tenderness)
-Any Adnexal mass or tenderness? (No adnexal mass or tenderness)
7-Office tests
Urine dipstick
blood sugar level
Thank you for those information, examiner, I would like to go back to my patient.
Investigation
- I would also like to arrange for some investigations such as FBE, U&E, LFT , TFTs,
serum prolactin
-urine MCS (microscopy culture and sensitivity)
- Mid luteal hormone assessment (21st day serum progesterone; if >3nanograms/mL it
means lady is ovulating) (Key issue)
- FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone
43
-It is always better to treat both partners so when you come for your next appointment I
would like to see your partner as well.
-I will also give you reading materials about subfertility.
-if none of these methods work then I can refer you to infertility clinic.
-review when results of Ix also come.
Only Notes
If it is due to PCOS, you need to do lifestyle modifications. I will refer you to a dietician
and you need a structured exercise program. You need to continue this for 6 months. If it
is not working, I will refer you to specialist who will start you on ovulation-inducing
agents like clomiphene citrate, and give you metformin along with that. If that still
doesn't work, you can undergo a surgery we call laparoscopic ovarian drilling. We put
multiple holes in the ovary through a keyhole surgery and that itself can induce ovulation
as it drastically brings down the testosterone or the male sex hormone production.
If it is due to fibroids,
we need to do surgical management such as myomectomy or uterine artery embolization.
44
If it is due to endometriosis,
we need to do a laparoscopic excision of endometrial deposits or we can burn away the
deposits with electrocautery or laser.
If it is due to thyroid disorders, treat the disorder with medications.
If it is due to hyperprolactinemia,
-look for cause, either a micro or macroadenoma (<1cm micro, >1cm macro), use of
dopamine antagonists like antipsychotics, or hypothyroidism.
-Refer to specialist,
-Do a serum prolactin, TFTs, high resolution MRI.
-Pituitary microadenoma - treat by giving cabergoline or bromocriptine and review by
measuring serum prolactin and MRI imaging.
-Pituitary macroadenoma - do a transsphenoidal approach to remove the macroadenoma
-If due to Asherman's (unexplained uterine adhesions usually following a surgical
procedure within the uterus)
treatment is 3 steps
1-hysteroscopic removal of adhesions under antibotic cover,
2-then prevent adhesions by inserting a IUCD or Foley's catheter to keep the uterine
cavity apart until healing takes place.
3-To regrow the endometrium, we need to give you estrogen.
-If both tubes completely blocked, your option is to do an in-vitro fertilization. IVF
is when fertilization occurs outside the female body. It is done by a specialist. You will
be put in ovulation-inducing drugs such as clomiphene, and once the eggs are mature, it
is taken out and combined with the sperm from your partner in the lab. Once embryo
happens, a healthy embryo is chosen, and is implanted into the uterus. If only 1 tube is
completely blocked, 1 tube patent, we could do a GIFT procedure. It is a gamete
intrafallopian tube transfer. Fertilization takes place inside the female body. Introduce a
healthy egg and a sperm into the patent tube and allow fertilization take place in the tube.
Once embryo is formed, it will be implanted in the uterus. We could also do a ZIFT
procedure. IT is a zygote intrafallopian transfer. Here fertilization happens outside the
female body. And once the embryo is formed, it is introduced into the patent tube. Then it
will travel down the tube and get implanted in the uterus
may cause your infertility I need to ask you several questions which may be private, is
that OK?
- I started ruling out possible causes of female infertility: eating disorder, excessive
exercise, DM, thyroid issue, POF, PCOS, Pituitary adenoma, PID, Endometriosis,
- Male issue: is your husband alright? Does he has any diseases related to this issue that
you know of? Do you or your husband any family or children before you guys?
- Sexual activity: how often? (ONCE a MONTH)? Why? (COAL MINER)? Any
problems happened during sexual performance? (NO)
- 6Ps., especially any miscarriages? (NO)
- SADMA.
- Medical, surgical Hx Family Hx.
I said: the most likely cause your infertility so far is decreased frequency of sexual
intercourse.
Normally, we need 3 times per week to have good chance of getting pregnant. However, I
need to carry out many investigations to rule out other causes: USD to check if any
uterine abnormalities, hormone tests, GSL, TFT, maybe Ctscan abdo/pel to find out any
hidden causes. And I may do some test on your husband’s sperms, USD,..
Counselling:
- While waiting the test results to come back, I recommend you to increase the frequency
of sexual activities.
- If any tests turn out positively abnormal, I refer you to the specialist to treat you
accordingly.
- Otherwise, I would like to refer you to infertility clinic where MDT will help you.
Don’t worry
There are a lot of hope.
The examiner and the pt were very happy and gave me a big smile.
Grade: FAIL GS: 2
All key steps: no,no,no,no
Hx: 2, Investigations:2, Counselling:2
SHOCKED, I thought I definitely passed this case. What did I do wrong?
46
38-Recurrent Candidiasis
You are at your GP when 32 year old Lisa presents to you with complaints of severe
itching and burning sensation in her vagina, with discharge. She tells you that this is
the 4th time that this has been happening for her during the past 3 months. The last time,
her GP had done a culture and it came out to be severe Moniliasis, and she was treated
with Nystatin cream 100 mg intravaginally for 5 days during each episodes.
TASKS
Further history
PE from examiner
Discuss further Investigations and Management with the patient
Note/ Recurrent candidiasis: 4 episodes or more in 1 year
History
1- discharge questions
-how long have you had this discharge form vagina? (Past 3 days)
-how many pads have you used?
-what is the colour? (White)
-is it smelly? (No)
-what is the consistency? (curdy, cheesy)
-any blood stained?
2- Associated symptoms.
-any burning or stinging on passing urine?
-how is your bowel habits?
-any ulcers, rash?
3-Causes questions
Medication non compliance
-I can see that you have given nystatin cream. Have you applied it at the correct dose and
number of days? (yes)
diabetes
-do you feel thirst? are you passing large amount of urine? Do you need to go to toilet
more frequently? Any history of diabetes? (ask them together use any..)
Immunosuppressive disease
-any loss of weight? Loss of appetite? Lumps or bumps around the body?
Antibiotics or steroids
-do you take any antibiotics or steroids medications
vaginal douches/ pessaries/ shower gels change
- Any vaginal pessaries or douches that you have used?
-have you changed your shower gels?
Tight clothes
48
4-5Ps questions
periods
-when was your LMP? are they regular?
Partner or sexual
-are you sexually active? Are you in a stable relationship?
-have you or your partner ever been diagnosed with STI?
-any pain during intercourse?
-any similar symptoms in the partner?
Pill
-what type of contraception do you use? (OCP micrpgynon 30)
-for how long? (5 years)
pregnancy
-any previous pregnancies? Any miscarriages?
Pap or HPV
5-general questions
-past medical and surgical history
-SAD
7-Office test: urine dipstick and blood sugar level (both imp), UPT
Investigations
Basic bloods: FBE, UEC, LFT (you will give an antifungal, you want to know if the liver
is okay),
Explanation
-What you are most likely having is again Candidiasis. It is a common yeast infection that
affects many women and could be irritating and painful.
-It is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans, which is normally
present in your vagina. The other healthy bacteria in the vagina, usually prevents the
overgrowth of Candida. However, changes in your lifestyle and other health conditions
causes the yeast to multiply rapidly leading to recurrent candidiasis.
-what I think the trigger factor in you is the combined pill. The estrogen and to lesser
extent the progesterone in the pill can favor the growth of the candida.
-so it is better to stop the OCP taking at the moment and during this time it would be
advisable to wear condom.
Treatment
-I will prescribe you oral antifungal to induce remission (fluconazole or itraconazole
daily for 2 weeks or till the symptoms go off)
-next is to maintain remission using the same medication once weekly for next 6 months.
-have a good genital hygiene
-try not to wear tight jeans or pantyhose
-whatever you go for swimming remove wet clothes ASAP.
-better to avoid sexual intercourse till symptoms go off.
-reading materials
-review 2 weeks
50
Feedback (23/2/2017)
Gp, young lady with vaginal discharge.
Tasks:
1. Hx,
2. PEFE,
3. Probable diagnosis and DDx.
2 minutes: Ddx: Candidiasis, Trichomonas, Cervicitis, Bacterial vaginosis, other STI
Entered room. Greeted by examiner.
Greeted and introduced myself, patient was a bit embarrassed as this was not her first
time having such discharge.
Reassured her she was doing the right thing by coming to see me.
Gave confidentiality statement during my hx taking as well.
Discharge questions: duration, type, color, smell, pain/sore at private part, itchiness,
ulcers/rash at private part.
Any lower part tummy pain/dysuria/lumps and bumps/fever.
5Ps, PMHx, SADMA.
PEFE:
GA, V/S
P/A: mass, tenderness,
pelvic examination:
-inspection – rash, scratch marks, ulcers,
speculum exam – vagina and cervix (white chessy discharge),
bimanual exam – uterus position and size, adnexal and CMT.
Office tests: urine dipstick, BSL
Dx: Dear Cindy, based on the information you have told me and the physical
examination, most likely you are having a condition called candidiasis albicans. Have
you heard about it?
Don’t worry I will explain to you, it is basically a kind of fungal infection, and it is
common in women.
I would like to reassure you that this is not a sexually transmitted infection and it can be
curable. (tried to limit myself from telling too much as Mx was not my task). Do you
understand me so far?
51
It could be other types of condition as well by other bugs, or overgrowth of the usual bug
in the private part. I will give you reading materials about the condition.
Thanked examiner and patient
Feedback (27/4/2017)
a 25 y/o lady comes on combined OCP,with 4 times vaginal candidiasis in the last 3
months . The last time has been proved by culture as severe monoliasis infection and has
treated by nystatin cream 100 mg for 5 days but immediately aftef stopping the
medication it has recurred.
Task:
1- take detailed history from the patient
2- ask the requested physical findings and investigations from the examiner
3- talk about the measures that you want to do with the patient
woman around 30 c/o vaginal d/c, itchines, no urnariy symptoms, she is taking ocp for
contraception. This is 4 th time. 4 wks ago, u did test and showing nisillina (not sure), so
u give her nastytin 10,000 ng sth to her. She got the symptoms again soon after the
treatment.
H/o, ask pe, explain the condtion, mx.
After reading the question, I was thinking about recurrent candida infection and need to
stop OCP and ask other risk factors.
I entered the room and start introduction and as usual, greeting. How are you feeling
today .
She said that she still got the problem and a little bit upset.
I reassure her and said that it will be very distressing for you. So, I would like to ask you
a few more questions to clarify the condition.
I asked routine discharge questions and previous time, and the treatment she had
received.
Ask 5ps. No other risk factors like medications, steroid, tampon use, DM, wearing of
tight jeans.
*pf (she is married and use ocp , no multiple partners, no use of steriod , itchiness ++, no
fever or nausea or vomiting..
O/E; systemic are normal.
valva-redness + , no rash,
SSE- vaginal wall -healthy but whitish d/c +, BME -nl)
52
No BST available.
I explained her that it could be recurrent infection called candida infection. Reassure her
it has been four times. I also explained her that in case of recurrent infection, sometimes,
it can be associated with prolonged use of medications like OCP, steroid, and medical
condition like DM and certain risk factors like wearing of tight jeans. So, I want you to
stop using OCP right now and use other form of contraception like condom. I will
prescribe you oral medication again for your condition. I will also give you medication to
relieve your itchiness like antihistamine cream. I also explained about general vulva
hygiene and avoid wearing of tight jeans. Give advices about red flags and reading tips. I
told her that I will follow you up regularly to check your condition. You need to be
patient, alright. If we work out together, we can overcome the problem. Reassure…
FB-PASSED, OVERALL-4, HISTOR-3, ASK PE-5, MX-4
39-HIV in pregnancy
You are GP when 30 year-old woman presents to you. She is 12 weeks pregnant and has
come for blood tests results. She has done her blood tests with another GP and as her
usual GP is not available today, she has come to see you.
Tasks
-short history
-explain results to patient
-immediate and long term
Blood tests
FBC, UCE, BSL (all normal) blood group (O+ve)
rubella and varicella antibodies (+ve) hepatitis A and B (-ve)
VDRL (-ve) HIV (+ve)
History
1-current pregnancy and visits questions
-how is your pregnancy so far?
-is it planned (DO NOT CONGRATULATE HER)
-any tummy pain, vaginal bleeding or discharge?
-have you done a dating scan?
-have you been offered down screen?
-do you take folic acid?
-blood group (no need to ask as it is already in the result but ask if it is not In the stem)
-is your Pap or HPV up to date?
2-Sexual history
-are you in a stable relationship?
-how long have you been in this relationship? (3 months)
-how many partners have you had in the last 6 months? (multiple)
53
GP role management
54
1-Confirm HIV
-the first thing I need to do is to confirm the diagnosis by doing another test called
western blot test. However once the screening test turned to be +ve there is a high chance
that the diagnostic one can be +ve.
2-Report
-Hiv is a reportable disease so my obligation as a Gp legally is to report this to the health
services. But your confidentiality will be maintained throughout.
3-Contact tracing + STI screen
-partner need to be tested for HIV and other STI so contact tracing need to be done.
you also require screening for other STI. And monitor also for hepatitis C.
4-Advice safe sex
-follow safe sex practise (condom during intercourse)
5-Refer to high-risk pregnancy clinic
-I would like to refer you to a high risk pregnancy clinic when you will be looking after
by MDT (HIV specialist, obstetrician, pediatrician, psychologist, social worker)
6-review and reading materials (tell this at the end of the consultation)
-I will arrange a review after specialist counselling and I’ll give you reading materials.
MDT management role
-HIV specialist will order further test looking for CD4 cell count, viral load, HIV
resistance test.
-will start you on antiretroviral agent which you need to take at the correct dose all
throughout the pregnancy, delivery and after delivery.
-the risk of transmission to baby is reduced by 2-5% if you take medication. If not the
risk can be 25-30%.
-you need to go through more frequent ANC, blood check, sugar test and ultrasound.
-the specialist might opt for CS to minimise the transmission of HIV to the baby at time
of labour.
-after delivery, the baby will be monitored by pediatrician and HIV specialist and put
on antiretroviral agent at least 1st 6 weeks.
-you will be advised not to breastfeed your baby as breast milk might contain the virus.
-both you and your partner will be offered counselling services
55
Case (4/10/2017)
Antenatal care
Scenario:
You are a GP. Seeing this patient for the first time. 30year old female 12 weeks POA,
your colleague had done antenatal bloods. Patient had come back for results. Usual GP
not available today. You will be given a card inside the room with investigation findings.
Tasks:
• Explain results to mum.
• Explain management. Immediate and long term.
I was expecting something like rubella or varicella positive. So, it was shocking to see
HIV positive (Antigen and antibody). Even before you finish reading Ix card patient talks
to you asking how are the tests. I decided to handle it as a breaking bad news case (I
myself was still in shock!) and asked if she knew what tests were done. (no)
I summarised that they’ve done blood group (…+ve) and some checks for certain
infections that are important in pregnancy. Rubella and varicella is negative but there is
one concerning result…… waited for a while... Did you know HIV test was done? I don’t
remember the specific words I used but said that she is HIV positive, and waited for that
to sink in … She acted very worried but did not cry (there was a tissue box, but I did not
give it to her.)
…. Then I said something to show empathy… and gave hope saying that HIV is not what
it used to be, as nowadays there are very effective antiretroviral drugs…
Then I asked her I can explain things in more detail regarding her further care now or
56
does she wish to wait or want someone else to be present. She said its ok to continue.
Then I assessed her knowledge on this stated this does not mean she has AIDS… Asked a
bit of history- gathered that she has had casual partners before current long-term partner
but always used condoms in those encounters. Baby was unplanned but now they are
happy to have the baby.
IV drug abuse – when she was a teenager shared needles!
Current smoker and drinks alcohol (not much) – Addressed then and there but postponed
more discussion 😊 Felt overwhelmed as so many issues kept coming up. ☹ I think she
was already on folic acid…
Management:
Will refer her to high risk pregnancy clinic where infectious disease specialist and
obstetrician will look after her with frequent clinic visits. They will do further testing to
confirm HIV and see the viral load as well. More Ix to check for other STI and blood
borne viruses. Possibility of vertical transmission explained but it’s not a must and means
of minimising the risk will be discussed with her and starting of antiretroviral drugs will
be considered by ID specialist.
I totally forgot her partner or contact tracing…so I thought I lost the case, but with a
worried patient being led by her reactions is more important than covering all the points I
think. I had to talk slowly and show my empathy on and off, so this takes time…😉
All 4 key steps covered
History
1-I can see from the note that you have SLE and you would like to become pregnant. Is
that right? I appreciate your coming to see me. I’d just like to ask you a few questions
would that be all right?
2-SLE questions
-you have SLE for 5 years. Can you tell me what symptoms did you have when you had
your SLE? Like skin rash, joint pain? (yes, skin rash and joint pain)
(As it has already mentioned 5 years in the stem but if not ask for how long have you
been diagnosed with SLE?)
-do you have any of these symptoms now? (No)
-How long have you been symptom-free?
-when was the last episode of flare up? (2-3 years ago)
-Do you experience any symptoms of kidney problem? (No)
3-Medication questions
-I can see that your SLE is well controlled with prednisolone. So how long have you been
taking it?
-Any other medications you take? (No)
-have you ever had any Side effects from medication?
(as it has already mentioned she is on prednisolone. If not you can ask What medications
were you put on? How long have you been off the medication?
4-Well control questions
-do you have regular checkups with the specialist? (Yes)
-any hospitalisation due to SLE? (No)
5-5Ps questions
Periods
- when was your LMP? Is it regular? Any problems with your periods? (Normal periods)
Partner/sexual
-do you have good support? (good support)
-Any history of STIs?
Pregnancy
-When are you planning for your pregnancy?
-is this your first pregnancy?
-any previous miscarriages? (Never become pregnant)
Pill
-what type of contraception do you use?
Pap and HPV (up to date)
6-General
-Do you smoke, drink alcohol or take recreational drugs?
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have no symptoms for the last 6 months so flare up in your case is unlikely. However, if
flare up happened it would be just mild to moderate.
- let me assure you that many women with SLE can go for a normal pregnancy and
delivery. But sometimes, SLE can affect the mom and the baby:
To mom:
*20% miscarriages
*20% hypertension in pregnancy.
*can go for preterm labour.
To baby:
*Intrauterine growth retardation: this happens because blood clots can form in the
placenta and that can interfere with the nutrition of the baby
*Birth defects: especially if the mom is on medications other than prednisolone.
*Prematurity: if the mom goes in for premature labor
*Neonatal Lupus syndrome: after birth; it is not SLE in the baby. The baby can present
with skin rash and some unusual blood counts and it usually settles in 3-6 months time.
Arrange investigations
-I need to do blood tests like FBC, blood grouping and RH, UCE, LFT, RFT including
GFR, vitamin D, German measles and chicken pox antibodies, STI check with consent.
- along with that I need to arrange for thrombophilia screening like protein C and S,
antithrombin 3, factor V Leiden, antiphospholipid and anticardiolipin antibodies , SLE
antibodies like anti Ro and Anti La, lupus anticoagulant.
-We can also do a urine microscopy culture and sensitivity, urine protein/ creatinine ratio.
Management
-Start you on folic acid 5 mg 3 months before you consider pregnancy, and for 3 months
after you become pregnant.
-refer you to the specialist rheumatologist to check if your condition is under control
-Once your pregnancy is confirmed, you will be referred to a high-risk pregnancy clinic.
MDT which includes the obstetrician and rheumatologist will be looking after you.
*-You need to go for More frequent antenatal checkups , regular ultrasound to monitor
baby growth, blood sugar at 28, bug test at 36 weeks, heart scan to detect fetal heart
block!, more screening if needed, and you will be carefully monitored for any
complications.
*-During the first and second trimester they will do monthly FBC especially platelets.
60
*-At the end of each trimester will repeat renal function test including GFR. Antibodies
like anticardiolipin and complements, urine protein/ creatinine ratio.
(regarding * *I’m not sure if we need to repeat these Ix now and again in this counselling
we can give a summary like the red star above them. However if you see you have time
mention them)
-just in case flare up occurred in pregnancy. The specialist will decide to increase the
dose of prednisolone and you will be monitored for high BP and sugar levels.
-You need to follow life style modification, sow salt diet, Ca and Vit D supplementation,
regular exercise
-If everything is normal you can go for normal vaginal delivery.
-After delivery, there is a chance of flare up but you will be monitored for that. You can
breastfeed your baby.
-Don’t worry I gave you a lot of information, I gonna give you reading material regarding
all of these.
-I want to see you again when the results appear.
-Are you a member of the SLE association of Australia? If not, refer you to that.
Case (5/10/2017)
Station 2 Pre-pregnancy counselling Pass
27 yrs old lady with SLE on prednisone wants to discuss with about future pregnancy.
Her recent blood tests are normal including Cardiolipin antibodies, C3 C4 level, dsDNA,
ESR CRP, renal function test.
Task: History, PEFE
Counsel the patients
Explain her what investigations you want to do
61
Introduced myself , acknowledged her concern and appreciated her effort to come to
discuss, then reassure confidentiality. Told her before i explained to her about pregnancy,
would like to ask few questions to get to know more about her. Then History of SLE -
when diagnosed, follow up, last appointment, how well controlled, last episode of flare
up was 2 or 3 yrs ago, now she is doing ok, no fever, rash, jt pain. Then 5 P ( never
pregnant before, normal period, dont remember what contraception she is using, partner
is supportive, pap smear is normal). PEFE from examiner was everything normal ( i
asked for pelvic examination as i just wanted to do inspection but examiner said not
available, oops ).Then tell her about the blood tests which was done and reassured her
that they were normal. Told her that since her last flare up was more than 6 months ago,
she can get pregnant now.
Then explained to her about SLE on pregnancy and pregnancy on SLE effect ( that she
could get flare up during pregnancy, but it is very less likely and it could be mild flare up
cus she hasnt had flare up for over 6 months, she could develop complications like
miscarriage, preterm labour, Gestational HTN, preeclampsia, and baby could develop
complications like IUGR, preterm delivery).
I reassured her that most of SLE patents can go through normal pregnancy and normal
delivery and you wont be going thru this alone and we r here to support and help u. Then
told her about baby could develop Lupus like syndrome ( rash, heart beat abnormality)
but it will go away within few weeks but if it develped, there is high chance that baby
could develop SLE in later life. I am gonna start u on folic acid right now and will
arrange to do blood test like ur basic blood count FBE, inflammatory markers like ESR
CRP, renal function test, LFT and all the infection tests and SLE tests that mention on the
stem. And once u r pregnant, i will refer u to High risk clinic where they have
Multidisciplinary team and u will be followed up very closely with blood tests ( RFT and
SLE tests). Dont worry, i am giving you too much information right now, i will give u
reading materials about all of this. I dont remember if i mentioned i would refer her back
to her Rheumatologist or not.
Case (28/11/2017)
Station 5 : Pre-pregnancy counselling - pass
Lady has SLE for 5 years. Now wants to get pregnant. Letter to GP from Rhematologist 6
months ago said ANA, anticardiolipin, antiphospholipid are negative and disease well
controlled on low dose of Prednisolone.
62
-Tasks:
-Take history
-Arrange investigations
-Management
Key steps: 3 /4
History: 5
Choice of exm, organization and sequence : 5
Choice of investigation : 5
Pt counselling: 5
Global score: 5 – Pass
History:
rapport
When was dx?
How many flair ups
Tretment you are on
Last time you had relapse
Regular with specialist? Last time saw specialist?
atm any rash/joint pain?
Present drug ? what is the dose?
5ps in short (hx of any miscarriage )
fhx of sle
Arrange investigations:
-FBE, Blood grouping typing, Rubella antibody screening (I mentioned that I will be
doing all the inv that we normally do in the first visit of pregnancy earlier for this patient
before conceiving)
-Apart from inv mentioned in the stem I arranged other ones. (thrombophilia screening:
protein c, protein s, antithrombin 3, factor v leiden, anticardiolopin antibody,
antiphospholipid )
-Refer to rheumatologist and obstretritian before getting pregnant
-Complications:
Sle on pregnancy
Pregnancy on sle
-Reassuring the pt that she will be managed by a multideciplinary team (gp, obs,
rheumatologist), under high risk clinic)
-More frequent visits, more scanning if needed , carefully monitoring for complications
that may occur
-Delivery will be in a controlled manner under the obstetrin preferably in a tertiary
center.
-4Rs: SLe association aus.
63
History
Details of SLE
- diagnosed a few years back.
- taking steroids
- last attack was 6 - 7 months ago
- no complications such as kidney Period (normal)
no past history of miscarriage
PEFE
- totally unorganized in this case.
office test
- urine dipsticks (protein) was arranged, but the result was not available
Investigation
- FBE
- blood group
- kidney function test
- Urea, electrolyte and creatinine
Management
- told her that I will refer you to your specialist to assess your condition again.
- they will review your medication and adjust the dose.
- patient with SLE should be symptoms free for 6 months to avoid complications
during pregnancy.
- if the symptoms are not well controlled during the pregnancy, it can lead to pre-
eclampsia.
- after consultation with the specialist and your condition is well controlled, I will
refer you to the high risk pregnancy clinic to prepare for the pregnancy.
- for the time being, you can start taking folic acid.
- reassure her that there are support group available.
64
History
1-rapport+ immediate action
65
-Introduce yourself and say I can see from the notes that you are complaining of heavy
menstrual bleeding is that right?
-Are you still bleeding?
-I just need to ask you further questions to know about the problem but before that I first
need to check your vitals; your pulse and blood pressure I’ll ask the examiner about it.
-Examiner Is my patient hemodynamically stable? I would like to take her vitals and
measure the pulse and blood pressure
- Note/ in the exam the examiner will say she is hemodynamically stable
2-reassurance
-I have checked your vitals and they are all ok so let me assure you that you are stable
now. I would just like to ask you some questions in order to unravel the nature of the
problem.
3-bleeding questions
66
5-Differential questions:
-Any weather preferences? Any changes in weight recently? How about your bowel
habits? (Thyroid disorder)
-Any history of bleeding disorders? Do you bruise easily? (Bleeding disorders)
-Any medications that you are taking? (Blood thinner medications)
-any fever? (Infection)
-Any trauma? (Trauma)
- Any elder sisters that you have? Any history of heavy bleeds in your sister? (Pubertal
menorrhagia) (Her sister had her first menstrual period at 14 years old)
6-5Ps
-period (already asked)
-partner: are you sexually active? (no)
-Pills
-pregnancy (no need)
-have you had your Gardasil vaccine (no answer from feedback)
Physical Exam (in the exam all normal, may be mild anaemia!!)
-General appearance: dehydration, rash, bruising or petechial, pallor, LAP, acne,
hirsutism
-I hope that the vitals of the patient is now stable, so I would like to re-assess all the
systems
67
-because you are bleeding heavily and you have gone into shock, you require a referral to
the hospital and need to be admitted and be seen by the specialist.
Bleeding has to be stopped immediately by giving you IV Premarin 25mg (high dose of
conjugated estrogen). Even with a single dose, the bleeding can be stopped. But if not,
you can be given up to 4 doses. This will inhibit the access in the brain that controls the
menstrual cycle. But you have to be consequently given oral Progestogen for the next
14 days to compensate for the high levels of estrogen (otherwise she will go in for a
withdrawal bleed).
-provide her with adequate psychological support during this time and give her
adequate nutrition especially iron rich foods. (if you are talking to mom)
If iron is low, start her on iron pills.
Feedback 20-2-2018
GP, 17 years old lady came complaining of heavy menstrual bleeding.
Tasks:
-Take history
-Physical examination from the examiner
-Explain the probable diagnosis and differential diagnosis to the patient
2 min thinking: assess haemodynamic stability, 5Ps, menorrhagia ?cause (hormonal,
bleeding diastasis, medication), rule out ectopic pregnancy
History:
Introduce myself, ask the patient how does she feel? How long has she been bleeding and
how many pads? (this is the 10th day of period and ? pads for today). Then explain to
her I need to make sure she is stable by measuring her blood pressure and other vital
signs and turn to the examiner. (Examiner said she is hemodynamically stable).
More questions about her period: clots, foul smelling, pain in lower part of belly,
associated symptoms eg: light-headedness, tiredness, fever. BO/PU unremarkable.
Then asked about when did she had menarche? (10 days ago) I asked again – when did
you had your first period? (10 days ago). I was confused at that time, but decided to let it
go and asked other Ps – partner? (no), sexual intercourse (never), so I did not ask about
pills, pregnancy and PAP smear.
69
Feedback 20-4-2018
71
RCH reading
https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/guideline_index/Adolescent_Gynaecology_Menorr
hagia/
72
Definition
1. excessive menstrual flow in its duration (>7 days) or its volume (equates to
needing to change a super pad/tampon more frequently than every two hours)
2. Bleeding causing symptomatic anaemia or lifestyle disturbance
Background
Menstrual cycles are often irregular in the first years after menarche.
Most cases of cases of heavy menstrual bleeding in adolescents can be caused by
anovulatory cycles, which is related to immaturity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian
axis. Other causes include pregnancy, infection, the use of hormonal contraceptives,
stress (psychogenic or exercise induced), under- and over-weight or weight changes, and
bleeding disorders.
Less common causes of heavy menstrual bleeding in adolescents include systemic illness
and endocrine disorders. Structural lesions that cause heavy menstrual bleeding in
adolescents are incredibely rare (cervical polyps and uterine leiomyomas such as
fibroids).
Assessment
History:
Examination:
1. Pallor
2. Evaluation for signs of androgen excess: hirsutism; acne;
3. Examination of the skin for acanthosis nigricans or signs of abnormal bleeding
(eg, petechiae and/or bruising)
4. Palpation of the abdomen for uterine or ovarian mass
Investigations:
Management
46-Recurrent miscarriage
Case 1
30 or 37 year old Lisa presents to your GP clinic. She thinks that she's pregnant now as
her home pregnancy test has turned out to be positive. She gives a history of having 3
miscarriages before.
TASKS
-take relevant history
-Counsel the patient
Case 2 (AMC exam 2018)
37 year old lady wanting to get pregnant for the past 6 years but has no health related
issues. General, abdominal and gynecological examinations are unremarkable.
Tasks
-take history for 6 mins.
-Investigations with reasoning.
-Hepatitis B and C.
4-SAD
5-Endocrine causes
-DM
-Thyroid disorders.
6-Epidemiological factors
-advanced maternal age,
-number of previous miscarriages - after 3 consecutive miscarriages, the chance of a
miscarriage is 40%
7-Uterine abnormalities
-cervical incompetence
-gynecological surgeries
-septate or bicornuate uterus.
7-Unknown
Case 2 (AMC exam 2018)
History (6 minutes)
1-5 Ps Questions
Period
-When was your last menstrual period?
-Are they regular?
-do you have any pain or heavy bleeding during menstruation?
-any pain or bleeding between menstruation?
Partner or sexual
-are you in a stable relationship?
-do you have any pain during intercourse?
-do you have good support?
-have you or your partner ever been diagnosed with STI?
Pregnancy
-have you ever become pregnant?
-any previous miscarriages? (3 previous miscarriages)
Sorry to hear that.
When do you have these miscarriages at what age and which weeks of pregnancy? (all
first trimester)
When was the last miscarriage?
Any successful pregnancy for you so far?
Any surgical intervention done at the time of miscarriages? (None)
Any analysis been done on the fetal parts at that time?
Have you received counselling after the miscarriages?
-are you planning to become pregnant? Do you think you are pregnant?
-Early pregnancy questions:
any tummy pain, vaginal bleeding or discharge?
Any nausea or vomiting, breast tenderness or mood changes?
Pill (OCP)
76
My Comment - Out side thought subfertility but when it comes to hx its Recurrent
miscarriages( go inside in an open mind)
Case 1
History
Period
-LMP and regularity (6 weeks ago)
-any concern about periods
-tummy pain, vaginal bleeding or discharge
Partner or sexual
-stable relationship?
-good support?
-STI?
Pregnancy
-Early signs of pregnancy?
-when did you do your pregnancy test?
-have you seen a doctor?
-did you start taking folic acid? For how long?
-blood group? (RH –ve can cause miscarriage)
Others
Any immune disease or blood disorder like SLE or clotting problems
Any history of thyroid problems? any weather preference ? how is your bowels habit?
Any history of diabetes? Do you feel thirsty? Are you passing large amounts of urine?
Any history of multiple cysts in the ovaries?
have you done pelvic scan before?
Life style modification (diet, exercise, SAD)
78
Case 1 Counselling
-Confirm the pregnancy by doing the UPT
-Explain the causes one by on
-as all miscarriages happened during the first trimester so it is likely it could be a
chromosomal abnormality in the baby.
-Although we have to look at other causes as well, that is why we need to arrange some
investigations such as:
1-Routine: FBE, UEC, LFT, BSL, vitamin D level
2-Antenatal: blood group and Rh, antibodies to rubella, varicella.
3-Causes: TORCH screen, TFT, thrombophilia screen, antiphospholipid antibody screen,
STI screen including hepatitis B and C.
4-I will refer you and your partner for karyotyping, and we will also do a pelvic
ultrasound.
Case 1 Management
-from now on your pregnancy will be managed at a high risk pregnancy clinic.
-if not start her on folic acid for the 1st 3 weeks of pregnancy.
-depends on Ix you will be managed further
chromosomal abnormalities: you will be referred to a clinical geneticist
any blood disorders: she will be followed up by a hematologist
-You need to go for regular antenatal checks, and it is always advisable to do a Down
syndrome screening as well (important if 37 years old) Ultrasound scans and frequent
monitoring.
79
-Lifestyle modifications - healthy diet with no unpasteurized diary products and no raw
meat, if you have a pet at home do not handle the litter, regular exercise, no SAD
-Reading materials regarding recurrent miscarriages. Arrange a review once the blood
test results are out.
Feedback 5-7-2018
Young lady married for 6 years unable to have a baby.
Task: 1- Hx 2- Dx and DDX with investigation
My first Qs was any pregnancy before (to differentiate between infertility and recurrent
abortion) .. multiple miscarriages between 8-10 weeks of pregnancy. I asked details of
miscarriage. Any Ix done (none). Asked 5ps, her LMP was 2 weeks ago .. then I start to
ask about my DDx
1- SLE and antiphospholipids (rash, blood clot)
81
Feedback 5-7-2018
37 yr old female , married for 6 years, unable to have children
Tasks
Take relevant history
Explain d/d to the patient and relevant investigations
Asked all 5 P’s… no contraception, stopped 1 year ago, period regular, sexual history and
if she knows her fertile (ovulation) she said all good.
She had 3 miscarriages all between (8-10 weeks gestation), no investigation done, nil
other positive findings (no hirsutism, acne, regular periods, stable partner, no STI),. No
known medical condition
I forgot to ask about thrombophilia screening.
I explained the most likely its due to her age as chromosomal abnormalities are higher in
this age group. Or could be antiphospholipid syndrome.
Investigation: I FORGOT PREGNANCY TEST! Her LMP was 2 weeks ago
Thrombophilia screening
Hormonal investigations (prolactin, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)
Antiphospholipid antibodies, SLE antibodies
75-Threatened Miscarriage
You are at your GP, when 27 year old Susan presents with bleeding from the vagina since
the past 1 hour. She has done a home pregnancy test which has turned out to be positive
(2 days ago)
TASKS
1.Take a further history
82
-Exact cause is unknown but there are certain risk factors associated with this like
smoking, alcohol and recreational drugs, excessive coffee intake, infections, trauma,
could be due to problems in the placenta feeding the growing baby, or could be due to
genetic abnormalities in the baby.
-From the details that you have given me, I have not found any risk factors in you, so
there is nothing that you have done that has caused this miscarriage, and there is no way
by which we can predict a miscarriage.
Management
You need to be referred to the hospital now and seen by the specialist.
Blood investigations needs to be done such as:
-FBE, UEC, ESR/CRP, blood group and Rh typing, coagulation profile, vitamin D,
antibodies against rubella and varicella, STI screen, and also a TORCH screen.
-Urine needs to be given for microscopy and sensitivity.
-Ultrasound will also be done to check if the pregnancy is viable or not and also to rule
out other causes of bleed.
As you are not bleeding heavily, and the opening of your birth canal is closed, if the
ultrasound shows a normal viable pregnancy, then the specialist might advise you to
return home.
Once you are at home, you need to:
-avoid overexerting yourself. No activities like no sports, lifting heavy weights.
-Rest is not usually advisable, because rest will not prevent the miscarriage from
progressing.
-Do not insert tampons into the vagina for the bleed, but you should use pads for the
bleed.
-No sexual intercourse until the symptoms have gone completely for 1 week.
Red flag: Seek urgent medical advice in the emergency department if the bleeding
becomes heavy, any passage of tissues to the bleed, and if the cramping worsens, or if
you develop fever.
Follow up: A repeat ultrasound needs to be done after 1 week. As the pregnancy
progresses, you need to come for regular antenatal checks and do a Down syndrome
screening.
I will start you on folic acid which you need to take for the first 3 months of pregnancy.
(Key)
Refer to high-risk pregnancy clinic, Another ultrasound will be done at 18 weeks, sweet
drink test at 28 weeks, a repeat ultrasound at 32 weeks if needs, and a bug test at 36
weeks.
Maintain a healthy diet, do not eat any raw meat, no smoking, alcohol or recreational
drugs and limit coffee to 2 cups per day.
85
I will arrange a review with you once you are out of the hospital.
***if woman is Rh negative, a threatened miscarriage up to 12 weeks, there is no need
to give anti-D, unless patient goes in for a complete miscarriage.
But if it is any other kind of miscarriage, you need to give the anti-D.
Feedback Case (29/11/2017)
Young lady (24-27years) with vaginal bleeding.
Tasks
-Take history
-Ask for Physical examination findings.
-Explain reasons and arrange investigations.
Positive findings on history
-Bleeding is bright red,
- 2-3 pads per day. - First time happening.
- LMP was 6 weeks back. - Periods are regular.
- Had been trying to get pregnant. - Contraception history was negative.
- Not bleeding from anywhere else. - Pregnancy s/s – nausea, breast tenderness was
positive.
Positive findings On examination
- no pallor, Retroverted uterus, os closed, no s/s of bleeding).
Key steps: 5/5
History: 6
Choice, organization, sequence of examination: 6
Choice of investigations: 4
Global score : 4/5- pass
Went inside, Greeted examiner and patient
haemodynamic stability?
Any chance Pg?
Bleeding ques
Bleeding from anywhere else (bleeding disorder)
Passage of grape (molar)
Passage of tissue, still feel n, v, breast tenderness (incomplete/complete)
Anything started it? (trauma, sex..)
Anemia ques
5ps
Blood group
Folic acid
SADMA
PE- General appearance, vitals, Anaemia, postural drop
Abdominal examination, pelvic examination,other systems
Office test- UPT, blood sugar, urine dipstick
Investigations -USG- to see fetal condition , FBE, Blood group, U&E
86
Grade: Pass
Global score: 4
Key Steps: 1- Yes
2- Yes
3- No
4- Yes
Approach to patient: 4
History: 3
Choice & Technique of examination, organization and sequence: 5
Diagnosis/ Differential diagnosis: 4
87
Feedback 7-12-2018
30 yrs old with complain of vaginal bleeding since morning.
task :history, pefe from examiner, investigation, diagnosis with reasons.
entered greeted both of them, asked vitals-stable.
history - bleeding started- yesterday, slight, red in color , no other discharge. no
vesicles, no pain, no trauma, no itching, no ulcers , not dizzy, no SOB, 5 Ps - LMP-8
weeks back ,pregnancy test positive, primi, did not use any contraceptive before.
no STD, PArtner- supportive,
family history-no history of special babies, twins, molar .
past history- no HTN, DM, bleeding disorders, abortions
SADMA-nil
pefe - all normal
pelvic examination- inspection-slight bleeding, no signs of trauma,
per speculum- os closed, vagina healthy
bimanual- uterus normal in size (was confused as not enlarged)
no adnexal tendenness, no CMT.
BSL,UDT-normal.
UPT+ve
i asked ultrasound -examiner said fetal sac present along with heart beat.
explained it could be threatened miscar, (reassured it is harmless, fetal heart beat seen ,
which is good sign )there could be many reasons like trauma, intercourse, problem with
baby, problem with placenta - asked her can you relate to any of these - then she noded
could be intercourse related. i explained other dd names but less unlikely as ultrasound
confirmed diagnosis.
scenario-vaginal bleeding,
GLOBAL-4( approach-4, history -5, examination -5,investiagation-4, d/dd-4)
88
Feedback 7-12-2018
Vaginal bleeding - 4
26 year old female with painless vaginal bleeding after 8 week of amenorrhoea. The stem
is a bit long.
Task: History
PEFE
Ask investigation
Dx
2 min thinking: incomplete/complete/threatened miscarriage; h.mole; ectopic; bleeding
disorders; if tissues were found to skip UCG test and USG
History
Patient looked impatient. Greeted the patient. Checked stability.
(+)ve findings – LMP 8 weeks ago; regular period; no nausea and vomiting. Using
contraception ocasionally but no plans to get pregnant. No vesicles in the blood; no pain.
GH – good; no bleeding disorders; no thyroid problems; blood grp – O(+)
PEFE
GA – as you can see
Vitals – normal
Abdominal examination – nth significant
Vaginal examination – on inspection, no active bleeding; SSE shows os is closed; no
tissues or clots around the os; on BME, uterus is 6 week pregnancy size, no tenderness;
no adnexa swelling or pain
Investigation
FBE (you need to be more specific in what you are searching cuz the examiner remained
silent until I specifically said what I wanted to know) – Hb – 11%; platelet count –
normal. When I asked grouping and matching, he didn’t seem to understand me. So I
89
repeated and he still didn’t get me. After saying grouping and matching for 3 times, I
finally told I would like to check blood group of my patient – O(+) ve. Then I asked UCG
– the examiner said “do you mean serum beta hCG?” Yes. It was around 80,000 while the
serum beta hCG at 6 week of pregnancy should be around 60,000. (I had no idea what it
means, maybe H.mole?) USG – baby of 6 week size; intrauterine gestation; FHR –
80/min
Dx
I explained my patient what threatened miscarriage is. Things got awkward when I tried
to reassure my patient that this is not dangerous because suddenly, I remembered that it is
not intended pregnancy. The conversation came to abrupt halt, with plenty of time left.
After a while, I asked my patient if she wanted me to inform about this to her partner.
“NO. So, doc am I having a miscarriage?” No, about 90-95% of woman with threatened
miscarriage go on to have a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby. This is a fairly
common condition in pregnant ladies in their early time of pregnancy. To my rescue, the
bell rang.
GS – 4
Key steps 1 and 4 – No; 2 and 3 – Yes
Approach – 4
History – 4
Choice and technique of examination, organisation and sequence – 5
Choice of investigation – 6
Diagnosis and DDx – 4
90
50-Preterm Labor
A 28-year-old primigravida presents to you at 30wks of gestation with sudden onset of
abdominal pain. You are a GP in a rural practice about 300km away from a hospital with
O&G facility.
TASKS
Relevant and focused history
91
5-office tests
urine dipstick and BSL
Explanation
-From history and examination, you most likely have a preterm labor. Normally labor
happens in and around 40 weeks, but if it happens before 37 weeks, that is called preterm
labor.
-there are several cause, but anything that over distends the uterus such as:
*excessive fluid in the bag of water we call polyhydramnios.
*big baby
*Multiple pregnancy.
*Cervical incompetence (could become earlier)
*Maternal infections (no fever or discharge)
*other maternal conditions such as diabetes and preeclampsia, which is a sharp rise in
blood pressure with leakage of proteins to urine.
*trauma
however we could not identify any of these so sometimes it can happen without a cause.
Management
-you need a referral to a tertiary hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit.
- I'll arrange an ambulance for you, I'll ring up the hospital and make them aware of your
condition so that all arrangements will be made once you reach the hospital.
- I will start you on an IV line, take blood for investigations like FBE, ESR, CRP, UCE,
blood group and Rh factor.
- I will give you your 1st dose of steroid (betamethasone), to bring about lung
maturity in the baby, (if less than 34 weeks) (2 doses at 12-24 hours interval), and 1st
dose of tocolytic. Tocolytic is the medication given to prevent further uterine
contractions. (Nifedipine, salbutamol)
-Once you reach the hospital, you will be admitted, seen by the specialist, ultrasound
and a CTG will be done to look for the wellbeing of you and the baby.
- Let me assure you that you will be in safe hand and they will do everything possible to
continue your pregnancy.
-They will give you further doses of tocolytics, and further dose of steroid.
-Just in case if your labor progresses and you deliver, the baby will be taken cared of by
the team at the neonatal intensive care unit.
Do you need me to call your partner to be with you during this time?
Feedback 20-7-2018
New case ( unscored)
94
52-Pre-eclamptic/ Eclampsia
32 year old Maria, who is 32 weeks pregnant, presents to your GP, with headache since
the last 2 days. She had regularly done her antenatal checks with you and a week before,
when you saw her, she had mild swelling of her legs. At that time all relevant
investigations were done and they were all normal.
TASKS
Relevant history.
Examination findings from examiner.
Explain diagnosis to patient.
Management.
Differential diagnosis
1-preeclampsia
2-Migraine
3-Tension headache
95
4-URTI
5-ear or tooth infections
6-meningitis/ encephalitis
7-head trauma
APPROACH
History:
Hi Maria, it is nice to see you again, I can see that you are complaining of headache is
that right? Just let me ask you few questions to unravel the nature of the problem
1-Headache questions (rule out tension and migraine)
-Can you tell me more about it?
-Severity
-First of all how severe is your headache from 1 to 10 1 is the least 10 is the most?
-I can offer painkillers for you so do you have allergy to any medications?
Onset and duration
-How long have you been having the headache?
-Sudden or gradual? Constant or come and go? Is it getting worse
Site and Radiation
can you show me exactly where you have the pain?
Does it go anywhere else?
Character
can you describe it for me?
Aggravating and relieving
does anything make it better or worse
Timing
any specific time when the pain is worse?
4-General questions
-Any past history of migraine?
-Any high blood pressure before your pregnancy?
-Any family history of migraine or high blood pressure?
As her blood pressure is quite high I'd like to shift her to the resuscitation room, put in a
large bore IV cannula just in case to gain IV access, take blood for investigations ( FBE,
LFT, UCE, BSL and coagulation profile)
I would like to give her the first dose of antihypertensive medication IV labetalol,
methyldopa or Nifedipine whichever available
5-CNS:
tone, reflexes there is hyperreflexia and clonus
Fundoscopy to look for papilledema mild papilledema
6-Abdomen:
-Uterine tenderness (abruptio placentae)
-Hepatic tenderness?
-Fundal height 34cm
-FHR? 150bpm
-Lie, presentation? Longitudinal, cephalic
8-Office tests:
-UDT look for urinary proteins proteins 3+
- BSL (already taken)
-ECG
Explanation
-Most likely you are having a severe preeclampsia. It is a condition where there is a sharp
rise in your blood pressure and leakage of proteins in the urine.
-it is common in first pregnancy and The exact cause is unknown but anything that
decreases the blood supply to the placenta, can cause the placenta to secrete certain
chemicals which could damage the lining of the blood vessels of all major organs.
because of this, the pressure within your brain goes high causing headache and vomiting.-
Pre-eclampsia is an emergent condition and if it is not controlled, can result to fits and if
runs for a long time it can lead to growth restriction of the baby.
Management
-You need an immediate referral to the tertiary hospital with neonatal intensive care unit.
I would arrange an ambulance for you, and I will ring up the hospital and make them
aware of your condition so they can setup everything for when your arrive.
Notes/ 37 weeks pregnant: same management; but plan her delivery immediately.
Because delivery is the treatment of choice for pre-eclampsia and eclampsia
Feedback (23/2/2017)
ED, Primigravida, 36 wks, severe headache. All AN check up N.
100
Tasks:
1.History (2min),
2. PEFE,
3. DX & Mx
2min thinking:
DDx: preeclampsia, tension headache, migraine, other causes of headache.
Patient might fit, be prepared with initial management.
-Entered room. Greeted by examiner.
-Patient was holding her head, in pain.
-Introduced and greeted the patient,
-offered pain killer after assessing severity of pain.
-Asked pain Q (SORTSARA), any BOV/nausea/vomiting/epigastric pain/ankle oedema.
-Ruled out migraine, stress from home/work, recent URTI.
-How is baby’s movement/any contraction/ bleeding/discharge from private part.
-PMHx of HPT and DM.
-SADMA.
-Did not asked about previous antenatal check up and USG as was normal given in the
stem.
PEFE:
GA, V/S – BP 180/110, HR, RR, T, O2,
P/A: symphysial fundal ht, presentation and lie of fetus, FHS.
Hypereflexia and clonus present. Ankle oedema.
Office test: urine protein +++
Dx: Dear Cindy, as you are having headache and nausea, and the urine test shown
presence of protein, you are having a condition called preeclampsia. Have you heard
about it? Don’t worry I will explain to you…
(Examiner interrupted me and said the patient suddenly has a fit)
I stood up, faced my patient who was “sitting comfortably” on the chair, and mentioned I
would manage my patient according to DRSABCD protocol, try to access IVL for
administration of IV diazepam, if unsuccessful will give PR diazepam, arrange
ambulance immediately, liase with ED doctor. In the hospital the doctors will do
necessary Ix and she will be seen by obstetrician as well. Aim is to prevent fit, control BP
and aim to deliver baby but all will be dicided by obstetrician.
Bell rang, thanked the examiner and patient.
Passed. Global score 5
Feedback (13/10/2017)
101
You are in GP, a Lady with 35 weeks old pregnancy presented to you with headache.
Task:Hx, PEFE, Dx to the patient with reasons.
I entered room after introducing myself I asked haemodynamic stability? Examiner said
what you are looking for? Bp: 180/100, PR: 80 regular, RR:NL, Temp:37 I said I want to
secure two IV line and start dose of labetalol IV line and transfer the patient to the
treatment room while I am taking history from my patient.
Hello Jilly? I am… one of the doctor in this GP. Where is your HA exactly (all around
the head) When did it start? It was there for couple of days but today it is more severe.
How sever it is?(7-8) Do you want pain killer?(yes) no allergies?(no) I will arrange a
painkiller for you.
Just quick questions: BOV?tummy pain? trauma?discharge? BLD? (no) swelling on legs?
Baby kicking?(yes) no hx of HTN DM… this is first pregnancy and no miscarriage
before. All the antenatal tests were positive( sweet drink test, U/S 18 wks was NL).
I want to do per-vaginal examination with the consent of the pt and presence of the
chaperon. Just inspection and speculum (OS closed) thanks I won't go further.
Urine dipstick? ++Protein, Nitrate
-,BSL AND ECG?No ECG no CTG no BSL available(he got cranky I think:D) OK thank
you examiner I go back to my patient.
Jilly during hx and px most likely you have condition called pre-eclampsia have you
heard of it before? This condition more common in first pregnancies and runs in family
can be due to smoking recreation drugs(not sure that was only my performance).
So some particles produced in placenta attaching the baby to the womb( drew picture) are
going to other places in body causing vessel damage and kidney damage as well
specifically brain vessel that is why you have high blood pressure that is serious
condition please do not worry you are in safe hand that is why I want to send you to
hospital to be checked as you may develop seizure and…Bell rang
102
Feedback 14-3-2018
37 weeks lady with headache.
Task.. History
Physical examination from examiner
Diagnosis to the patient.
2 min thinking.. my key points for this case.. ( In History; vision problem, epigastric pain,
cloudy urine, oedema, past history of HTN., kidney disease or FH of HTN)
In PE; BP, pulse, reflexes and tone,, fundoscopy, oedema, urine dipstick.
Mg; usg, ctg, delivery and ensuring mother’s and baby’s well being!!
After entering the room and introduction I started by asking if she was okay for me to ask
few questions or needed any painkillers. She said she was fine. I started with typical
headache questions, SORTSARA. It was for the first time she had such a headache. She
had it since last night, constant and everywhere in the head. Almost 5 in intensity.
No aggravating or relieving factors. There was no vomiting or visual aura.
She had no visual problem, no epigastric pain, no change in colour of urine but had
oedema since a week. Baby was still kicking, no reduction in kicks. She hadn’t noticed
any swelling on tummy. There was no bleeding or discharge from her private area.
Antenatal history was uneventful. It was her first pregnancy (so no need to ask
complications in previous pregnancies), no previous miscarriages. No history of HTN or
DM kidney disease. or any Family history of HTN.
On PE examiner gave me specific findings that I asked for. BP was 170/120mmHg (at
this point I told the examiner I’ll shift patient to the resuscitation cubicle and start with
hypotensive agents)
Pulse 90
Temp 36.5
Reflexes and tone brisk and exaggerated
Oedema +ve
Fundoscopy showed hypertensive changes.
Urine dipstick +ve for proteins
FHR 140 bpm
Fundal height was consistent with age of gestation
Fetal lie was cephalic
I got back to the role player and explained that I’m a little concerned because the cause of
your headache is one of the complication near the end of pregnancy. We call it Pre-
eclampsia. In this the after birth or what we call placenta in medical term( I started
103
drawing here). It starts sending certain particles in blood that cause changes in blood
vessels in brain, eyes, kidney, tummy and legs etc so you have all that clinical picture. It
is an emergency so I’ll refer you to ED to be seen by specialist. They’ll do CTG, USG
and certain blood tests to see the affect of your condition. Our main concern is your and
your child’s well being so you are in safe hands. Do you have any questions to ask? She
said no. The Bell rang
Feedback Scenario Third trimester complication. Grade Pass Global score 4
Key steps 1,3,4 yes 2, No History 4 Examination… 4 Diag/ D/D.. 4 Patient
counselling 4
Feedback 19-7-2018
STATION 10 PASS (all key steps yes, score 6,4,6,5,6)
Its Pre eclampsia turning to Eclampsia)
Again long scenario of36 weeks primary gravida came with headache since morning, all
previous finding and test normal.
Task ,Hx ,PEFE , Dx and Mx.
I offered the patient painkiller, asked examiner abt vitals he said 180/90 I asked for
nefedipine spray and rectal diazepam on bedside, than asked very focused history( which
he didn’t like that’s y got 4) than asked focused PEFE and while explaining diagnosis she
seized, I asked for help and DRABCD protocol, I said I will consult my registrar and Obs
specialist and start her on IV anti HTN acc to them, MgSO4 to prevent further seizures,
wanna go Blood test ,US and CTG. Although she is at 36 weeks but obs will decide abt
steroid for fetal lung if in case required.
Feedback9-5-2018
19 Case: Headache
Preeclampsia and Eclampsia.
ED department. Your next patient 36 weeks gestations is coming because severe
headache. She has done antenatal care and she has been well. She notices some days ago
swelling of her feet.
Task
Take history
PE from examiner
Diagnosis to the patient.
Not sure if they asked about management but examiner asked me at the end.
Patient was lying on the bed. I forgot to ask vital signs before starting consultation. She
had severe headache for the last 3 hours, seeing lights and pain on epigastrium, she
noticed swelling on her legs for the last few days, baby was moving well no any bleeding
or fluid per vagina, no other symptoms. No any relevant personal or family medical
history. Patient has done all the antenatal care and everything has been well until now
104
that she came with severe headache. PE vital signs 180/110 positive findings: fundoscopy
was normal no papilledema, no abdominal tenderness, increased reflexes, and pitting
oedema in lower limbs present. Fetal heart was present, no uterine activity. Urine
dipstick: +++ protein. And patient started to convulse. I moved patient to resuscitation
area gave diazepam and called the registrar and then the examiner stop me and asked me:
which is your management now doctor? I explained all the management for eclampsia.
Passed. Global score 4
Feedback 19-7-2018
Station 10 : Headache (pre eclampsia turned into eclampsia) Pass
Total 5 key steps 4 yes 1 no Score : 5 5 6 5 overall 5
Case : 35/36 wks pregnant lady having headache since morning. All antenatals were
normal so
far .B.P was given outside which was 180 / something (quite high )
Tasks : hx ( for not more then 2 min )
Pefe, dx to pt , mx
When i entered lady was lying on a couch. I asked abt is she is stable enough to continue
with the tasks (yes) Started with calling for help , i/v cannula, basic
blds, nasal nefidpine spray and all emergency equipments in my hands .
Then i asked her abt if she is having this kind of headache fir the first time (migrain ?)
Right now she is having high bld pressure so is it for the first time (already a k/c of
Hypertension? ) asked abt trauma , any previous pregnancy.. any problems during this
pregnancy so far.is the baby kicking? Etc Then asked pefe ... all the abdominal then
pelvic examination n then hyper reflexia n clonus ,
opthalmoscopy. I forgot urine dipstix while asking pefe n remembered it while
Explaining dx to pt ... so asked later n then explained dx . While Explaining the lady had
a fit and became unconscious. So then told all the mx to examiner . Call for help , left
lateral recovery position etc . Admit her and will call seniors, do U/S + CTG , blds, start
her on i/v mgso4 or hydralazine.then
seniors will decide whether to observe her or proceed with the delivery.
Feedback 9-5-2018
2. Ed setting, 35 wks preg c/o headache. Lying on bed.
Task hx, pefe, explain pt, then mx > pre eclampsia turning to eclampsia , on pefe once BP
was 180/100 advised will send nurse to call obs register n another to put iv lines n
bloods... Then continued with rest of the pefe. While explaining the pt collapsed then
moved to DRSABC.. then the examiner asked what about seizure and what anti htn
midazolam n hydralzine
105
2 minutes outside- this maybe pre eclampsia, eclampsia, pregnancy induce hypertension,
trauma on the head. The matter of this question is the task. There is 2 minutes for history
only, PE ask from examiner, tell diagnosis and dd and management. This is really long
cases so i need to be care full. Reflex, urine for protein, 12 cranio nerve, Investigations
are needed even they did not ask.
Inside the room: the patient laid on the bed, she is pregnacy lady. I came in, ask Vital
signs, her BP is high, i try to stable her by medications and call the senior.( It took me 30
s for this) then i asked about pain questions, some questions about baby kicking and
complications of HELLP. Then I jumbed into PE. I checked her from head to toe
including all important point. Then i thanks to examiner and turn to patient to explain my
diagnosis. In the middle of this, patient had some abnormal movement, I did DRABCD,
give her diazepam and call for obstetric for Magiesium sulphate. I said about all
investigations including- blood goup, liver FT, plaplate, KFT, US, CTG, crossmatching..
Even i thown all of that out, the patient still have abnormal movement, i said i will
observer her and wait for my senior as the medication need time to acting. i will follow
her VS closely .I will call her family and explain the situation as well in case we need to
do CS for patient as this is the ultimte way to solve the eclampsia. Bell reng.
Feedback 25-10-2018
35 weeks of preg came with headache- pass( got 2 in history)
Task: history
Pefe
Diag/dd
I asked hd stability then took history- very short: like sortsara for headache, baby
movement, vision problems, migraine history.
Pefe as in handbook, got 5 for that
Dd said: protein in urine so preeclampsia, could b migraine. Cant remember other dd that
I may have said.
Feedback 5-12-2018
You are working as intern, 36 weeks old lady with right upper tummy pain, Leg swelling
when you saw her last week, All previous Checkup were normal and Investigation also.
Task
1 Take Hx
2 ask PEFE, exam will give u specific findings u want
3 Give Diagnosis and management
+ve- Headache, BOV, ankle edema, BP-180/110, Clonus and hyper-reflexia and UDS-4+
protein, Right upper quadrant pain, no bleeding/ discharge paravaginal.
Pt was sitting with her Rt hand on tummy. I introduced myself, nice to meet you. I
understand you have got some pain in tummy can you pls show exactly where it is?( she
indicated rt hypo chon. And epi. Gastrium) asked to rate pain. It was 6 or 7 out of 10. (I
did not offer pain medication as was confused about it). I took permission to ask q to
examiner. Asked examiner the vitals: BP 180/110,Resp normal, no fever. Told would like
to move to / rx room, give oral nifidipine, and per rectal Diaz, open iv line.
Then proceeded to hx taking: I have arranged initial mx for you. Will you be able to
answer if I ask few q?
HOPI Q: pain Q (SORTSARA- continuous dull aching for ½ an hr or 1 hr can’t
remember).
107
Ass symp q: Fever , rash , nausea , vomiting, BOV+ headache+, Leg swelling up to knee,
No discharge or bleeding down below, can feel baby kick, No other medical or sx
condition. (did not ask about ANC hx as in stem it was mentioned normal)
PEFE: general appearance: as you can see
Vitals: as before ( not changed)
GPE: Pickled (only edema upto knee, no jaundice or rash)
Then I said want to do focused abdominal exam: FH, Lie, presentation: normal. FHS:
normal, Rt hypc tenderness+, No tenderness or rigidity in other site, no Ut construction.
I want to do Full neurological exam: Examiner asked what you looking for? I asked about
tone, reflex clonus (hypertonia and clonus present), Fundoscopy- not available
Asked office test urine dipstick for protein +++
(did not ask about resp and cvs)
Turned to pt: Now X from hx and physical examination I think you are having a
condition called Preeclampsia where there is rise of BP with associated leakage of protein
in urine. let me explain to you (I draw the pic. ). Its womb and baby is attached to womb
with placenta. Now what happen is some chemicals are released from here ( I indicated
placenta) which may damage the lining of our blood channels in different parts of our
body. That’s why you are having pain in your tummy, headache and BOV. R you with
me? Now what I am concerned is it may turn to a complication called eclamsia means fits
while pregnancy which if occurs can be harmful to you and baby inside. Don’t worry, its
good that you came early. I am gonna immediately send you to tertiary hospital where
you will be managed my Sp obs. And MDT. They will They will give BP lowering meds
through your vein called hydralazine and fit preventing med called MG SO4.They will
frequently monitor your BP and urine and baby . if you or baby become unwell Sp may
do C/S. Bell rang. Don’t worry they will take good care of you. Thanked her and
examiner
Key step 12345: yes yes yes yes no,
HX 4
Choice and tech of exam: 5
DX/DDX: 4
MX: 3
108
52-Pre-eclamptic/ Eclampsia
32 year old Maria, who is 32 weeks pregnant, presents to your GP, with headache since
the last 2 days. She had regularly done her antenatal checks with you and a week before,
when you saw her, she had mild swelling of her legs. At that time all relevant
investigations were done and they were all normal.
TASKS
Relevant history.
Examination findings from examiner.
Explain diagnosis to patient.
Management.
Differential diagnosis
1-preeclampsia
2-Migraine
3-Tension headache
4-URTI
5-ear or tooth infections
6-meningitis/ encephalitis
7-head trauma
APPROACH
History:
Hi Maria, it is nice to see you again, I can see that you are complaining of headache is
that right? Just let me ask you few questions to unravel the nature of the problem
1-Headache questions (rule out tension and migraine)
-Can you tell me more about it?
-Severity
-First of all how severe is your headache from 1 to 10 1 is the least 10 is the most?
-I can offer painkillers for you so do you have allergy to any medications?
Onset and duration
-How long have you been having the headache?
-Sudden or gradual? Constant or come and go? Is it getting worse
Site and Radiation
can you show me exactly where you have the pain?
Does it go anywhere else?
Character
can you describe it for me?
Aggravating and relieving
does anything make it better or worse
Timing
any specific time when the pain is worse?
4-General questions
-Any past history of migraine?
-Any high blood pressure before your pregnancy?
-Any family history of migraine or high blood pressure?
As her blood pressure is quite high I'd like to shift her to the resuscitation room, put in a
large bore IV cannula just in case to gain IV access, take blood for investigations ( FBE,
LFT, UCE, BSL and coagulation profile)
I would like to give her the first dose of antihypertensive medication IV labetalol,
methyldopa or Nifedipine whichever available
5-CNS:
tone, reflexes there is hyperreflexia and clonus
Fundoscopy to look for papilledema mild papilledema
6-Abdomen:
-Uterine tenderness (abruptio placentae)
-Hepatic tenderness?
-Fundal height 34cm
-FHR? 150bpm
-Lie, presentation? Longitudinal, cephalic
8-Office tests:
-UDT look for urinary proteins proteins 3+
- BSL (already taken)
-ECG
Explanation
-Most likely you are having a severe preeclampsia. It is a condition where there is a sharp
rise in your blood pressure and leakage of proteins in the urine.
-it is common in first pregnancy and The exact cause is unknown but anything that
decreases the blood supply to the placenta, can cause the placenta to secrete certain
chemicals which could damage the lining of the blood vessels of all major organs.
because of this, the pressure within your brain goes high causing headache and vomiting.-
Pre-eclampsia is an emergent condition and if it is not controlled, can result to fits and if
runs for a long time it can lead to growth restriction of the baby.
Management
-You need an immediate referral to the tertiary hospital with neonatal intensive care unit.
I would arrange an ambulance for you, and I will ring up the hospital and make them
aware of your condition so they can setup everything for when your arrive.
Notes/ 37 weeks pregnant: same management; but plan her delivery immediately.
Because delivery is the treatment of choice for pre-eclampsia and eclampsia
Feedback (23/2/2017)
ED, Primigravida, 36 wks, severe headache. All AN check up N.
Tasks:
1.History (2min),
2. PEFE,
3. DX & Mx
2min thinking:
DDx: preeclampsia, tension headache, migraine, other causes of headache.
Patient might fit, be prepared with initial management.
-Entered room. Greeted by examiner.
-Patient was holding her head, in pain.
-Introduced and greeted the patient,
-offered pain killer after assessing severity of pain.
-Asked pain Q (SORTSARA), any BOV/nausea/vomiting/epigastric pain/ankle oedema.
-Ruled out migraine, stress from home/work, recent URTI.
-How is baby’s movement/any contraction/ bleeding/discharge from private part.
-PMHx of HPT and DM.
-SADMA.
-Did not asked about previous antenatal check up and USG as was normal given in the
stem.
PEFE:
GA, V/S – BP 180/110, HR, RR, T, O2,
P/A: symphysial fundal ht, presentation and lie of fetus, FHS.
Hypereflexia and clonus present. Ankle oedema.
Office test: urine protein +++
Dx: Dear Cindy, as you are having headache and nausea, and the urine test shown
presence of protein, you are having a condition called preeclampsia. Have you heard
about it? Don’t worry I will explain to you…
(Examiner interrupted me and said the patient suddenly has a fit)
I stood up, faced my patient who was “sitting comfortably” on the chair, and mentioned I
would manage my patient according to DRSABCD protocol, try to access IVL for
114
Feedback (13/10/2017)
You are in GP, a Lady with 35 weeks old pregnancy presented to you with headache.
Task:Hx, PEFE, Dx to the patient with reasons.
I entered room after introducing myself I asked haemodynamic stability? Examiner said
what you are looking for? Bp: 180/100, PR: 80 regular, RR:NL, Temp:37 I said I want to
secure two IV line and start dose of labetalol IV line and transfer the patient to the
treatment room while I am taking history from my patient.
Hello Jilly? I am… one of the doctor in this GP. Where is your HA exactly (all around
the head) When did it start? It was there for couple of days but today it is more severe.
How sever it is?(7-8) Do you want pain killer?(yes) no allergies?(no) I will arrange a
painkiller for you.
Just quick questions: BOV?tummy pain? trauma?discharge? BLD? (no) swelling on legs?
Baby kicking?(yes) no hx of HTN DM… this is first pregnancy and no miscarriage
before. All the antenatal tests were positive( sweet drink test, U/S 18 wks was NL).
I want to do per-vaginal examination with the consent of the pt and presence of the
chaperon. Just inspection and speculum (OS closed) thanks I won't go further.
Urine dipstick? ++Protein, Nitrate
-,BSL AND ECG?No ECG no CTG no BSL available(he got cranky I think:D) OK thank
you examiner I go back to my patient.
115
Jilly during hx and px most likely you have condition called pre-eclampsia have you
heard of it before? This condition more common in first pregnancies and runs in family
can be due to smoking recreation drugs(not sure that was only my performance).
So some particles produced in placenta attaching the baby to the womb( drew picture) are
going to other places in body causing vessel damage and kidney damage as well
specifically brain vessel that is why you have high blood pressure that is serious
condition please do not worry you are in safe hand that is why I want to send you to
hospital to be checked as you may develop seizure and…Bell rang
Feedback: Third trimester Complication, PASS(G.S:5)
Key steps:2,3,4 &5: Yes, 1 :No
Hx:4
Feedback 14-3-2018
37 weeks lady with headache.
Task.. History
Physical examination from examiner
Diagnosis to the patient.
2 min thinking.. my key points for this case.. ( In History; vision problem, epigastric pain,
cloudy urine, oedema, past history of HTN., kidney disease or FH of HTN)
In PE; BP, pulse, reflexes and tone,, fundoscopy, oedema, urine dipstick.
Mg; usg, ctg, delivery and ensuring mother’s and baby’s well being!!
After entering the room and introduction I started by asking if she was okay for me to ask
few questions or needed any painkillers. She said she was fine. I started with typical
headache questions, SORTSARA. It was for the first time she had such a headache. She
had it since last night, constant and everywhere in the head. Almost 5 in intensity.
No aggravating or relieving factors. There was no vomiting or visual aura.
She had no visual problem, no epigastric pain, no change in colour of urine but had
oedema since a week. Baby was still kicking, no reduction in kicks. She hadn’t noticed
any swelling on tummy. There was no bleeding or discharge from her private area.
Antenatal history was uneventful. It was her first pregnancy (so no need to ask
complications in previous pregnancies), no previous miscarriages. No history of HTN or
DM kidney disease. or any Family history of HTN.
On PE examiner gave me specific findings that I asked for. BP was 170/120mmHg (at
this point I told the examiner I’ll shift patient to the resuscitation cubicle and start with
hypotensive agents)
Pulse 90
Temp 36.5
Reflexes and tone brisk and exaggerated
Oedema +ve
116
Feedback 19-7-2018
STATION 10 PASS (all key steps yes, score 6,4,6,5,6)
Its Pre eclampsia turning to Eclampsia)
Again long scenario of36 weeks primary gravida came with headache since morning, all
previous finding and test normal.
Task ,Hx ,PEFE , Dx and Mx.
I offered the patient painkiller, asked examiner abt vitals he said 180/90 I asked for
nefedipine spray and rectal diazepam on bedside, than asked very focused history( which
he didn’t like that’s y got 4) than asked focused PEFE and while explaining diagnosis she
seized, I asked for help and DRABCD protocol, I said I will consult my registrar and Obs
specialist and start her on IV anti HTN acc to them, MgSO4 to prevent further seizures,
wanna go Blood test ,US and CTG. Although she is at 36 weeks but obs will decide abt
steroid for fetal lung if in case required.
Feedback9-5-2018
19 Case: Headache
Preeclampsia and Eclampsia.
ED department. Your next patient 36 weeks gestations is coming because severe
headache. She has done antenatal care and she has been well. She notices some days ago
swelling of her feet.
Task
117
Take history
PE from examiner
Diagnosis to the patient.
Not sure if they asked about management but examiner asked me at the end.
Patient was lying on the bed. I forgot to ask vital signs before starting consultation. She
had severe headache for the last 3 hours, seeing lights and pain on epigastrium, she
noticed swelling on her legs for the last few days, baby was moving well no any bleeding
or fluid per vagina, no other symptoms. No any relevant personal or family medical
history. Patient has done all the antenatal care and everything has been well until now
that she came with severe headache. PE vital signs 180/110 positive findings: fundoscopy
was normal no papilledema, no abdominal tenderness, increased reflexes, and pitting
oedema in lower limbs present. Fetal heart was present, no uterine activity. Urine
dipstick: +++ protein. And patient started to convulse. I moved patient to resuscitation
area gave diazepam and called the registrar and then the examiner stop me and asked me:
which is your management now doctor? I explained all the management for eclampsia.
Passed. Global score 4
Feedback 19-7-2018
Station 10 : Headache (pre eclampsia turned into eclampsia) Pass
Total 5 key steps 4 yes 1 no Score : 5 5 6 5 overall 5
Case : 35/36 wks pregnant lady having headache since morning. All antenatals were
normal so
far .B.P was given outside which was 180 / something (quite high )
Tasks : hx ( for not more then 2 min )
Pefe, dx to pt , mx
When i entered lady was lying on a couch. I asked abt is she is stable enough to continue
with the tasks (yes) Started with calling for help , i/v cannula, basic
blds, nasal nefidpine spray and all emergency equipments in my hands .
Then i asked her abt if she is having this kind of headache fir the first time (migrain ?)
Right now she is having high bld pressure so is it for the first time (already a k/c of
Hypertension? ) asked abt trauma , any previous pregnancy.. any problems during this
pregnancy so far.is the baby kicking? Etc Then asked pefe ... all the abdominal then
pelvic examination n then hyper reflexia n clonus ,
opthalmoscopy. I forgot urine dipstix while asking pefe n remembered it while
Explaining dx to pt ... so asked later n then explained dx . While Explaining the lady had
a fit and became unconscious. So then told all the mx to examiner . Call for help , left
lateral recovery position etc . Admit her and will call seniors, do U/S + CTG , blds, start
her on i/v mgso4 or hydralazine.then
118
seniors will decide whether to observe her or proceed with the delivery.
Feedback 9-5-2018
2. Ed setting, 35 wks preg c/o headache. Lying on bed.
Task hx, pefe, explain pt, then mx > pre eclampsia turning to eclampsia , on pefe once BP
was 180/100 advised will send nurse to call obs register n another to put iv lines n
bloods... Then continued with rest of the pefe. While explaining the pt collapsed then
moved to DRSABC.. then the examiner asked what about seizure and what anti htn
midazolam n hydralzine
2 minutes outside- this maybe pre eclampsia, eclampsia, pregnancy induce hypertension,
trauma on the head. The matter of this question is the task. There is 2 minutes for history
only, PE ask from examiner, tell diagnosis and dd and management. This is really long
cases so i need to be care full. Reflex, urine for protein, 12 cranio nerve, Investigations
are needed even they did not ask.
Inside the room: the patient laid on the bed, she is pregnacy lady. I came in, ask Vital
signs, her BP is high, i try to stable her by medications and call the senior.( It took me 30
s for this) then i asked about pain questions, some questions about baby kicking and
complications of HELLP. Then I jumbed into PE. I checked her from head to toe
including all important point. Then i thanks to examiner and turn to patient to explain my
diagnosis. In the middle of this, patient had some abnormal movement, I did DRABCD,
give her diazepam and call for obstetric for Magiesium sulphate. I said about all
investigations including- blood goup, liver FT, plaplate, KFT, US, CTG, crossmatching..
Even i thown all of that out, the patient still have abnormal movement, i said i will
observer her and wait for my senior as the medication need time to acting. i will follow
her VS closely .I will call her family and explain the situation as well in case we need to
do CS for patient as this is the ultimte way to solve the eclampsia. Bell reng.
epigastrium) no dizzy no blurry vision leg swelling for 1 week. No other issues. Asked
fam hx it was negative.
Pefe. Asked everything as per KARENs.
Positive findings BP was high, papilloedma was there, tone inc, clonus positive, udr 3+
proteins.
Explained pre eclampsia, she made a bad face while I was explaining so I stopped and
asked her if she couldn’t understand anything , she said yeah I do understand its affecting
my kidneys and eyes now but what is it. I was confused what to say more but bell rang n
I came out of room.
Grade: pass
Global score: 6
2/4 key steps covered
Hx: 6
Choice and technique of ex: 6
Dx/ddx : 6
Feedback 25-10-2018
35 weeks of preg came with headache- pass( got 2 in history)
Task: history
Pefe
Diag/dd
I asked hd stability then took history- very short: like sortsara for headache, baby
movement, vision problems, migraine history.
Pefe as in handbook, got 5 for that
Dd said: protein in urine so preeclampsia, could b migraine. Cant remember other dd that
I may have said.
Feedback 5-12-2018
You are working as intern, 36 weeks old lady with right upper tummy pain, Leg swelling
when you saw her last week, All previous Checkup were normal and Investigation also.
Task
1 Take Hx
2 ask PEFE, exam will give u specific findings u want
3 Give Diagnosis and management
+ve- Headache, BOV, ankle edema, BP-180/110, Clonus and hyper-reflexia and UDS-4+
protein, Right upper quadrant pain, no bleeding/ discharge paravaginal.
120
Pt was sitting with her Rt hand on tummy. I introduced myself, nice to meet you. I
understand you have got some pain in tummy can you pls show exactly where it is?( she
indicated rt hypo chon. And epi. Gastrium) asked to rate pain. It was 6 or 7 out of 10. (I
did not offer pain medication as was confused about it). I took permission to ask q to
examiner. Asked examiner the vitals: BP 180/110,Resp normal, no fever. Told would like
to move to / rx room, give oral nifidipine, and per rectal Diaz, open iv line.
Then proceeded to hx taking: I have arranged initial mx for you. Will you be able to
answer if I ask few q?
HOPI Q: pain Q (SORTSARA- continuous dull aching for ½ an hr or 1 hr can’t
remember).
Ass symp q: Fever , rash , nausea , vomiting, BOV+ headache+, Leg swelling up to knee,
No discharge or bleeding down below, can feel baby kick, No other medical or sx
condition. (did not ask about ANC hx as in stem it was mentioned normal)
PEFE: general appearance: as you can see
Vitals: as before ( not changed)
GPE: Pickled (only edema upto knee, no jaundice or rash)
Then I said want to do focused abdominal exam: FH, Lie, presentation: normal. FHS:
normal, Rt hypc tenderness+, No tenderness or rigidity in other site, no Ut construction.
I want to do Full neurological exam: Examiner asked what you looking for? I asked about
tone, reflex clonus (hypertonia and clonus present), Fundoscopy- not available
Asked office test urine dipstick for protein +++
(did not ask about resp and cvs)
Turned to pt: Now X from hx and physical examination I think you are having a
condition called Preeclampsia where there is rise of BP with associated leakage of protein
in urine. let me explain to you (I draw the pic. ). Its womb and baby is attached to womb
with placenta. Now what happen is some chemicals are released from here ( I indicated
placenta) which may damage the lining of our blood channels in different parts of our
body. That’s why you are having pain in your tummy, headache and BOV. R you with
me? Now what I am concerned is it may turn to a complication called eclamsia means fits
while pregnancy which if occurs can be harmful to you and baby inside. Don’t worry, its
good that you came early. I am gonna immediately send you to tertiary hospital where
you will be managed my Sp obs. And MDT. They will They will give BP lowering meds
through your vein called hydralazine and fit preventing med called MG SO4.They will
frequently monitor your BP and urine and baby . if you or baby become unwell Sp may
do C/S. Bell rang. Don’t worry they will take good care of you. Thanked her and
examiner
Key step 12345: yes yes yes yes no,
HX 4
Choice and tech of exam: 5
DX/DDX: 4
MX: 3
121
6-General
-PMH (DM, hypertension, thyroid, epilepsy, chicken pox, German measles)
-PSH
-family history of miscarriages or birth defects
-are you aware of your blood group?
Prepregnancy
1-SNAP
-make sure you stick on healthy diet with no raw meat or unpasteurized dairy products,
no soft cheese.
-limit tea or coffee intake up to 2 cups a day. Avoid smoking and alcohol.
-Do regular exercise (30 minute/ day for 5 days/ week)
-maintain BMI within the normal range.
-all these life style measure need to continue even during pregnancy.
2-Examination
-need to do complete physical examination.
3-Investigations
I would like to do some tests like:
-FBC, UCE, LFT, BSL, blood group and RH, Vitamin D level
-chicken pox and German measles antibodies to look if your body has the power to fight
against these infections.
-Urine sample
-if HPV not up to date do one now.
*if you are not immunised against rubella and varicella then you need to be given
vaccination but make sure not to become pregnant within 4 weeks of these vaccination.
4-Folic acid
-I will start you on folic acid 0.5 mg to be take 3 months before and the 1st 3 months od
pregnancy
Pregnancy
1-Confirm the pregnancy
-stop the contraceptive when you are ready for pregnancy and inform me once you miss
your period.
-we will confirm your pregnancy by doing office test called urine pregnancy test amd
also blood tests.
-we will establish the date expected for delivery.
-if you were unsure about LMP we can arrange dating scan at 8 weeks.
2-Further Investigations
-FBC (Hg)/ BSL
123
3-ANC visits
-book you onto hospital which is a shared care that we usually give with GP, obstetrician
and Midwife.
-need to come for regular antenatal visits (once during 1st trimester, every 4 weeks till 28
weeks then every 2 weeks till 36 weeks then weekly till delivery.
-during each AN visit your weight and BP will be recorded and the baby will also be
looked for with Fundal height, fetal heart rate, lie and presentation.
-we will offer you Down syndrome screen in the first trimester, which is combined
Ultrasounds and blood tests.
-Routine Ultrasound at 18-20 weeks to give an idea regarding any birth defects, position
of placenta and fluid surrounding the baby. This Ultrasound will be repeated at 32-34
weeks.
-you start feeling baby kicks around 20 weeks when you can monitor your baby’s kick.
-sugar test will be done at 28 weeks to test for DM or high blood sugar during pregnancy.
Along with this FBC also will be done.
-Bug test at 36 weeks by taking a vaginal swab.
-just in case if your bay develop any complications you will be referred to high risk
pregnancy clinic with MDT
4-Advice
-it is advisable to take flu shot anytime during pregnancy and also whooping cough
vaccine for you and other family member after 28 weeks.
-it is normal to get a bit of leg swelling. Back pain and also as the pregnancy goes you
can feel a bit breathless.
-you can continue going to work even up to 1 week bedore date of delivery.
5-Rs
-review once blood tests results appear.
-reading materials (normal pregnancy and what to do once becoming pregnant)
-folic acid prescription
124
Feedback 4-7-2018
22 yr lady with irregular periods 4-8wk interval
LMP 9wks ago, home preg+ve
PAP-10/12 ago-normal
Clinic visit in 2/12
Task Ix you order
How do you manage her until clinic visit
No hx/Ex
Ix-
Confirm POA-bhcg
Blood-FBC/Fe studies/bld gp & Ab/TFT/vitD/B12
Serology-Rubella/VZ/hepatits/HIV/syphilis
Urine-m/c/s, Chlamydia/gonorrhoea PCR
u/sscan-dating scan at 7/52 dp on bhcg & confirm intrauterine pregnancy
screening T1 combined screening( blood & scan), non invasive prenatal screening, T2
screening-explained in brief
Mx-diet-what to eat & what not to eat-eg soft cheese/ exercise/smoking/alcohol- just
asked 1-2 Q
Avoid pets/litter
Supplement-folic acid/multivitamin
Dps on Ix-act accordingly
Managing Morning sickness-
126
Recall 12-7-2018
Long stem for 27 y old, period every 7 -8 weeks LMP 9 weeks ago, no significant finding
in the stem, recently +ve home pregnancy test, the next anenatal in the antenatal clinic 2
months from now counsel the pt. about Invx Management until the coming antenatal
visit!
64-HRT Counselling
Case 1
You are at your GP when 53 year old Mary presents to you. She has come to you to
discuss about HRT.
TASKS
-Focused history
-Counsel regarding HRT
History
1-Approach
-I can see from the notes that you are here requesting for HRT. Can you tell me why?
2-Indications Questions
Vasomotor symptoms:
-Are you experiencing hot flushes, heavy sweating?
Psychological:
-Are you having mood changes, sleep disturbances, depression?
Somatic symptoms:
-any muscle aches and pains? Any bone pain? Any history of fractures?
Reproductive symptoms
-Any vaginal dryness, itchiness, discharge?
Urinary symptoms
-Any burning or stinging while passing urine? Do you have to go to toilet more
frequently? Do you fell any lump downbelow?
-bowel motions along with it
history of osteoporosis
3-5Ps questions for old women
menopause (as period)
-At what age did you have your menopause?
127
Counselling
-Look Mary why you have menopausal symptoms is due to lack of hormone estrogen. As
after menopause, the ovaries shut down producing very low levels of estrogen and no
progesterone at all.
-HRT has both estrogen and progesterone in it and this will replace the lost estrogen and
progesterone added to estrogen to prevent the thickening of the endometrium or the inner
lining of your womb.
-HRT is usually a combination of both estrogen and progesterone so it can carry some
risks: can lead to DVT or increased clotting tendency in your veins, stroke, breast cancer
(especially if you use it for more than 3 years), womb and ovarian cancer, and gallbladder
disease.
-The benefits of HRT is that it can relieve all menopausal symptoms, and can make your
bone strong and protects against fractures. Also, give some protection against bowel
cancer it is found that there is a possible decrease in the incidence of Alzheimer's and
other forms of dementia.
-Before starting HRT, I need to do full examination looking for your general health and
reproductive health. Need to record you BMI and BP. Examine your lungs and heart and
do pelvic examination as well.
-I need to do certain blood tests like FBE, UEC, LFT, BSL, TFT, lipid profile.
-Mammogram and HPV should be up to date
128
-you need to take a continuous combined HRT, which is estrogen and progesterone to be
taken in continuous way. You can take it orally preferably the same time every day or
patches.
- Side effects of HRT:
-Nausea, headache, breast tenderness, blotting
-breakthrough bleeding: Usually settles in 3-6 months' time
-Review every 6 months
-will try to stop it in 2 years and no more than 5 years
-lifestyle modifications: exposure to sunlight avoiding peaking hours, diet rich in
calcium, regular exercise
Note/There are different methods for giving HRT. HRT can be given in 3 separate ways:
-Estrogen only HRT: this is given if the patient had hysterectomy already
-Cyclic/Sequential HRT: if the patient is menopausal for up to 1 year, or perimenopausal
Give estrogen continuously for 28 days, add progestogen from 14th day to 28th day of
cycle.
Once you stop this, the patient will have withdrawal bleeding
-Continuous combined HRT: if the patient is menopausal for more than 1 year
Estrogen and progesterone for 28 days
She will not get a bleed at all
Case 2 (AMC Case)
You are GP, 52 year old lady come for requesting HRT. Her LMP was 18 mths ago.
Task
-Take relevant HO
-The examiner will give u PE findings on card
-Explain patient initial management and investigations that u want to do
History
1-Approach
-I can see from the notes that you are here requesting for HRT. Can you tell me why?
(My friends recommended it to me)
2-Indications Questions
Vasomotor symptoms:
-Are you experiencing hot flushes, heavy sweating? (No)
Psychological:
-Are you having mood changes, sleep disturbances, depression? (No)
Somatic symptoms:
-any muscle aches and pains? Any bone pain? Any history of fractures? (No)
Reproductive symptoms
-Any vaginal dryness, itchiness, discharge? (Yes dryness and itchiness)
Urinary symptoms
-Any burning or stinging while passing urine? Do you have to go to toilet more
129
Counselling
-I finished examination and I could not find anything serious. Your BP is OK; breast
exam is fine, Heart and lungs normal
-look Mary, HRT is a hormone replacement therapy, which contains two hormones
estrogen and progesterone. This is usually given if you have clear indications of some of
menopausal symptoms like hot flushes, sweating, and mood changes.
-HRT never prescribed without clear indications as it can carry many risks like increased
clotting tendency in your veins, stroke, breast cancer, womb and ovarian cancer, and
gallbladder disease.
-at this time, it is better not to start you on HRT because of its risks.
-Just in case you develop any indications, we will be happy to start you on HRT if you do
not have any contraindications for it. And after complete examination and investigation.
-from the history you most likely have atrophic vagina means the lining of you vagina is
dry and thin most likely due to lack of hormone estrogen. As after menopause, the
ovaries shut down producing very low levels of hormones, which are essential to
maintain the lining of the vagina healthy. That is most likely why u have dry vagina and
pain during sex and need to use lubricants.
For that, I can give u Oestrogen creams.
I need to run some Investigation as well to check your general health
-I need to do certain blood tests like FBE, UEC, LFT, BSL, TFT, lipid profile.
-Mammogram and HPV should be up to date
-From examination, it looks that your body weight, is higher than it should be. I would
like you to follow some life style measures
S - Smoking avoided
N - Nutrition : take balance diet. I can get involve dietician who can give u proper diet
plan to help u lose wt.
A - Avoid alcohol if possible
P - Physical exercise: do regular exercise at least 30 min per day, 5 days per week.
I can refer you to dietician.
Reading materials and review after Ix.
Feedback (22/2/2017)
You are GP, 52 year old lady come for requesting HRT. Her LMP was 18 mths ago.
Tasks
Take relevant HO
The examiner will give u PE findings on card
131
What about ur mammogram? (I haven’t done it before) Any bulging from u down below?
(No)
General health, SADMA - all clear
Thank you Samantha for ur information. I like to go to examiner for some findings and I
ll get back to u soon. Then, the role player flipped over the paper which is already on the
table. It includes all PE findings.
PE findings (a long list full of one page, I cant remember all)
GA - well. BMI - 30, Vital signs - All stable.
CVS, Resp, Abdomen, Breast - all normal
VE - Dry atrophic vagina, all clear on BME.
Management with pt
Well, Samantha, according to HO and PE findings, I didn’t find anything that is serious.
Your BP is OK, breast exam is fine. Heart and lungs normal. And I didn’t see any
conditions we need to start u on HRT. U dun have any menopausal symptoms like hot
flushes, night sweats, irritable mood, right? (RP nodded her head). So, at this moment, u
dun need any HRT. But what I am a bit concerned is ur body wt which is higher than it
should be. So, I like u to stick to life style measures which can be memorized by
beautiful short form : SNAP (I wrote down SNAP on paper)
S - Smoking avoided
N - Nutrition : take balance diet. I can get involve dietician who can give u proper diet
plan to help u lose wt.
A - Avoid alcohol if possible
P - Physical exercise : do regular exercise at least 30 min per day, 5 days per week.
So far, do u understand my explantion. (Yes, Dr)
Ok, another thing is lining of ur down below is dry and thin coz of menopause. In
menopause, female hormones are no longer produced from ovaries which are essential to
maintain ur lining of down below to be healthy. That’s why u have pain during sex and
need to use lubricants. For that, I ll give u oestrogen creams to apply ur down below.
Are u with me so far? (Yep) What else do u want to know? (What else should I know?)
Ok. Let me check ur profile again (I read the PE findings again and read the tasks.
OMG!!!, I am about to miss one task which is investigations)
At the same time the bell rang. I told quickly that I will check female hormone levels in
ur blood and imaging of ur tummy called USG (I couldn’t tell about pap smear, other
blood tests, mammogram)
Then examiner told me “Thank you, Dr. U can go out now”
AMC Feedback - Menstrual complaint : Pass (Global Score - 4)
Approach to patient - 4
133
History - 5
Counseling/Education - 4
Feedback (29/11/2017)
( Feedback – Menstrual complaint!!)
You are GP, 52 year old lady come for requesting HRT. Her LMP was 18 mths ago.
Tasks - Take relevant HO
- The examiner will give u PE findings on card
- Explain patient initial management and investigations that u want to do
History taking
Greeting
Dr, I want to know if I can take HRT
Ok, what is ur concern to take HRT? (My friends recommended it to me)
Alright, let me ask u a couple of questions in order to know if u are suitable candidate for
HRT. (Sure Dr)
Menopausal symptoms
Physical : At the moment, do u have any night sweats, tiredness and hot flushes?
(No)
Psycho : Do u think ur mood is irritable and easily get angry? (No)
Urinary : Any burning pain when u pass urine? Do u need to pass it more frequently?
(No)
Genital : Any itchiness and dryness in ur down below? (Yes), I wanna ask u sensitive
and private Q, is that ok for u? (Yep). Are u sexually active (yep). Are u in stable
relationship (Yep). Do u have pain during sex intercourse (yep Dr. I need to use a
lot of lubricants for sex)
Alright, I see. We ll fix that problem surely.
Musculoskeletal : Any aches and pain? (No)
(4B- Bone, Breast, Bowel, Bladder, 2p- Prolapse, Post menopausal s/s)
CI for HRT
- Have u ever been Dx with CA, uterus breast? (No)
- I understand that ur LMP was 18 mths ago. Do u have any bleeding from down
below after that? (No). Did u notice any mass in ur tummy? (RP : what’s that Dr?
seems like she doesn’t know the term mass) Ok, any lumps or bumps in ur
tummy? (No)
- Any liver problem before like yellow coloration of skin and urine? (No)
- Any previous heart ds or heart attack? (No)
- Any Stroke?
- Any HTN?
- Any SLE?
- Any migraine HA? (No)
- Any blood clotting problems before? (No)
- ‐ Contraindications of HRT:
- o Estrogen-dependent tumor (endometrial,
- breast cancer)
- o Recurrent thromboembolism
134
Case 3
Another case: patient has clear indications for HRT, but patient had breast cancer 10
years back, fully treated
135
Case 4
47 year old Jane is your next patient at your GP. She has come to you to discuss the
136
options of starting HRT. She is on combined oral contraceptives for the past 5 years.
TASKS
-Further relevant history
-Counsel accordingly
History
1-approach and why (menopausal symptoms)
2-HRT indications questions (+ve)
3-5Ps questions
-LMP and regularity
-Stable relationship/ STI
-Pregnancy
-type of pill, since how long, any SE
-HPV and mammogram
4-HRT contraindications questions
5- PMH and PSH and lifestyle
Note/ As long as the patient is on combined OCPs, usually they do not get menopausal
symptoms, and if they do, it is during the dummy pill period. But if the patient on
combined OCPs get menopausal symptoms, it tells you that the estrogen content in the
pill is not sufficient to replace the loss of estrogen that she is having.
Note/ Normally, the option here is to increase to high dose COC. BUT never increase the
dose if the patient is perimenopausal. If she is and she presents with perimenopausal
symptoms on combined pills, stop her on combined pills, estimate her hormones
(FSH, LH, estrogen --usually FSH is the main predictor of menopause; FSH and LH
high, estrogen is low), then start her on HRT and advice on alternative method of
contraception like condoms.
Counselling
-describe what HRT is
-what OCP is
-tell her that the estrogen of the OCP is not enough to cover the loss that is why you have
these symptoms.
-we need to stop OCP and start you on HRT
-explain risks of HRT
-need to do complete physical examination, basic Ix and hormonal essay especially FSH
-prescribe cyclical or sequential HRT and tell all side effects
-IMPORTANT: tell that HRT is not a contraception so you need to use alternative
methods of contraception.
-lifestyle modifications
-reading materials
137
-HRT is hormone replacement therapy where we replace the hormones that become
deficient as you go towards menopause, and also after menopause. The symptoms that
you are having is due to a decrease in the secretion of estrogen from the ovaries, as the
ovaries start to become less functional as you go towards menopause, and this estrogen is
replaced by HRT.
-Even though the combined pills contain estrogen, the estrogen in the pill does not
replace the estrogen that is deficient from your body.
-At this age, we do not recommend you to be shifted to a high dose combined OCPs.
What we can do however is to stop the combined OCPs that you are currently taking, and
start you on HRT instead as you have clear indications, and no contraindications.
-But I must also advise you that HRT carries multiple risks. It can lead to
thromboembolic disease or increased clotting in your veins, stroke, womb cancer or
endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and also gallbladder disease.
-The benefits of HRT are: you can get rid of perimenopausal symptoms, decreases the
incidence of bowel cancer, and there is a possible decrease in the incidence of
Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
- Blood tests including hormones need to be done like FBE, UEC, LFT, BSL, lipid
profile, FSH, LH, and estrogen levels.
-After a complete physical examination and a pelvic examination, I will start you on HRT
on a cyclical or sequential manner. Taking the menstrual cycle for 28 days, we will put
you on continuous estrogen, and progestogens during the last 14 days, and after finishing
the progestogens, you will expect to have withdrawal bleeding.
-You may experience a bit of nausea, abdominal bloating, headaches, and breast
tenderness, and sometimes a breakthrough bleed.
-We may stop you on HRT once you become cleared of the symptoms, and it is usually
advisable to take HRT for only 2 years, and by any chance not more than 5 years.
-HRT cannot act as a method of contraception, so you need to use alternate methods of
contraception like condoms.
-I will give you reading materials regarding HRT for further insight and I will arrange a
review with you regularly.
138
Case 5
Another case: She is on combined pill, no symptoms of menopause, she is coming to you
for HRT because her friends tell her that you feel more feminine if you start on HRT.
Counselling
-describe what HRT is, indications and risks
-at present you have no indications so we cannot start you on HRT.
-Ask her to go on with the COC and stop the combined COC at 50 years old. If she has
no periods after that, she is menopausal. If she is getting irregular periods, estimate her
hormones (FSH, LH, estrogen) and then at that time, if she has clear indications with no
contraindications, you start her on HRT.
-If she is menopausal after 50 years, always ask her to use alternative methods of
contraception like condoms for 1 year after menopause.
-If she attains menopause before 50 years, she needs to use condoms for 2 years.
-As from the information that you have given me, there are no indications in you to be
started on HRT. The indications for HRT are when you experience perimenopausal
symptoms like mood changes, irritability, sleep disturbances, muscle aches and pains,
history of bone fractures, vaginal dryness, burning or itching, and problems with your
water works.
-HRT should always be started with caution, as there are lots of risks associated with
HRT. The risks are…
-Because of these risks, HRT is never started if there are no clear indications for it. HRT
will never act as a contraceptive.
-What is advisable this time is that you continue on your combined pills if you are
comfortable with that, until 50 years of age. After then, you can stop your pills, because
as long as you're on the pills, you will go on getting your periods, and we will not know
whether you've hit menopause or not. Once you stop the pills by 50 years old and if you
do not get your periods anymore, that could mean that you are already menopausal.
However, if you get irregular bleeds after stopping the pill, and there are indications in
you for HRT, we will estimate your hormones like FSH, LH, and estrogen. If FSH, LH
are high and estrogen is low, that means that you are menopausal, and at that time if you
have no contraindications for HRT like…, we can consider starting you on HRT with
your informed consent. We will do a full physical examination and pelvic examination on
you before we start you on HRT. Make sure that your pap smear and mammogram is up
to date as well by doing it every 2 years. It is advisable to use alternate methods of
contraception like condoms for 1 year after menopause, if the menopause happens after
50 years of age.
-I will give you reading materials regarding HRT for further insight and I will arrange a
review with you regularly.
139
Feedback 22-6-2018
10. 52 yo patient with no periods for the last 18months coming in to consult for HRT.
Task:
hx,
PEFE ( PE card given),
Explain to pt what you found,
ask for any necessary investigations and mx.
Approach
Greeted patient
Open ended question
She said her friends are tsking HRT so she came in for advice
I told her that It is therapy that is not required for every post menopausal women as there
are certain side effects of these medications.
I will asses her situation first and then will advice on that
Confidentiality
Asked about Hot flush, night sweats, sleeping problem, mood changes, dryness or
discharge from down below ( all neg) asked about sexually active or not, post coital
bleed, dyspareunia
Past hx or family hx of breast, womb or ovary cancer
Past or family hx of fractures
Any co-morbidities
Any lumps, bumps or unintentional weightloss.
Asked about screening tests like Pap’s done or not ( 5 years ago) so mentioned will
arrange a HPV screen for her
Asked about mammogram (not done) said will arrange
Asked SADMA
Past hx of any known medical illness
PEFE—showed card
Very detailed
Positive was for atrophic vaginitis and cystocele
So I mentioned I will arrange for all the screening tests to be done. (Mentioned HPV
screen, Mammogram, Asked about any heaviness or bulging down below or any
involuntary dribbling of urine she said no
Then explained as she has no indications she is not a candidate for HRT. Explained
atrophic vaginitis and said will give local estrogen cream and jelly to use during
intercourse.
140
66-Lichen sclerosis
Michelle, a 54 year old lady is you next patient at your GP. She complaint of severe
itching in her vulva for the past 2 months.
TASKS
Further relevant history
Examination findings from examiner
Investigations
Management
Differential Diagnoses
1-Atrophic vaginitis / menopause
2-Infections/ candidiasis/ UTI
3-Lichen sclerosis
4-Skin conditions (Dermatitis, Eczema, Psoriasis) / Skin allergies due to cosmetics or
undergarments
5-Diabetes/ Steroids
History
1-Itchiness questions
open ended question
-I can see that you are complaining of itching in your vulva can you tell me more about
it?
Onset & duration
-for how long have you had itching in your vulva? (past 2 months)
-has it started suddenly? Is it constant or does it come and go? Is it getting worse?
(continuous, worsening)
-has this happened before?
Site
-is there itching anywhere else?
Severity
- do you think it is interfering with your daily activities?
- does the itching affect your sleep?
Aggravating and relieving.
-Does anything make it better or worse?
2-Differential diagnosis
- Do you have any bleeding or discharge from you vagina? (Atrophic vaginitis/
candidiasis)
- Any colour changes over your private area? (lichen sclerosis)
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4- Abdomen
-Visible distention, any mass?
-Palpate for any mass, tenderness (soft and non-tender)
5- Pelvic exam (with the consent of the patient and presence of a chaperone)
Inspection of the vulva and vagina:
-visible discharge, any bleed?
-Any other skin lesions? (White, shiny, wrinkled plaques in the vulva and perivaginal
areas in a laced-like pattern) ask specifically if not given by examiner
Inspection of the anal area:
is there any lesions, excoriation marks, plaques?
Speculum exam:
- is the cervix healthy or not? Any discharge or bleed?
-Does the vagina appear thin or atrophic?
Per vaginal exam:
-uterus size and tenderness (normal, no tenderness),
-adnexal mass and tenderness
6-Office tests:
UDT, BSL (rule out diabetes)
Investigations
- FBE, UEC
- TFT (autoimmune thyroiditis)
- refer to specialist for multiple punch biopsy (critical error)
Explanation (4C)
Condition
From the history and examination, most likely you have a condition called lichen
sclerosis. It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It is not infection or contagious.
Clinical feature
this usually presents with severe itching and causes white, wrinkled plaques in your
genital area.
Cause
Exact cause is unknown but thought to be an autoimmune disease. The immune system of
your body usually protects the body against infections, but in autoimmune conditions, the
system can get confused, and it starts attacking your own body cells rather than
protecting it.
Complication
It can result to scar formation and it can join up with the surrounding genital skin leading
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Management
-You needs to be seen by the specialist because the multiple punch biopsy needs to
be done.
-the treatment is with local steroid creams which you need to apply twice daily for the
first one month then once daily for the second month and then depending upon your
response the strength and number of applications can be reduced.
You need to be put on a maintenance therapy of a lifelong 1-2 applications per
week.
-If not responding to steroids, we can use retinoids or ultraviolet therapy.
- When do you go for surgery?
If there is scar formation or adhesions, and also if there is any malignant change or
cancer.
-maintain a good genital hygiene
-keep your HPV and mammogram up to date
-you needs to be on a lifelong surveillance because of the malignant change to begin
with 6 monthly intervals, and then annually.
- Red flags: in case you experience any bleeding, abnormal discharge, or if the itching is
becoming worse, please report back.
- I will arrange a review with you in around 1 monthtime and see how you are doing.
- I will give you reading materials for lichen sclerosis.
Is it due to menopause?
Lichen sclerosis has nothing to do with menopause. It is an autoimmune condition, not
associated with any hormones. It can happen at any age, not only in menopause.
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….For the exam, the roleplayer may tell you that she's been having this for one year. She
has seen some doctors who have prescribed her with vaginal estrogen creams which is
not helping. (estrogen cream is for atrophic vaginitis)
Feedback 5-7-2018
77 years old lady present with itching.
Task: 1- hx
2- PE from the examiner
3- management plan
Outside the station I thought it’s the recall of lichen sclerosis, however I thought about
ddx (allergy, DM, STD, atrophic vaginitis and vulvar CA). when I entered a nice old lady
is sitting on the chair.
I introduced myself and start taking hx: for how long? Continuous or intermittent (was
continuous)? Anything makes it worse or better (nothing)? Any discharge (none)?
Any problem with water work (none) Any Hx of recurrent UTI or vaginal infection
(none)?
Any Hx of DM (no)? any discharge(no)? Any lump from below?
Any change in wt or appetite(no)?
Last LMP (I think she says 20 years ago and no bleeding since that time)?
Any HRT ( I think she said yes for 2 years I’m not sure)? Not sexually active?
I asked for 4 B (bone, breast, bladder, bowel) and 2 p (post-menopausal symptoms and
prolapse)? Pap smear (not done)?
Any Hx of STD? SADMA
The examiner gave me a picture of lichen sclerosis and asked me to describe, I said the
pic showed the valvular, perineal and anal area of a lady, there is redness and
scratch marks on both sides of labia with some white patches.
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I turned to my pt, told her there is a lot of possibilities, the most likely one is lichen
sclerosis, I drew a diagram and tell her its autoimmune disease where the immune system
in our body which originally fight infection, start to attack certain parts of the body in ur
condition, the skin of vulva. Reassure the pt its not infection and not a cancer.
Start her on steroid cream with follow up if unresponsive refer to gynecologist.
Need to be treated sometimes nasty growth (cancer) develop in scaring tissue. Other less
likely causes infection, allergy and atrophic vaginitis (she asked about that and I explain)
Passes: global score 5
Feedback 5-7-2018
a 77 year old female c/o itchy vulva for long duration
Task
Relevant historyf
Examination finding from the examiner
Explain condition to the patient
The rash has been there for many years, when asked she said she tried estrogen cream
and fungal cream but did not help her. No other positive finding I could elicit.
Asked for vaginal discharge – no
Urine problems –no
LOW, LOA, lumps or bumps? – NO
Itching anywhere else? - no
Any soaps or anything you put down below? – she said she washes with non-soaps.
5 P’s > menapaused, no partner, no HRT or pill, no children.
SADMA > no medication, occasional alcohol. .. no medical or surgical condition done.
On examination , the examiner gave a pic of the vulva and asked me to describe it. I said
so this is urethra, this is vagina, labia majora and minora, this is anus .. I can see
scratching mark, redness, some white and purple discoloration along with purple
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papules… the skin looks thin. This is lichen planus or sclerosus ( I don’t know if
there is difference!!)
(explanation: define / cause / risk / complication / prognosis)
I explained to the patient that this is lichen sclerosis. Its likely an autoimmune condition,
common in older people. Loss of hormones could be a cause.
Risks of becoming a nasty growth (she asked what is nasty growth?) – I told her:
cancer. She said (OH). I told yes that could happen that’s why I want to make sure that
you’re ok so I’ll refer you to a gynaecologist to take a biopsy and check if everything is
okay. How about that? – tes doctor.
I can give you some steroids and calamine lotion for the time being to lessen the
scratching and try not to scratch because that irritates the skin further.
Wear loose cottor undies and make sure the area is clean.
I will give you some reading material and hope to see you soon in 2 weeks to see if
everything is ok.
Feedback 5-12-2018
77 years old lady with itchy vulva,
Task
1 History taking
2 examiner will give picture
3 Describe the photo to examiner and give him ur provisional dx on the picture
4 Tell Dx to patient and manage her accordingly.
D/D atrophic vaginitis, Lichen sclerosis, Infections (candidiasis, Bact vaginosis, Eczema
Psoriasis, Allergies
Approach: greetings, How are you feeling right now? Would be asking some personal q
Is that Ok? Positives in HX: Pt is having itching for 2 yrs. previously managed my local
estrogen, lubricants. She does not know any specific dx for that.(Can’t remember now rx
worked for he or not).She mentioned of some bleeding probably from scratching). No
constitutional s/s of Cancer. No discharge down below. Mammogram was normal PAP
was normal. No sex activity. Examiner gave a big photo of vulva and asked to describe
that.
HX :
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HOPI Q: Pt is having itching for 2 yrs. previously managed my local estrogen, lubricants.
She does not know any specific dx for that.
Associated symp Q: No pain, no fever, no ulcer or discharge, No itchiness in anywhere
else, No rash she thinks (she mentioned she can’t see there properly). She mentioned of
some bleeding probably from scratching)
DD Q: No allergy,. Have not applied any creams or perfume No dryness down below, no
incontinence, Any other skin cond. in her or family like eczema or psoriasis, No lumps or
bumps or wt. loss.
5P and menopausal Q: Menopause 20 yrs ago. Have not been sexually active for long. No
menopausal syndrome or use of HRT, Up-to-date with mammogram and PAP.
Went to second task: Told examiner want to do focused pelvic examination. Examiner
gave me photograph and asked to describe what I can see._ there was shiny wrinkled skin
and some whitish plaque in vulvar area with no ulcers or discharge, most probable dx is
lichen sclerosis of vulva. Asked for speculum exam. Examiner said rest are normal or
said unavailable – can’t remember. Then asked me to talk to Pt.
3rd task: Described Lichen sclerosis, in 5C manner (condition, clinical features,
Commonality, cause, coarse, complication)
Will refer to gynecologist for confirmation with punch biopsy. Reassured her its quite
manageable, also told unfortunately it’s a chronic condition need lifelong surveillance.
Rx: initially gym will start steroid 2 times daily for 1 month and then 1nce daily for 2nd
month. Then depending on response dose will be reduced. Even after control she need to
continue application for 1 or twice a week for life long. We call it maintenance therapy.
(Did not mentioned about SX, or UV therapy or retinoid)
Advised about good genital hygiene, regular HPV and mammogram. And lifelong
surveillance 6 monthly for 1 year and then yearly.
Key steps 1234: No yes, yes, yes
Approach to pt : 5
HX: 4
Accuracy of the examination: 5
Dx/ DD:5
Management:5
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71-OCP request
Sample case/ Your next patient at your GP is a 19 year old, university student Jessica,
asking you for a prescription of oral pills, as she is now planning to become sexually
active.
TASKS
Focused relevant history.
Examination findings from examiner.
Counsel the patient accordingly.
History
-Hi Jessica, I'm Dr----- one of the GPs of the clinic, how can I help you with today? (Well
doctor, I'm going to Uni soon, and I'm considering starting on oral contraceptive pills.)
Only 5 P’s Questions
period
-When was your last menstrual period? (3 weeks ago.)
-Are they regular? (yes)
-how many days of bleeding and how many days apart? (28 days cycle)
-any pain or heavy bleeding during menstruation? any pain in between the periods? (Just
moderate, and no problems with periods or bleeding in between periods.)
Sexual history
-Have you been sexually active before? Do you have a stable partner? (No, I haven't.
But my boyfriend and I are going to Uni together)
(If yes, do a urine PT to confirm if patient is not pregnant at the moment)
Pregnancy (not relevant)
Gardasil vaccine
Have you received the Gardasil vaccine? (Yes, I received 3 shots of that already)
Pill (Contraindications to OCPs)
BC (bleeding, clot)
MSHL (migraine, stroke, heart, liver)
BOW (breast, ovary, womb)
DDH (diabetes, depression, hypertension)
SAD (smoking, alcohol, drugs)
- any abnormal vaginal bleeding? (Bleeding), any history of clotting in the veins of legs?
(Clot)
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2-Dose
(TAKE PILL PACK)
In a pill pack, there are 28 pills, 21 are hormonal pills, 7 are sugar-coats or dummy pills.
Starting taking the hormonal pill from the 1st day of your next period, 1 pill a day, at
the same time everyday.
-Continue the hormonal pills for 21 days and then on starting the sugar pills, you get your
periods.
-However if you want to start taking the pill right away without waiting for your next
period, you may, but use alternate methods like condoms for 7 days.
3-Side effects (minor and major)
While taking the pill, you may experience side effects such as:
-Minor SE like nausea and vomiting, abdominal bloating and breast tenderness.
-Breakthrough bleeding or bleeding in between periods will usually settle in 3-4
months.
-Major side effects such as DVT, stroke and MI could happen but are rare with low dose
pills, such as what you will be taking.
4-Advantages
Advantages of the pill include:
- periods become more regular, lighter and shorter.
- There is less dysmenorrhea.
- There is decreased incidence of benign breast lumps and pelvic inflammatory diseases,
- decreased incidence of endometrial and ovarian cancer, and thyroid disorders.
5-Disadvantages
However, you must remember that OCPs do not protect against sexually
transmitted infections, so you must use condoms along with it just in case you're
concerned about STIs.
6-Missed pill (imp)
-there will be a leaflet that come with the pills
-if you missed a pill of less than 24 hours just take the recently missed pill As soon as
you remember and keep going with the rest even if it means taking 2 pills on the same
day.
-if you miss a pill for more than 24 hours, take the recently missed pill and just keep
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going with the rest even if it means taking 2 pills on the same day.
-If you keep going with the rest, and the dummy pill period falls within 7 days of missing
the pill, skip taking the dummy pills and start the hormonal pills from the next pack. This
will mean that you will miss having your periods. Alternate methods of contraception like
condoms should be used for 7 days after missing the pill.
-I will give you reading materials for your further information, and if you experience
any problems with the pill, report back to me.
-Remember to do a pap smear every 2 years.
-I will review you in 3 months time, and then yearly after that. Do you have any
questions at this point?
Feedback 7-9-2018
Station 20 – OCP request – PASS
OCP counseling
- 15 –year-old girl , wants to get OCPills , as gonna have sexual relationsh with her
boyfriend aged 16-year-old , at the same school ,
Not getting along with her parents, but living with her grandmom. LMP – 10 days ago .
Task:
1. ask history ( 4 minutes )
- explain about the patient’s age and explain about the definition of Minor for
contraceptive pills
Ask about absolute and relative CI to COC pills
- all normal
- understanding of attitude to the pregnancy , understanding about the pills MOA after
explanation
2. Focus PEFE ( Specifically ) – ask about breast lumps, BP , hepatomegaly , Jaundice ,
UDS - all normal this task 2 , ask about secondary sexual characteristic – examiner
slowly mention that tanner stage 2 , pubarche – normal , adrenarche for axillary hair -
normal for age
- I don’tknow what I need to ask for this PEFE for OCP,
2. Provide counseling to the patient
- explain the eligibility to the pills , but encourage to involve with family members esp:
with nana .
( Patient said that , in next visit, she would try to visit me with nana – okay doctor ? )
explain MOA and before explanation about miss pills, diarrhea – bell rang
- so quickly explain about need to know miss pills and vomiting – examiner said that –
relax – time’s up
Feedback – Contraception request – Pass
Global score – 4
Key step 1 to 3 – YES
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Key step 4 – NO
Approach – 4
History – 5
Examination , sequence – 5
Patient counseling/education – 4
FEEDBACK-PASS
Global score: 5
Key steps: 4/4
Approach to pt: 5
HX: 5
Choice of technique of examination, organisation and sequence: 5
Patient counselling: 5
2mint thinking-
5P, Partner's age, contraindication for OCP, missed pill, follow up after 3 months. Red-
flags. side effects of ocp.
There was an smiling young girl sitting on the chair. after introducing myself, I said
confidentiality. I said I am very glad that you are here to ask for OCP. I'll give you all the
information that you need, but I need to ask few personal questions as well. Would it be
alright with you? (YES) Have you talked about this to your parents? to your granny?
(No) How older is your boyfriend?(16) Is he your family relative or teacher by any
chance? (no, my senior in school) Have you started sexual relationship yet?(no) How
much do you know about OCP? ( Pills, need to take every day, got info from internet)
Well, I'm going to ask you a bit embarrassing question now, tell me what could happen if
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you haven't used any contraception? ( She smiled and said pregnancy) I smiled and said
good. Now tell me what else is associated with unprotected sex? She became confused
and looked at examiner I guess. Then, I said, have you ever heard about Sexual
Transmitted Infections? Then, She smiled at me and said no. I said , no problem, I'll
make sure that at the end of this conversation you will know all info.
Now, I ask about her periods(2 weeks back), any bleeding, pain, discharge, gardsil
vaccine, any pregnancy symptoms? any medical problem?
Contraindication of OCP- migraine, spotting, liver problem, clotting problem, fx of
cancers.
Then I said her that I'm going to talk to my examiner and will come back to you soon.
I asked examiner-
VITALS- all, especially BP
BMI
PICKLED
Any abnormality in breast
Hepatomegaly
Pelvic exam with presence of a chaperon - any discharge? Hymen intact? (IF NO- then
PT )
thanked him.
I said to her, Okay Jenny, everything seems normal to me and I'll prescribe you OCP.
There's a starter pack available to make it more convenient for you . I draw a rectangle
box and said there is a red line in the starter pack. You will start from this line and 7
tablets are included in this red block. This medication will be effective after 7 tablets.
There are 21 hormonal pills and 7 sugar or iron pills. They usually change your female
hormone level in your body to prevent pregnancies. You have to take this medicine every
day, preferably at the same time. Make a specific time, such as 9 o'clock in the morning
or at night. Make sense? (yes).
Now, you must be thinking what if I missed a pill? Right? (She smiled at me). I started to
explain if one pill within 12 hours- no problem, take it as soon as you remember. More
than 48 hours, any vomiting, diarrhoea- Use condom. Any unprotected sex - go to
pharmacy for emergency contraception.
Always use condom to protect yourself from any STI.
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Then, I ask her to repeat all the info I just said. She did.
I said, any time you feel headache, unwell, yellowish discolouration, spotting- come back
to me.
I will give you all reading materials, give it a read. Come back to me after 3 months for
some blood tests.(LFT) I would like to talk with your boyfriend as well if you are okay
with it. She said alright.
I did finish every points in time in this case. I was worried for my time mx about this case
but I did it.
doesn't have good relationship with her parents, she used to live with her grand
mother but recently move out to live with her BF. She doesn't have any known healt
issue and her last check up with regular GP was 6 months ago and everything was
normal. Her immunisation is up to date. You are seeing this pt for the first time.
Your task is to
1. Take further history from the pt to assess the competency of the pt regarding
OCP use. ( you should spend no more than 4 mins in this task)
2. PEFE from the examiner ( examiner will only give findngs of what you have asked
for)
3. Consel the pt accordingly.
The pt was a teenager and she was not helpful. She didn't wanna talk much , she
just
wanted the script and go. So I explained her that yes I will give you the script but we
need to
follow some protocol as you are 15 years old. So I will ask you some questions and then I
will
explain everything and then give you the script. She agreed with that.
So I asked all past Hx, surgical history, O&G history, recent infection, breast ca history,
Migrain,
SADMA, 5PS all were normal.
On PEFE I asked GA, BMI, Vital signs, Breast , abdomen, Pelvic examination, Urine
deepstick,
ecg and BSL
Explained her that you can qualify for OCP as you are living independently and your BF
is just 1
year older than you. Then I was running out of time. So i rushed and quickly told her
what to do
if she misses the pill in different days of her cycle. I didn't talk about how to take the pill
as it was given in the stem that she knows how to use it. I told that it will prevent
conception but not STI so you still have to use condom for that. But I forgot to check her
understanding as I was rushing. Then talked about break through bleeding and some side
effects. Gave her 4Rs and bell rang. AMC feedback: Station 04: Contraceotion
Request Grade: Pass Global score: 4
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76-Bacterial vaginosis
AMC case 21-6-2018
A young lady come to GP with grey, foul smelling vaginal discharge for 3 months or so.
Had doxycycline and antifungal but didn't work.
Tasks
- history
- PEFE
- diagnosis
- management
History
1- discharge questions
-how long have you had this discharge form vagina?
-how many pads have you used? (Profuse)
-what is the colour? (Grey)
-is it smelly? (Yes, fishy)
-what is the consistency? (Thin) is it bubbly? (Yes)
-any blood stained?
2- Associated symptoms.
-any itchiness or soreness? (yes a bit)
-any fever, tummy pain, vaginal bleeding? (No)
-any burning or stinging on passing urine?
-how is your bowel habits?
-any ulcers, rash?
4-5Ps questions
periods
-when was your LMP? are they regular?
Partner or sexual
-are you sexually active? Are you in a stable relationship? (stable relationship)
-have you or your partner ever been diagnosed with STI?
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5-general questions
-past medical and surgical history
-SAD
-diabetes
-do you feel thirst? are you passing large amount of urine? Do you need to go to toilet
more frequently? Any history of diabetes?
Immunosuppressive disease
-any loss of weight? Loss of appetite? Lumps or bumps around the body?
Antibiotics or steroids
-do you take any antibiotics or steroids medications
vaginal douches/ pessaries/ shower gels change
- Any vaginal pessaries or douches that you have used?
-have you changed your shower gels?
Tight clothes
Do you use tight clothing or tight jeans, panty hose
cervix healthy or not, discharge or bleeding, erythema of the cervix (mild to moderate
greyish smelly discharge)
Per vaginal: DON'T to avoid spreading the infection
6-Office test: urine dipstick and blood sugar level (both imp), UPT
Explanation
-you most likely have a condition called bacterial vaginosis. It is caused by imbalance of
the bacteria normally present in your vagina and this happens when the normal healthy
bacteria is suppressed or replaced by an overgrowth of other unhealthy mixed bacteria.
-the exact cause is unclear but could be sexually transmitted and this is one of the most
common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge in women.
-It usually produces a watery, white or gray discharge, and has a strong unusual fishy
smell.
Investigations
-In order to confirm this, I need to take a high vaginal swab which is given for
microscopy and gram stain, and it will show clue cells, which is a normal vaginal
epithelial cell with bacteria attached all around.
-Another test is an amine whiff test where 10% potassium hydroxide is added, and it will
give a pungent fishy smell.
-Another one is to estimate the pH of the vaginal fluid and usually the pH will be greater
than 4.5 if it is bacterial vaginosis.
-I would also like to take some blood tests (FBC, UCE, LFT) and urine for MCS
-STI screen with your consent (key)
Treatment
-Even after treatment, in about half of the women, it can sometimes recur in the next 6-12
months.
-Management of this is by prescription of antibiotics, metronidazole wither orally for 7
days or as a gel intravaginally for 5 days. * if pregnant clindamycin
-Avoid vaginal douching because that can also alter the bacteria in your vagina. Follow
good genital hygiene.
-You partner does not require any treatment as of the moment, but always practice safe
sex.
-I will give you reading materials regarding bacterial vaginosis.
Feedback 21-6-2018
Young to middle-aged woman with profuse greyish smelly discharge unresponsive to
antifungal and doxycycline for 3months. Take history. Ask for examination findings from
examiner. also explain your management. [ stable relationship and safe sex—bacterial
vaginosis including asking for management] Vaginal Discharge: Pass: Global Score: 4
-I asked about characteristics of discharge and possible burning sensation or itching down
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below. Also asked about previous medications. Asked about previous medical conditions
such as diabetes. Also asked about hormonal contraception and her relationship (whether
she practiced safe sex. And history of possible previous STIs. She did not have any risk
factor for any sexually transmitted infection and no risk factor for developing candida
infection.
-In examination findings from the examiner, I asked for General appearance, (she looked
concerned) vital signs especially temperature Normal. Lung and hearts equal air entry
and normal heart sounds, abdominal examination no distension and no tenderness in
palpation. In genital examination in the presence of a chaperone and with the consent
of the patient, no obvious discharge from outside, in speculum examination, mild to
moderate greyish smelly discharge. I do not remember the presence of the
inflammation in vagina, but I guess cervix was healthy. I took a high vaginal swab
sample for gram staining and microscopy and did not proceed to bimanual examination.
So I put to her that her symptoms looked like a bacterial vaginosis. So I explained that as
she has not had any improvement with previous medications, I suggested waiting for the
results of swab sample and in the meanwhile, I suggested improvement in the
genital hygiene, wearing cotton underwear, changing underwear often, not using
any pessaries or vaginal douches, and after the results were available we discuss
further management which would be a suitable antibiotic or antifungal medication
91-Lithium in pregnancy
Sample case/ You are at your GP, when 30 year old Lisa comes to you for Prepregnancy
counselling, she has a history of bipolar disorder and is on lithium for the past 2 years.
TASKS
Take a further relevant history
Counsel the patient accordingly
many women who have bipolar disorder and on medications for bipolar disorder go for a
normal and healthy pregnancy and deliver healthy babies.
2-effect of pregnancy on bipolar and lithium on pregnancy
-Bipolar disorder can sometimes worsen during pregnancy.
- The medication of lithium that you are taking can have some effects on the baby
especially if you take it during the 1st 3 months of pregnancy. It can cause
neural tube defects sometime
heart defect
liver problem
respiratory difficulties once the baby is born
hypothyroidism
developmental delay
3-prepregnancy plan (psychiatrist role and GP role)
Now, I need to reconsider the lithium in you. For this I need to Refer you back to the
psychiatrist for review of your medications. There are three strategies that the psychiatrist
can do, depending on the severity of the bipolar episodes.
First strategy is a medication-free pregnancy. The specialist might decide on a safe and
supervised withdrawal of Lithium.
**It is usually done if a patient has a few episodes of the disorder, long periods of mood
stability (at least 1 year), low risk of self-harm, good support, and if the patient is able to
identify early warning signs. (No need to mention this point **I think)
Second strategy is to go for a medication-free first trimester after discontinuation of
lithium now and monitoring you further. Lithium will be reintroduced after the 1st
trimester.
Third strategy is to give a mood stabilizer throughout the pregnancy . The specialist will
consider the option of changing Lithium to another mood stabilizer carrying less risk like
Olanzapine and if necessary (If the bipolar episodes are not controlled with these
medications) Lithium will be reintroduced after in the 2nd trimester.
-I will do all the baseline antenatal blood tests like FBE, UEC, Blood group and Rh,
coagulation profile, rubella and varicella serology, hepatitis serology, and TFTs.
-I will prescribe you folic acid for 3 months before and for the first 3 months of your
pregnancy
4-during pregnancy plan
-Once you become pregnant, you will be monitored in the high-risk pregnancy clinic, and
will be seen by a multidisciplinary team composed of the obstetrician and the
psychiatrist.
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-if on lithium at any stage you requires regular check of your kidney and thyroid function
and also lithium level (lithium levels monthly in the first half then weekly in the second
half).
-daily dose of lithium will be broken down into small frequent doses to avoid lithium
level peaking.
-During your pregnancy you need to go for more frequent antenatal checks, a Down
syndrome screening, ultrasound at 18 to 20 weeks, fetal echo or heart scan need to be
done by 22-24 weeks, sugar test at 28 weeks, repeat ultrasound at 32 weeks will be done,
and a bug test at 36 weeks will be done.
5-labour, delivery and postpartum plan
-usually, the dose of Lithium has to be decreased by 38 weeks to reduce high levels of
Lithium in the baby.
-you may go for normal vaginal delivery but Delivery should be in tertiary hospital under
specialist guidance with continuous monitoring of your lithium level and also the baby
with CTG.
-once labour is finished and when you go to postpartum period, you might get a relapse
of your bipolar disorder so lithium level need to be increases to the dose was before
introduced.
- You cannot breast feed your baby while you are on lithium.
6- Ending
- Our goal during your pregnancy is to maintain maternal wellbeing, ensure your baby's
safety, and also prepare you for the post-partum period.
-I will give you reading materials regarding bipolar disorder during pregnancy for
further insight, and will review you regularly.
-give you referral to the psychiatrist
Feedback9-5-2018
Case: Medication in Pregnancy
Possible pregnancy + Bipolar on Lithium
163
Young female in her twenties with history of bipolar in management with Lithium a year
ago she has multiple recurrence of psychosis but she has been well for the last 10 months
I think. She comes because she believes she is pregnant. A bit long stem talking about
her bipolar.
Task
Take history no more than 2 minutes.
Counsel her about her pregnancy
I managed this case as many other doctors have posted before.
Passed. Global score 4.
Bipolar well controlled, on lithium n THINKS she is pregnant and what's to find out
what's the effect of lithium in general pregnancies. Task counselling /mx
Outside- my goodness, i did not remember what i should say, may be ask some questions
and mentions about risk for mother and baby, how to manage during pregancy.However,
she may not pregant so i have to do pregnacy test first as on the question, patient has
irregular period only , she did not do any PT test.However, they did the thyroid test, KFT
and CBC test for her on questions given.
Inside: talk with patient, ask her about her health, when she was diagnosis with bipolar,
what medication. Ask her about 5 P, intention to have baby or not and what did she
prepare like folic acid. I asked about complication of lithium.I told her i will do
pregnancy test for her now. There are 2 ways. If she is not pregnant, it may due to side
effect of lithium on her thyroid. If she pregnant, there are some risk factor for
mother( relapse) and baby( heart disease, thyroid disease, death inside the womb). I told
her about MDT and all investigations for antenatal check up, folic acid need to be
use...Then i ask examiner any test result back, he said no. i talk again and again just all of
this information including 5R.
164
Outside thinking: Thought about what need to ask in history as I knew management.
Inside: Me: I come to know from the notes that u come to see me regarding your possible
pregnancy and wether you should be on lithium or not.
Pt: yes
Me: start with history od presenting complaint.
Pt: none
Me: asked full psy history for bipolar such as symptoms of bipolar and side effects of
lithium. Also asked about full psy history such as delusion, hallucination and depression.
Also asked about psy visits. She did not see psy since missing period.
Pt: none.
Me: special history of periods and pregnancy tests. He did not have pregnancy test done
at home. Then I asked about remaining 4 Ps. Quickly ased about current medical
problems, which were none.
In all cases, I kept my history short and sweet as I knew u don’t need perfect history. It is
better than missing tasks.
Me: First of all we will do pregnancy test. If it comes negative then we will do some
hormonal tests to see why u r having irregular periods. ( to do pregnancy test is very
important even if pt has done pregnancy test at home, according to HB, in threaten
abortion case it is a critical error if u don’t do pregnancy test even pt has done this test at
home.)
regular visits, regular ultrasound and any necessity investigations. Again, it is a specialist
area and we need to adopt an balanced approach according to your psychiatry condition.
Don’t worry, many pts with this condition have successful pregnancy and we will try our
best to get good results.
94-primary amenorrhea
Sample case/ you are at your GP when 17 years old Maya presents to you with complaint
of not starting her periods yet.
Tasks
-take further history
-Physical examination from examiner
-DDX with the patient
-further Ix with the patient
Differential diagnosis
1-hypothalmus
-eating disorders
-exercise induced amenorrhea
-stress induced amenorrhea
-chronic illnesses like liver disease or diabetes
-severe depression
-kalman syndrome
2-Pituitary
-hyperprolactinemia
-thyroid
3-ovarian
-turner syndrome
166
History
1-ask her regarding her concerns?
2-Differential diagnosis questions
-do you have monthly basis pain or cyclical pain? (Imperforated hymen, TVS)
-have you developed secondary sexual characteristic like having your breasts developed,
having pubic and axillary hair? (Turner syndrome)
-any hot flushes, heavy sweating, mood changes? (Premature ovary failure)
-any weight gain, hirsutism, acne? (PCOS)
-any weather preference? How’s your bowels habit? (Thyroid)
-any headache, blurring of vision, milky discharge from nipples? (Hyperprolactinemia)
-do you think you are excessively overweight? Do you try to lose weight through crash
dieting or exercising? (Eating disorder)
-how much exercise do you do? How many hours? (Exercise induced amenorrhea)
-any stress at home? Are you working or studying, any stress at work or UNI? (Stress
induced amenorrhea)
-are passing large amounts of urine? Do you feel thirsty? (Diabetes)
-any past history of liver or kidney disease? (Liver/ kidney problems)
-are you on any medications? (Chemotherapy)
-any change in the sense of smell? (Kalman syndrome)
-are you sexually active? Have you ever been sexually active? Any acne problem for
which you take OCP? Have you had Gardasil vaccine? (Pregnancy)
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-SAD
-when your mother or sister first had their periods? (Delayed puberty)
Physical examination from the examiner
1-general appearance
-BMI
-Dysmorphic features (short stature, web neck, wide carrying angle, wide spread nipples)
-verilisation
-acne/ hirsuitism
-Tanner staging (pubic and axillary hair, breast)
2-Vital signs
3-all systems
-abdomen for mass
-thyroid
-pelvic examination (just inspection) looking for imperforated hymen. Atrophic vagina)
4-Office tests
-urine dipstick
-urine pregnancy test
-blood sugar level
Uterus
-could be a structural problem like absence of uterus, cervix or vagina in a condition
called mullerian agenesis or due to outflow tract obstruction like imperforated hymen or
septum.
Delayed periods
Look from history and examination I couldn’t find anything to suggest one of the above
conditions so it could be just due to a constitutional delay of the periods. But need to do
Ix to make sure it is just normal delay in your periods and rule out others.
-Basic blood tests (FBC, UCE, TFT, BSL, prolactin)
-pelvic US
-LH and FSH
-may need karyotyping according to the results
Note/
in pelvic ultrasound:
-if uterus is present it could be either t outflow tract obstruction like imperforated hymen.
If no outflow tract obstruction it could be because the uterine lining is not responding to
hormones so we need to do another test called pregnancy challenge test.
-if uterus is absent need a chromosomal analysis or karyotyping to rule out mullerian
agenesis or androgen insensitivity syndrome
In LH and FSH
-if low could be due to eating disorder or exercise or stress induced and sometime in
constitutional delay.
-if high need karyotyping for turner syndrome
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95-Permanent Sterilisation
1-sample case
47 years old lady presented to GP clinic asking for tubal ligation.
Tasks
-History.
-Counselling
History
1-why
-why you want tubal ligation to be done? (I have heavy periods and my friend told me
that it helps stopping the bleeding)
2-Menorrhagia questions
-How long have your periods become heavy? (6 months)
-when was you last menstrual period? Are they regular?
-how many days of bleeding and how many days apart?
-how severe is the bleeding? how many pads a day do you use? (15 pads)
3-Differential diagnosis questions
Fibroids
-do you feel any lumps or swelling in your tummy or heaviness?
Cancer
-any LOW, LOA, lumps or bumps?
-is your mamo or HPV up to date?
-any bleeding in between the menstruation? Any bleeding after intercourse?
PID
-any fever, vaginal discharge? Any tummy or back pain?
-have you or your partner ever been diagnosed with STI?
Endometriosis
-any pain during intercourse
thyroid
any weather preference? How is your bowels habit?
Bleeding disorder/ blood thinner medications
4-pregnancy
-how many pregnancies have you had?
-any previous miscarriages?
-are you quite sure you do not want any children in the future? Have you discussed this
with your partner?
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5-Pill
-what type of contraception do you use? Any difficulty with OCP or SE?
6-General
-PMH, PSH, medications and allergies
Counselling
heavy bleeding.
-from the details, I see you are having heavy bleeding. there are several possibilities:
could be fibroid or benign growth of the womb, endometriosis or when the lining of the
womb present at some other parts, pelvic inflammatory disease or pelvic infection. Could
be due to nasty growth of womb or cervix. Could be due to other medical conditions like
thyroid or bleeding disorders or even medications.
-I could not find any cause from the history so I need to do full examination and also do
further Ix like blood tests, hemoglobin, RFT, TFT, clotting factors and blood group.
Arrange for transvaginal ultrasound.
-if no pathology could be seen in examination or Investigations then this could be a
dysfunctional uterine bleeding which is a quite common condition that happens towards
the menopause due to hormonal imbalance.
Tubal ligation.
-coming to your concern about tubal ligation.
-First tubal ligation is not going to help with the heavy bleeding. It is just a permanent
method of contraception and should be considered irreversible, as the success rate is very
low with reversion. So you need to be sure that you do not want any child in the future.
-Tubal ligation is usually done as a key hole procedure under General anesthesia where 2
or 3 cuts will be made around your belly button. A camera will be passed with tube
through one cut and through the other cut the surgical instrument. The tubes are then
identified and will be blocked using either clips or rings as this will prevent the sperm
from reaching the egg.
-there is risk of anesthesia, bleeding, infection, injury to surrounding structures but rare as
it is usually done by expert specialist and staff.
-the advantage is that it is permanent method and also does not interfere with menopause
or sexual desire.
-look as tubal ligation is not helped with heavy bleeds, you have another option like
mirena which is an IUCD having hormone progesterone and once inserted inside the
womb it controls heavy bleeding and also provide long term contraception for 5 years.
And by this time you will go into menopause. Do not worry about contraception as it is
almost similar to tubal ligation but its course is reversible.
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-ask if your partner is willing to do a vasectomy as this will carry less complications than
tubal ligation.
Sexual (normal)
-support from partner?
-STI?
Pap and HPV
-when was your last pap or HPV vaccine (4 years ago) it is important for your cervical
screen to be up to date I can arrange another consultation to discuss about it.
3- General
-PMH (hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, stroke, heart, liver, clotting problems)
-PSH (laparoscopic appenicectomy)
-Medication and allergies
-SAD
-Family history
Physical examination findings from examiner (I doubt it would be a task really but one
feedback said and other if it was just do like any gynecological exam case )
Ending
-Assess patient’s understanding.
-Dear ---, you do not have a make a decision today. I will give you reading materials for
tubal ligations and other forms of contraception so you can read at home. When you
decided which is best for you we can make another appointment and we will proceed
from there. I
- will refer you to the specialist if you would like to have tubal ligation. I will also assist
you if you think about other form of contraception.
-it is important to have regular cervical screening if you want
Feedback 20-2-2018
GP, 47 years old woman came to request for sterilisation. She has 3 children and the
youngest is 17 years old. She has been taking OCP since the 3rd child.
Tasks:
-History
-Physical examination findings from examiner
-Explain about the sterilisation method
-Explain further management
2 min thinking: need to clarify what kind of sterilisation? Ask reasons. Take a normal
gynae history. Remember to give very brief explanations and other form of contraception
in management.
History:
Introduce myself. Patient stated that she is thinking about tubal ligation as she does not
want to take OCP anymore and her friends had tubal ligation and it was good. I expressed
to her it is very good for her to come here today and we can talk about tubal ligation in a
short while. Get consent to ask a few more questions about her general health.
PMHx: unremarkable
5Ps: pills – Migrogynon 30, missed some pills recently, pregnancy – unremarkable, PAP
smear – 4 years ago, I explained there is a new cervical screening program and we can
talk about it during next consultation, Partner – unremarkable, periods – regular, no signs
of premenopausal symptoms
FHx: unsure about when did her sisters/mother attain menopause
Past surgical history – laparoscopic appendectomy.
SADMA – unremarkable
Physical examination: – Unremarkable (forgot whether it was given in a card or have to
174
ask verbally)
Explanation:
Drew a diagram and explain very briefly about tubal ligation (key-hole surgery as what
you had for your appendectomy, clip/suture/ensure coil on both the fallopian tubes). It
prevents the ovum and sperm from meeting each other, however does not disrupt
hormonal production by ovaries. A form of permanent sterilisation, very good success
rate. Done by gynaecologist, risks includes surgical and anaesthetic. Assess patient’s
understanding.
Further explanation:
As you are 47 now, which you might become menopause in a few years’ time, there are
other forms of contraception which you could consider. I explained Implanon (lasts 3
years) and Mirena (5 years). Assess patient’s understanding.
Dear Jane, you do not have a make a decision today. I will give you reading materials for
tubal ligations and other forms of contraception so you can read at home. When you
decided which is best for you we can make another appointment and we will proceed
from there. I will refer you to the specialist if you would like to have tubal ligation. I will
also assist you if you think about other form of contraception.
AMC Feedback – Contraception request: PASS
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Feedback 20-4-2018
176
7-9-2018
47yo woman come for sterilization she is on ocp ask hx pap smear was before 5 years
ago , pefe all normal , counsel about sterilization, mx plan
177
Counselling
-I finish examining you let me assure you that everything looks fine. I could not find any
serious problems.
-your vitals are normal. Your heart is fine and tummy as well. There is one thing, which
is your BMI which is thing we use to assess your weight which appears to be higher than
it should be. Normally it should be less than 25 but yours is 32.
-it is good that you are here so that I can discuss about your pregnancy.
-firstly, I need to confirm your pregnancy by doing an office pregnancy test.
-I would also like to arrange some routine blood tests for you: FBE, Blood group and RH,
BSL, UCE, urine MCS, LFT, vitamin D, serology for chicken pox and German measles,
and STI screen with your consent.
-you need to follow some life style measures:
* take a healthy balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, cereal and bread,, avoid soft
cheese, raw meat,
*increase your fluid intake
*limit coffee to 2 cups a day. I appreciate that you stop smoking and drinking alcohol as
it is good for your pregnancy.
* do regular non-contact exercise
*I can also refer you to a dietician Will help you attain the ideal weight.
- I would you to continue with your folic acid but I will prescribe a higher dose, to be
taken in the 1st 3 months of the pregnancy.
-Because of your advanced age, I need to refer you to high-risk pregnancy clinic where
you will be seen by a specialist and will have frequent regular ANC checkup with regular
visits up to your delivery.
-during each visit, your body weight and BP will be recorded along with baby wellbeing.
-let me assure you that many woman at your age can go through normal pregnancy and
have safe delivery. But for further precautions we offer close monitoring as there is a risk
of having complications during pregnancy with increasing age for example: DM, high
BP, PROM, Preterm,. Any of these if detected can be managed properly by specialist at
high-risk clinic.
-for the baby there can be a risk of birth defects and the most important one is Down
syndrome. So that we offer screening tests at 11-13 weeks of pregnancy which is a
combined test; blood tests and us in addition to confirmatory test in the 1st or 2nd
trimester; CVS in 1st trimester when a needle inserted through the tummy to take a
179
sample of cells from placenta. And amniocentesis in 2nd trimester; when needle passed
into your tummy to take portion of fluid in the bag of water surrounding the baby. Risk
of miscarriage with CVS is 1% while 2% for amniocentesis.
-you will have Ultrasound imaging at 18 weeks and repeated ultrasound at 32 weeks,
sugar test at 28 weeks and bug test at 36 weeks.
-lots of things but Do not worry I will give you reading materials about all of these.
Counselling
Effect of DM on pregnancy (mother and baby)
-all right, first let me assure you that many woman with diabetes can have normal
pregnancy and can get through safe deliveries with healthy babies. However, you need to
181
be closely monitored during pregnancy as there are some issues that might arise during
pregnancy.
-because of DM, you could have increase in BP or increase amount of fluid in the womb
called polyhydramnios. Having DM can increase the risk of birth defects or having a big
baby, it can cause breathing problems to the baby. However, these risks can be minimised
by keeping your BSL during pregnancy under control in addition to monitoring you
closely with the help of MDT. So if any complications happened it can be dealt with
appropriately.
Prepregnancy
-from history and examination it seems like your blood sugar is not well controlled so I
would like to perform some blood tests like BSL, HBAIC to assess DM control.
-I would also like to refer you to diabetic physician for complete assessment of nerves
and kidneys and your DM.
-refer you to eye specialist to check your eyes.
-once all investigations are normal then it will be safe to attempt pregnancy.
-I will start you on folic acid now, (2.5 mg high dose)to be taken prior to pregnanct and
continued for the 1st 3 months of pregnancy. And will also arrange all routine blood tests
usually performed at 1st antenatal visit.
During pregnancy
-you will be managed at high-risk pregnancy clinic by MDT
-you might need increase In insulin requirement to keep BSL under control.
-need to go through more frequent antenatal checkups
Delivery
-will be in tertiary hospital under specialist guidance. Usually planned at 38-40 weeks
After delivery
-insulin dose will be return back to Prepregnancy level.
-you can breastfeed your baby.
Feedback 1-6-2018
Feedback 1-6-2018
Pre preg counselling. T2 DM. Task: Hx, Counseling
6 months ago last HbA1c 11%. Presently RBS 8. Under insulin.
Asked DM questions, pre preg questions. Explained need to repeat HbA1c, complications
in preg and what to expect, increased insulin demand etc….
Feedback 1-6-2018
Type 1 DM on insulin. Plan to become pregnant in 6 months.husband is a farmer and
they are living in a rural area 2.30 hr from tertiary hospital.Prepragnancy counsling. C
wants to deliver at rural hospital.
Hx, PEFE,advise.(DM since her 9 years. Couldnt remember her blood sugar. Last HbA1c
8.last specialist visit 7 months ago. On Ex all normal except urine sugar2+.)
It was a confusing station as she didn’t have good control ps wanted to deliver in rural set
up
Any ways in hx asked her about her DM control(not controlled, HB1AC deranged, last
visit to specialist 6-7 months back, regular with her meds i.e insuln don’t remember how
much she was taking , no compli on hx like BOV, numbness tingling, sob, excessive
weight, frothy urine, urine frequency, no discharge, recurrent infection over all she didn’t
give any complication of dm from hx).
Then I asked about 5 Ps: last period 2 weeks back, previous preg: no, pap: recently
normal, pills: no , partner: healthy no std no health issues and is supportive, Blood gp B
+ve, no other chronic ailments.
I asked her reson to deliver in rural set up and she said that she wants her family members
to stay around her and no financial and other issues
183
PEFE: quckly asked examiner for stigmata of dm complications and examiner said al
normal
MX:
I told her after seeking hx I don’t think it’s the right time to conceive as well controlled
DM it self make a pregnancy high risk for mum and the baby and in your situation ur
blood sugar is not controlled . first we need to run fresh set of investigation, seek
specialist review for DM management and adjustment of insulin accordingly, maintain
DM diary and started her on folic acid then told her compli of dm on pregnancy , risks to
her and baby . and told her that I know its comforting to see all the loved one around you
once u r deliverling the baby but because of high risk issues and complications I would
suggest you to review your decision and arrange family meeting with ur consent as she
needs frequent monitoring during pregn and at the delivery even after delivery there are
risks for baby like RDS. I said how do u feel about mx plan she said I will do what ever
you will suggest I said good lets work as MDT (referral to DM physician, high risk preg
clinic ince she is pregn, but ran antenatal tests, and dietitian referral)
It was a long station could cover rest
Feed back: pass Global score: 4
Key step 1&2 : no, 3 & 4 : yes Approach to pt: 3
Hx: 5 Choice and technique of exam :5 Pt education: 5
Feedback 10-11-2018
pregnancy advice DM type 1
She was dx since 9 yo so far no hx hospitalised due to her illness, routine checking up
her BSL , last time to see sp 3 weeks ago all were normal , blood test normal eye normal,
no bowel/urinary problem , no weight loss no vaginal problem no hx of STI in stable
relationship .Partner supoortive , living in rural want to be deliver in local hospital ,
periode , papsmear were normal never pregnant before didn’t take any contraceptive
SADMA only, diabetes + finding .
PEFE : I was confused what to ask in here I asked from head to toe BMI normal VS
normal
Ix : bsl 11 , glucosuria + 2 , UPT not provide
184
Counselling : reassurance that she can have normal pregnancy like other women but need
close monitor as there’s some issues that may arise during pregnancy : such from from
baby like …
From your pregnancy it self such as …..those could be happen as well in normal
pregnancy .
From delivery as well …that’s why delivery will be planned and the facility that has all
supports you need.
Looking at those issues thast why we need to control your BSL before you start falling
pregnant that why it a great start from you to come here so we can address all those and
put everything in place .I will refer you to diabetes specialist for that as well as dietitan
that could help control your BSL once reach 5 to 7 its good environment for baby to grow
and yourself. I will give you script for high dose folic acid to minimise the complication
to baby as well that u need to take before pregnant and I will see you again after you
coming back from specialist
Address about her wish deliver to rural hospital that is quite understanding that she need
to her support , unfortunately due to all those possibilities that may happen and we need
to prepare and rural hospital has limited facilites as well as specialist that would be the
best for her in bigger hospital as you and your baby well being is our most priorities .
My head thinking should I do ANC now or not but time tickling as her BSL just too high
so I decided I didn’t say it and address that 1st
Give some reading material
Feedback passed
Approach /hx/pefe/counselling/ 6/54/6
Feedback 6-6-2018
type 1 DM prepregnancy advice- pass
28 years old , type 1 DM since childhood, controlled well. Now she wants to get
pregnant.
Task: history
Explain possible cx to patient if she gets pregnant
Explain possible cx to baby if she gets pregnant
185
History: appreciate the patient coming for advice prior to pregnant. Any specific
concern?
Type 1 DM, seen by specialist regularly, on insulin, compliant with meds, kidney check,
eye check done 6 mths back, was normal. No tingling and numbness. HB A1c within
normal limit, no admission to hospital for DM emergency, diet , exercise, 5Ps, social hx,
family hx of complicated pregnancy no
Cx to mother: uncontrolled DM, DM can cause complications in pregnancy as well as
pregnancy can complicate ur DM, need tight control of sugar to prevent cx, might need
more insulin than usual, kidney, eye pblm, PIH, polyhydramios, pprom,
Cx to child: miscarriage, birth defect, prem, IUFD, big baby, difficult labour,
hypoglycaemia, neonatal jaundice
Don’t worry, I am not meaning all those cx will happen to you. Just explained you of all
the possible cx. We can prevent those by tight control of your DM and close monitoring
during the pregnancy, you will be manage by MDT team. (Please try to reassure the
patients after explaining cx in all case, they looked so worry after explaining about a list
of complications)
I had time, so talked to patient about mx briefly ..like taking folic acid from now on , AN
blood tests from now, to see specialist before she gets pregnant, continue diet and
exercise .
102-HSIL
32 years old woman comes to your GP for the result of cervical screening.
HPV is positive and pap showed HSIL
-take history
-Explain result and treatment
History
1-approach
-I can see that you are here for the results of your cervical screening is that right?
186
-Before that, can O just ask you a few questions in order to assess your current health and
correlate the history with the results?
2-5Ps questions
periods
-when was your LMP? are they regular?
-how many days of bleeding and how many days apart?
-any pain or heavy bleeding during menstruation?
-any bleeding in between menstruation?
Partner/ sexual
-are you sexually active? (Yes)
-are you in a stable relationship? (Yes)
-have you had multiple partners before? (Yes)
-what type of sexual activity do you prefer?
-do you practise safe sex? Do you use condoms?
-have you or any of your partner ever been tested for STI?
-any pain during intercourse or bleeding after intercourse?
Pregnancy
-have you ever been pregnant before?
-are you planning for pregnancy?
-any previous miscarriage?
Pill
have you had Gardasil vaccine
3-Symptoms questions
-any tummy pain, vaginal bleeding or discharge?
-any Loss of weight, loss of appetite, lumps or bumps?
4-General
-medications and allergies
-PMH, PSH
-SAD
-occupation
-family history of any cancer?
Why you ask me this question? We need to ask such questions as a routine to assess the
general and reproductive health.
Explain results
-here is the results with me, let me explain it and I am gonna draw a diagram to be more
clear. If you have any question or confusion feel free to interrupt me.
-First, these tests are part of cervical screening program. The aim for this screening is to
identify any early changes in the cervical cells before becoming nasty or cancer. So it is
not a test to diagnose cancer.
187
-this is the womb and this is the neck of the womb or the cervix. In cervical screening we
scrape a sample of tissue to detect the presence of HPV which is a type of virus that can
cause abnormal growth and changes in the cervix. The result shown to be HPV+ve which
mean that you have this virus.
this virus usually transmitted by direct skin to skin contact usually from sex and any
sexually active woman can contract the virus.
-this sample of tissue also been examined for the presence of abnormal cells as there are
levels of cervical cells abnormality. The test showed that you have a high grade
squamous intra epithelia lesion which is a moderate to sever abnormal cells of the cervix.
Is it cancer doctor?
-the presence of HSIL does not mean that you have cancer; some cells are growing and
dividing abnormally, and it is good that we picked it up because, if not treated these can
turn into cancer. So we can prevent this with early treatment.
Management
-as you have abnormal cells so further tests need to be done for you:
UPT to rule out pregnancy
FBE, BSL, UCE, LFT
-would like to refer you to a specialist for colposcopy which is a procedure when the
doctor use light and magnification to see the vaginal and cervical tissues more clearly.
(Critical error)
and in some cases they might take a sample of your cervical tissues in a procedure called
biopsy.
-treatment will be decided by the specialist. Options could be
local destructive therapy by cryotherapy or electrotherapy
local excision od suspected segment
cone biopsy if the upper segment cannot be seen which is taking a cone shaped segment.
-what if I become pregnant?
it can cause miscarriage in the 2nd trimester or having labour prior to the exact date called
preterm labour. But all of these will be managed and prevented accordingly by frequent
checkups.
Feedback
32 yr old female with hpv +, hsil
188
-take hx
-explain result and tt
Regarding the case of HSIL
During the two minutes outside I asked myself is this breaking bad news but how come
pap smear is only screening test . So don't forget asking about gardasil vaccine ,pregnant
or not ,
Good morning my name is ahmed am your GP today can I get your name ... I understand
you are here to get the results for your pap smear ..
Yes doctor what do you have for me ?
I would like to ask you few questions before we talk about the results .. Why do wanna
ask me is there anything wrong ? I just need to ask you few questions ..ok
Are you sexually active ? Yes when did you start your sexual life ? She said around 16 I
think
Are you in stable relationship? Yes
Practise safe sex ? Yes using condom
Multiple partners before ? Yes long time ago
Ever been diagnosed with STD? No
Pain during sex .. No
Bleeding after sex.. No
Have you had gardasil vaccine ? What ? Gardasil vaccine .. No what is that ? Then I
explained quickly about it
Asked about her periods :
Regular .. Yes
Pain ? No
Bleeding in between ? No
LMP: 2weeks
Could be pregnant ? I don't know
Then I asked about signs of pregnancy.. All no
Any pregnancy or even miscarriage? Never
General health ? Ok
Smoke ..no
Drink .. Occasionally
Family hx of cervical cancer ?? Why doctor what is wrong and she started to cry
I offered her water and tissues she didn't take and just tell me what is wrong
I said as you know pap smear is just screening test for cervical cancer .. What screening
means ? Means not confirmatory means of it shows any abnormality we need to do
further investigations ..
What this has to do with me doctor (crying )
your pap smear shows you have some abnormal cells .. What abnormal cells mean ?
So i realised am going to have hard time so i draw diagram of the cervix quickly with
some cells and said this is the cervix and this is the lining during the pap smear we took
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some cells and we tested it under microscope and it shows some abnormal which means
different in shape than expected for the lining of the cervix we call it HSIL of course she
said whaaaat ! I said don't worry about the name .
Then she said oh my god am I having cervical cancer ? I said no we need to do more
further investigation to confirm the presence if these cells .
Firstly we need to make sure you are mot pregnant so i will run blood test to
confirm or exclude pregnancy .
Then I said i will refer you to gynaecologist he will do colposcopy.. What that ? it is
small tube with camera he will go and look at the cervix looking for the abnormal cells
and take a biopsy .. What is the biopsy ? (👀)
take the abnormal cells out and test it and the treatment will depend on the results ..
What could be the ttt? If is confirmed they may do cone biopsy and i talked briefly about
the complications .
If it is LSIL I talked about ablation .
If he has to do the cone will i be able to be pregnant ? Yes but as i mentioned there is
increase risk of premature labor and PPROM .
The bell rang before I mentioned future follow up or mentioned gardasil vaccine because
she kept asking about everything . I was so upset and I said I will not make it for this
station ..
But fortunately passed it.
Feedback 1-3-2018
HPV PASS
32 year old female with pap showing HSIL and HPV
hx explain result tx
frankly i hadnt done pap smear as i tought its obsolete now so they wont give it but its
AMC you should expect anything !!
as soon as i read the task i knew im screwed and was cursing myself for leaving it
anyway i went in
i took 5p and sexual hx and gardasil vacc hx ,previous pap,fam hx of gynaecological
cancers
explained the result by drawing the epithelium and explaining that some cells are
growing and dividing abnormally however is not cancer but can convert into it so
needs to be treated
tx i said il refer her for colposcopy (explained what it is) and then i said they might
excise the area if needed or treat by cautery...vell rang i thanked the roleplayr and
examiner
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History
1-chief complaint, Ulcer questions
-I can see that you are complaining of recurrent ulcer on the vulva. So for how long have
you been suffering from this? (It is the fourth attack within the last 12 months)
-All right do you have an ulcer at the moment? (Yes)
-Anywhere else (no)
-Has it appeared suddenly? Increasing in size? for how long does each attack last?
2-associated symptoms questions
-do you have any pain? Is it painful? (Yes there is pain but no discharge)
how severe is the pain from 1-10 (severe enough) ask allergy and arrange painkiller
does the pain go anywhere else (no)
anything alleviate or aggravate the pain? (Panadol gives bit relief)
-Any itching, redness, vaginal bleeding or discharge? (no)
-any burning or pain during urination? (No)
-Any fever (No)
-any LOW, LOA, lumps or bumps around your body? (No)
2-5Ps questions.
Period
-LMP and regularity (2 weeks ago and regular)
-how many days of bleeding and how many days apart?
-heavy bleeding or pain during menstruation (no).
Partner/ sexual (critical)
-are you sexually active (yes)
-are you in a stable relationship? (Yes)
-how long have you been in this relationship?
-have you had any previous multiple partners? (Yes)
-do you practise safe sex? Do you use condoms? (No)
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-have you or your partners ever been diagnosed with STI? (Not sure the answer what!
mostly No).
-does your partner have similar symptoms?
Pregnancy
-are you planning to become pregnant? (no)
-Pills (no)
-Pap test or hpv vaccine (up to date)
3-general questions
-Medications or OTC (no)
-PMH or PSH (no)
-smoking or alcohol and recreational drugs
-family history
-Travel history, occupation.
Explain
-from history and examination there could be few possibilities why you have recurrent
painful vulvar ulcers
-the most likely cause is due to a viral infection called herpes simplex virus 2. Firstly, it
enters the body and stays in the nerves in your body then it is activated might be due to
exhaustion, infection or pregnancy, sometimes even the pill and high weigh can
precipitate it.
-it presented usually as a painful genital ulcer sometimes associated with itching, rash or
discharge, and it can recur again and again.
-this is a sexually transmitted disease; transmitted through unprotected sexual activity,
and from the history it seems like you have history of multiple partners with no use of
condoms which makes transmission most likely.
-Others could be syphilis but unlikely as it is painless or could be other STI like
gonorrhea or chlamydia but unlikely as there is no discharge or tummy pain.
Treatment
-I would like to examine you and arrange some Ix like FBE, BSL, UCE, and urine
dipstick, urine pregnancy test.
-I would like to take swab from the ulcer for M&C.
-I also after your consent would like to test for other STI like Syphilis, HBV, HCV, HIV ,
take 1st pass urine for chlamydia, endo cervical swab for gonorrhea.).
-I will prescribe you oral acyclovir to treat viral herpes infection and painkiller.
-try to rest in warm sitz bath, wear loose cotton clothes and underwear.
-try to avoid sex until active lesions clear and symptoms go away, and It is important to
practise safe sex using condom in order to protect against STI.
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-I need also to see your partner and organise STI screening with his consent.
-If you develop bleeding, tummy pain, fever report
-review once result appear and follow you up regularly to ensure everything is all right
gave reading material.
Feedback (13/10/2017)
Young woman came with 4 episodes of recurrent ulcers on vulva over 12 months
Tasks: Hx, Tell the pt the Most likely diagnosis,Csl (Very kind Asian examiner!)
In hx, the pt was having unsafe sex with several men,
No symptoms at the moment no rash, ulcer, pain, discharge or bld.
Pap smear 18 month before (NL) (period was regular and no bld between no pregnancy
before no PID she is on pill (COC).
So I said the most likely condition you are having is called Genital Herpes ulcer have you
heard of it before?
- It is kind of viral infection. Firstly, it enters the body and stays in the nerves in our body
thence it is activated due to the exhaustion or infection or pregnancy or even with pill and
obesity and
- it gives the symptoms of rash ulcer itchiness and discharge.
- This can be happened in your partners as well as this is sexual transmitted disease so I
need to visit your partners to examine and treat them as well.
- Meanwhile, I want to run some investigation to rule out other STI like HIV,
Syphilis, HBV, HCV and take swab for bugs like chlamidia and gonorrhea and
obviously confirm the Herpes with T-zanc test if there is any.
- At the moment I will not start medication for you I wait for the result and review you
once result back if any was positive we treat you with 3 days of Acyclovir and then once
weekly for 6 month-period.
- It is important to over this period have safe protected sex with condom.
- be cautious about the hygiene and wipe yourself from front backward.
- Have warm bath sitz.
- if symptoms occurred, apart from medication I prescribe lignocaine gel which can help
to decrease the amount of your pain.
- I don't notify DHS now but I need to notify if any of STI screening came back
positive.
- We can later talk about other options of contraceptive methods like Implanon or
devices and - so forth about which I can give reading materials if you want…
Feedback: Vulval complaint,
PASS(G.S:5)
Key steps:1,2,3 and 4: Yes
Approach to patient:6
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History:5
Choice and technique of examination and organization and sequence:5.
Dx/DDx:6
Patient counseling and education:5.
I had herpes in mind., told confidentiality, Asked about nature of ulcer- pain discharge,
fever, itchy,anywhere else similar ulcer. Partner? Safe sex? Wt loss, lumps bumps,
periods, pregnancy
dd- said herpes, chancre, chancroid. Forgot dermatitis.
Counselling: advised antiviral for next time, all STI check up, warm bath for soothing,
safe sexual practices,
Got 3 for dd
Explanation
-from history examination you have a condition called secondary post partum
hemorrhage which is heavy bleeding that occur after 24 hours up to 6 weeks after
delivery.
-there are several causes:
*1st if you have products of pregnancy retained inside like bits of placenta or membranes
but in this situation you might noticed tissues coming with the blood and will not have
fever or tummy pain unless get infected.
*another could be episiotomy wound that also bleeds but the pain is usually coming down
when the wounds heal completely.
*could be due to laceration or tears but examination shows nothing.
*tears in the birth canal could also be a cause but I am not suspecting this in you.
*bleeding disorder and blood thinner medications are also possibilities but history does
not suggest them.
*what I am suspecting is endometritis: the normal lining of the womb called
endometrium and infection of the endometrium called endometritis. This can lead to
heavy bleeding with fever and tummy pain and when I examined you, I could see the
uterus size larger than it should be. It was tender to touch and the neck of the womb was
open.
this is common after delivery because at time of delivery the normal organism inside
vagina can get disturbed and climb higher into the uterus causing infection of the uterus
especially at the site of placental attachment which is a bit raw.
197
Management
-You need to be immediately referred to the hospital. I will arrange an ambulance for you
and I will liaise with the ED of the hospital and I will make them aware of your
condition.
-Meanwhile, I will start you on an IV line, and start you on IV fluids, take blood for all
investigations such as FBE, UEC, ESR/CRP, blood group, cross-matching and hold and
Rh typing, coagulation profile, and blood culture. A urine sample needs to be sent for
microscopic culture and sensitivity.
Once you are in the hospital:
-you will be admitted, seen by the specialist.
-An ultrasound will be done to look for any retained product of conception.
-If there is no retained product of conception, you will be started on IV antibiotics
(triple regimen: co-amoxiclav + gentamicin + metronidazole) and usually responding win
2 days then will be shifted to oral antibiotics to be continued for 10 days. Panadol for
fever.
-You will also be given IV oxytocin to stop bleeding +/- IV or IM ergometrine (if she is
not responding to oxytocin, give ergometrine).
-ask if there is somebody with her to look after the baby.
-Review once out of the hospital
2 min thinking: assess patient haemodynamic stability, ask mode of delivery in history,
and ask temperature in examination findings
History:
Introduce myself, ask the patient how does she feel? How long has she been bleeding and
how many pads? Then explain to her I need to make sure she is stable by measuring her
blood pressure and other vital signs and turn to the examiner. (Examiner said she is
haemodynamically stable).
More questions about the bleeding – colour, any clot, foul smelling, any pain at lower
part of belly, fever (she felt flushed), any problem with BO/PU (no pain/burning
198
sensation).
Ask mode of delivery (normal vaginal delivery), no instrumental, there was
episiotomy done, is she aware of the placenta delivery (the midwife said it is
complete), duration of hospital stay (2 days). Pregnancy course (unremarkable), any
previous pregnancy (1st one?), bleeding problem in the past (no)
Quick question about support for her and baby (yes), any concerns about baby?(no)
Physical examinations:
Temperature around 38/39, other vital signs within normal range,
P/A: soft, non-distended, uterus? 10cm, forgot whether there is any tenderness
Pelvic examination: inspection unremarkable, episiotomy wound well healed
Speculum examination: vaginal wall normal, cervical os closed
Bimanual examination: uterus? 10cm, no adnexal tenderness, positive cervical motion
tenderness
Urine dipstick: blood stained (contaminated), the rest (nitrate, leucocyte) negative
Explanation:
Most likely you are having some infection in the womb due to retaining of fraction of
placenta/after birth. Other possibility would be bleeding from the episiotomy wound but
the wound is well healed on examination, urinary tract infection but it is less likely. Don’t
worry too much it is very good that you are here, I will arrange you to go to the
emergency department because you need further investigation and treatment. (Did not
elaborate further as it is not my task). Assess understanding, ?reading material (I forgot
whether I said so)
Feedback 31-5-2018
secondary PPH,GP ,a lady who delivered the baby 10 days ago ,now presenting with
vaginal bleeding.placenta was complete.baby is well and takes breastfeeding well.
Tasks -H/O,PEFE,Dx and Ddx
when I went into the room a lady was lying on the bed.i asked vitals BP 110/70 P around
100 T 38 or 39.bleeding 2-3 days after delivery,no clots ,no tissues,2-3 pads per day,
heavy, tired ,no dizziness no SOB.Feeling hot.
No problem at the time of delivery,no prolong assisted,no episiotomy. Pain at the lower
abdomen the same day with bleeding ,(ask pain scale and offer pain killer, also ask a
few questions about pain).5Ps normal with good support,blood group O+,no family
history of bleeding.no trauma.
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PEFE-other systems normal.abdomen tenderness at SPA, uterus still enlarge . Mid way
between umbilicus and symphasis pubis.Pelvis examination Bleeding present,no clots ,no
tissue.no cut or tear. Sterile speculum no vaginal and cervical tear.
Bimanual uterine tenderness present no cervical and ednexa tenderness
Explained- endometritis by drawing,don’t worry treatable with antibiotics,other possible
causes RPOC ,even though placenta was complete we still need to do USG to make
sure.trauma,tear,bleeding disorder all unlikely.arrange ambulance and refer to hospital do
some blood test and take swab for culture.
Key 5/5 approach 4,history 4,choice and technique of examination,organisation and
sequence 2,accuracy of examination 4,dx and ddx 5 .global 4
Feedback 27-10-2018
30+ year old patient came to your GP with bleeding per vagina. She has given birth to her
baby 10 days ago. She had a normal delivery and placenta was complete. Task
-take relevant history
-perform physical examination on the patient
-explain the Dx and DDx to the patient History
a young lady is sitting in the chair looking anxious.
introduced.
checked the vitals with examiner (examiner told me to stick to the task)
asked the role player
are you feeling dizzy?
- fever (present)
Dx/DDx
- most likely due to endometritis (drew and explained) other possibilities
- tear in the birth canal and cervix
- bleeding disorder
- placenta retained in the womb, but these are less likely. Grade - pass
Global score - 4
Key steps
1,2,3,4,5 - Yes, No, Yes, Yes, Yes
Approach to patient/relative - 4
History - 4
Choice and technique of examination, - 4
organization and sequence
Accuracy of examination - 3
Dx/DDx
Feedback 13-12-2018
Postpartum Bleeding: Pass
2 mins outside. I don’t remember the stem but it was the case of postpartum bleeding. I m
not sure fever was mentioned outside or not.
Tasks: history, Dx and DDs to patient
Thinking outside: in History, need to ask about presenting complaints, associated
symptoms. Then full last preg with full delivery history. Then past pregnancy. Then other
present, past and f/h.
Inside: asked about bleeding, such as since when, how much, colour (bright red), any
blood clot (for DIC), any tissue (for retained placenta).
202
Any bruising anywhere (for DIC, any blood disease). Then asked for associated
symptoms specially fever (present, this gives our diagnosis). Then I asked about
abdominal pain and all que to rule out dds of bleeding and postpartum fever. Then I
asked about full history as I mentioned above including blood thinners but did not ask
much about irrelevant past and present history. Please read history from Karen’s as it is
good to know all questions but need to know when to apply relevant questions.
I think it is good idea to ask many questions in history but because of time problem I kept
my history to relevant questions.
PEFE: same as karen. Positive findings were temp 37.8, lower abdominal tenderness,
mild bleeding seen on speculum, no clot or tissue. Episiotomy scar well healed.
Dx and DDs: from the history u have provided to me, I think you have a condition called
endometritis because of fever and bleeding plus pain in lower abdomen. There are many
conditions that can be possible such as retained product of placenta but less likely as it
is generally does not cause fever unless infected. Could be medicine but u r not on any
blood thinners, could be DIC where person have bleeding at the same time blood get
clotted, this is less likely as u don’t have any symptoms of it. I think she had episiotomy
but it was healing okay. I think I have mentioned 4-5 DDs. When it comes to explain to
pt, it takes too much time so please hurry up.
Key steps: all yes. Global score: 5, History, Choice& technique of examination,
organisation and sequence (which was not in task I think) and dx/dds: all 5.
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108-Post CS fever
You are an HMO in the maternity ward. You are asked to see Mary 32 years old Jane who had
underwent an elective lower segment C-section 3 days ago for breech at 38 weeks. This is her first baby.
The birthweight of the baby is 3.5kg and the baby is doing well.
She wants to get discharged today. She's taking paracetamol for pain. She was given 1 dose of
ceftriaxone intraoperatively and enoxaparin 2 doses given post-surgery. The patient's vitals chart is
given outside the door:
BP range 120/70 - 130/80
PR normal
RR normal
O2 sat normal,
temperature on day 1 is normal, but on day 2 it is 38.0C and day 3 it is 37.7C.
TASKS
Take a further history
PE from examiner
Talk to patient about her findings
If you think she can be discharged discharge her otherwise give reasons
Causes: (genitourinary, chest and breast, limbs)
1-wound infection
2-Endometritis
3-UTI
4-mstitis/ breast abscess
5-URTI
6-DVT/thrombophlebitis
History
1 Approaching
-Congratulate her on her delivery.
-are you coping with your baby well?
-are you enjoying the motherhood?
-do you have good support?
-Look Jane, I can understand that you keen to be discharged today. Before that can I just ask a few
questions?
2-chief complaint and Differential diagnosis questions
fever
-I have seen in the chart that your temperature has been high for the past few days. Are you feeling
feverish? (slightly flushed at times)
-Any rash (no)
wound infection
- have you noticed any discharge form the wound?
-is your wound’s pain coming down?
204
Endometritis
-do you have tummy pain in the upper part away from the site of the wound? (Generalised pain)
-How about your bleeding? is it coming down or becomes heavy? How many pads have you used? Are
they the same number you were using? (Minimal bleeding)
-any smelly bleeding?
-Any other offensive vaginal discharge? (no)
Urinary tract infection and bowels
-how is your waterworks?
-any burning or stinging on passing urine>
-is it smelly?
-any change in the colour of the urine?
-have you opened your bowels after the surgery?
Mastitis/breast abscess
-do you breastfeed your baby? Any problems with breastfeeding? (day 1 she cannot breastfeed properly
but day 2 latching very well)
-any sores or cracks in the nipples?
-any painful lumps in the breasts?
Upper respiratory tract infections/ atelectasis
-any coughs or cold that you having? Ant sore throat?
-are you short of breath? Any chest pain?
DVT/ thrombophlebitis
-any calf welling or pain?
-any pain or redness at the site of Cannulae?
-any excessive pain at the site of anaesthesis?
3-general questions
-Any other medical or surgical illness?
Physical Exam from examiner
1-General appearance: PODL
pallor/ oedema/ dehydration/ LAP
2-Vital signs (as you seen in the chart)
3-ENT (rule out URTI)
4-CVS and respiratory
-air entry/ added sounds
-S1, S2 and murmurs
5-Calf:
tenderness, swelling.
205
6-Abdomen:
Wound:
-wound covered with bandage that is minimally soaked with blood.
-I would like to remove the pad with the consent of the patient and have a look at the wound, looking for
any erythema (+ve), discharge (+ve) , wound dehiscence
Uterus:
-what is the size of the uterus? (Enlarged)
-is the uterus contracted or lax? (Contracted)
-any uterine tenderness towards the upper pole? (Tender)
-bowel sounds
7-Pelvic exam:
Inspection:
-bleed, abnormal vaginal discharge.
Speculum:
cervical os open or closed, bleeding from the os? (Cervix still open)
bimanual examination:
size and tenderness of uterus
adnexal mass or tenderness
8-breasts
mastitis/ abscess
9-Office test:
Urine dipstick, BSL
Explanation
-I am a bit concerned as you have a rise in temperature yesterday and also today.
there could be several causes of having fever after CS:
*could be due to wound infection but the wound site is healing well and the pain is coming less.
*could be UTI but you have no burning or stinging on passing urine and the urine dipstick come out
normal.
*another cause is URTI but you do not have coughs or cold
*another is atelectasis where your lung expansion becomes affected after surgery but you do not have
chest pain or SOB and your lungs are clear on examination.
*other possibility is DVT or clots in your legs vessels that lead to blockage of the blood supply but this
usually cause pain and swelling in the calf muscles that you are not having. Also you were given 2 doses
of blood thinner at time of delivery so it is unlikely.
*could be infection at the site of the cannulae but no evidence of this.
*could be mastitis or abscess…
*the most likely one is a condition we call endometritis where the inner lining of the womb becomes
infected. It is common in post CS patients. That is why you have fever, uterine tenderness or pain in
your tummy and also discharge later.
206
Management
-As I could not confirm the cause I would still like to keep you in hospital (critical error) for further
monitoring, assessment and management. further investigations need to be done such as FBE, blood
culture, urine microscopy culture and sensitivity, ultrasound to see if there is anything happening in the
uterus or not.
-I need to have a talk with the specialist and if it is Endometritis, it can be managed by giving IV
antibiotics. Once you start responding to IV antibiotics, you will be shifted to oral antibiotics.
-So it would be better for you to stay in the hospital till at least 24 hours when you have no fever.
Feedback 4-7-2018
post partum D3-has fever-planning to go home
Observation chart given-T-mild fever/ I guess PR/RR
Task hx, PEFE, Mx
Hx-all infective foci-mastitis/endometritis/wound infection/UTI/DVT/thrombophelebitis
Asked about coping with baby/family a support/feeding/ bld gp/bleeding
Antenatal complication
PEFE- asked what not given in the chart-can’t remember exactly
But apart from mild fever-nothing very significant
Mx-explained as having mild fever need to do some Ix –blood/urine to exclude infection
Fluid/PCM
Will r/v with obs reg
109-Endometritis Fever
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208
209
110-Post-partum mastitis
Material Case/
28-year-old Emily, mom of a 5-week-old baby, comes to your GP with complaints of tiredness and fever
since the past 2 days.
TASKS
1. Focused history
2. PE from examiner
3. Diagnosis and Management
Differential Diagnosis:
Breast: Mastitis/Breast abscess
Birth canal: endometritis, episiotomy wounds, laceration that has become infected
Bladder: UTI
URTI
DVT
History
Congratulations on the pregnancy. How is your baby doing?
1-fever questions
-Since how long are you having the fever?
-Is it a continuous fever or an on and off fever?
-Have you recorded the temperature?
-Any rash? Any chills or rigor?
2-DDX questions
URTI
-Any runny nose, cough or colds?
Mastitis/ abscess
-Are you breastfeeding your baby? Any problems with breastfeeding?
-Any lumps that you have in your breast? How long have you been feeling the lump?
-Is the lump increasing in size?
-Is it warm and painful to touch?
-Any other lumps that you can feel in the same breast or in the opposite breast?
-Do you have a sore or cracked nipple on that side?
-Any blood-stained or purulent discharge from the nipple?
-Is the baby being positioned to the breast correctly? Has somebody taught you the correct
positioning of the baby during breastfeeding? (key issue)
Endometritis/ lacerations
-Did you have any conditions during your pregnancy or was your pregnancy uneventful?
-What type of pregnancy did you have?
-Any cuts made down below? Any tears that you had at the time of delivery?
-Any abnormal foul smelling discharge from down below? Have you stopped bleeding? Are you having
any tummy pain?
UTI
-Any burning or stinging while passing urine?
-Any constipation that you are having? Do you open your bowels regularly?
DVT
210
-You need to continue breastfeeding from the affected side, the milk is not affected by the bugs. Put
the baby on the affected side first so the breast will be drained completely. Before breastfeeding, you
can put some hot washers on the breast, so that the milk ducts will dilate, and during breastfeeding, you
can massage the lumps towards the nipple. And after breastfeeding, you can put some cold washers on
the breast.
Take plenty of fluids, and take adequate rest.
211
-I need to put you on antibiotics such as cephalexin, or flucloxacillin 500mg QID, for 7-10 days, and
analgesics such as Panadol. I will give you reading materials regarding proper breastfeeding
techniques.
-Just in case that there is no improvement in your symptoms, the lump is increasing in size, becomes
more painful, you have high spikes of temperature, report to ED immediately.
Note/ in mastitis case, I am not sure If you need to add ultrasound as Ix or not.
Recall of 11-4-2018
121-post-partum Check up
Sample Case
23-year-old Amy has come to your GP clinic for a 6-week post-partum check-up. She had a normal
212
5. 5Ps (Critical)
- Have you resumed your sexual intercourse? Any problems that you are having e.g dyspareunia? Do
you have good support in looking after your baby? (Yes doctor, it is embarrassing, I restarted 4 days
ago, I have pain with intercourse)- Are you on any contraception?
- What contraception were you on before you planned for you pregnancy? (Microgynon 30)
will you be interested in talking about contraception again? (Yes, i am interested doctor, but i do not like
minipills)
- When was you last Pap smear done? What was the result? (I did it 5 yrs. back ... haven’t done one
since then)
6. SADMA, PMH, PSH
7. Social History; Support, mood, Partner any issues, any violence( I routinely ask this question is there
kind of problem between you two?
Feedback 20-7-2018
6 wks post partum
Health review Pass , global score 5
key step 1,2,3,4 all yes
history 6 ,
chocie and technique of examination , organisation and sequence 6
patient counselling/education 4
Women come for 6 wk post partum check up , child was examined by your colleagues yesterday ,
normal , didn’t bring the child today , on the stem , pregnancy and delivery was uneventful nor
episiotomy or laceration at delivery , normal vaginal delivery
History , PEFE , counsel
hello , Karen , i do utd you have come for 6 wks post partum check up , how are you doing these
days ... i am fine , how is your motherhood .... totally fine , do you get enough support ... yes ...
how your mood ... great ...
she said she didnt bring the child today who has been already checked out and normal.....
any specific concern ... no
i asked systemic question ... no fever , no cough , no sOB , no chest pain , no abdominal pain ,
appetite good, no pee and poo problem , no discharge or bleeding from down below
breast feeding the baby ... fine , no soreness , baby suck well , give the exclusive breast feeding 4
hrly
so i said i would like to ask private and sensitive quesiton
5 P .... have you restarted sexaul activity ... said yes doctor , its embarassing , i restarted 4 days
ago, any problem ... pain on sexual interourse , but no contact bleeding , no discharge have not
returned any period
pill ... have you ever use contraception pill before .. yes i use microgynon 30 , will you be interested
in talking about contraception again...... ... yes i am interested doctor , but i dont like minipills .......
pap smear ... i did it 5 yrs back ... havent done one since then
do you have any plan to get pregnany in near future .... i dont have plan yet but if i get it , i dont
mind
SADMA NAD, no PMH or PSH
PEFE
GA , VS , CVS , RESP , BREAST .. all normal
abdomen normal
pelvic examiantion .... atrophic changes , no dischagre
Explanation
Karen , i did examination on you , you are generally healthy , only finding is there is some
dryness and thining of your down below . what we called atrophic changes . it is quite common
after the delivery because as you are breast feeding , sometimes it cause reduced female hormone
in the body leading to dryness. but its not serious , it will resolve with time . i will prescribe
soothing cream and if oestrogen cream to apply, if not relieved , will refer you to specialist .
as your pap smear is already due , i will arrange one for you
now in terms of contraception , microgynon is not suitable for your breast feeding , as it can
suppess breast feeding
there are other options like depo injection to your buttock every 12 wks , its effective , but there
are some side effect , risk of delayed returning to fertility after stopping it , risk of wt gain , acne
another one is IUCD , it last long 5 years , very effective , no delay in returning to fertility when
you stop it, but the side effects are increase risk of infection , ectopic pregnancy
215
another option is implant , that can last 3 yrs , which is very effective as well , but it needs minor
procedure done by specialist to put under the skin of your arms
i am going to give you reading materials so you can think about each options
bell rang
i didnt have time to talk about non hormonal method
Feedback 30-5-2018
‘Health review’: Pass
6/52 post-partum atrophic vaginitis.
Mum & bub well, pregnancy and L&D benign, completely w/o concern.
Task: Brief Hx, PEFE & counsel
HOPC
o Basic rapport/Mum & Bub Qs
o Lactation consultant/BF issues/support/pelvic floor regime etc
o Any concerns
216
O/E
o Usual spiel
o GA BMI VS>Br>CNS>RS>CVS>Abdo>chaperone>pelv>spec>biman>Wards: uDip BG
Typical atrophic vag
Asked specifically re: other injury/perineal tear/wound/Ut changes
Ax & P
o Atrophic vag (quick description of why it happens 2/2 lo female hormone etc)
Moisturise
No good local oest cream
o LSM SNAP *Pelvic floor ex resources etc
o Bub arrange immunization + *Offer paeds check [already done]
*ran out of time in this case & so couldn’t go further into POP etc; honestly thought I bombed this case
Was it necessary to have a cut down below? Yes. Is it healing well? Yes
Did the baby have any complication? No. Did he need CPR or go to ICU? No.
Did you have any bleeding? No.
Were you both discharged together from hospital? Yes
Do you have any fever? No.
Did you have gestational diabetes? No
Are you breast feeding? Yes Any breast tenderness? No Any bleeding? No Any nipple fissure? No
Any vaginal discharge? No, only on the first week after delivery.
Are you back to your sexual life? Yes. Are you on any kind of contraception? Condom
Any pain during sexual intercourse? Yes, doctor. And it is very dry. But it is ok if I use lubricants. Any
bleeding? No.
Any edema of the legs? No
SADMA
Last HPV screening? (I don’t remember the answer exactly but I think she was due for a screening.)
( I skipped family history)
122-Cyclical mastalgia
GP, 22 years old female with bilateral breast pain for 2 weeks or 2 months. Her mother was diagnosed
with breast cancer and currently under treatment.
Tasks:
218
-Relevant history
-Physical examination from the examiner
-Explain to the patient probable diagnosis and differential diagnoses
History
1-pain questions
I can see that you have pain on both breasts for about 2 weeks
-do you have pain now? How severe is it from 1-10? (Yes so ask allergy and offer painkillers)
-can you tell me more?
-Is it constant or does it come and go? Is it getting worse?
-can you point out exactly where you feel the pain?
-does the pain go anywhere else?
-does anything make it better or worse? (Worse in periods and relieve by wearing bra)
-how the pain related to periods? Does the pain come down when the period starts? (Pain worse before
periods and relieved after the periods)
-does it interfere with activities of daily life?
2-associated symptoms
-have you noticed any lumps in your breasts? (Yes)
-One or both breasts? (Both breasts)
-have you noticed any increase in the size?(Not sure)
-Any skin changes of the breasts?
-Any nipple discharge?
-Any lumps or bumps in your armpits or the neck?
-Have you noticed any weight loss?
-any trauma to the breasts?
3-5Ps and general
-period: when was your first menstrual period? Any problems with periods? (No)
-pill: do you use any contraceptive methods? What is the type? (Use OCP for 5 years)
-sexual history: are you sexually active? (Not sexually active)
-SAD and coffee
-PMH/ PSH/ medications and allergies
-Family history of breast or ovarian cancers (mother has breast cancer, had surgery, radio and chemo,
and she is worried that she has cancer)
when was your mother diagnosed with cancer? (at/before 50)
have you had any imaging before ?
Physical examination from the examiner (may be card but just in case)
Inspection (normal)
-any asymmetry, Scars, any skin changes (erythema), Puckering or dimpling of the skin
-nipples (retraction, distortion, ulceration, discharge)
Palpation
219
Mum has hx of breast cancer. I said sorry about that. is she feeling alright now? she said yes.
she is taking OCP for 5 years but she is not sexually active? I said why who prescribe it for you? do you
have any problem with period? she said no in case if start any relation.
okay the examiner handed paper of examination typical for cyclic mastalgia ( multiple fibrocystic I think
bilaterally ).
I said I know you are concerned about breast cancer lump in the breast could be cancer the patient face
sad or fibroadenoma but from the hx and examination most likely cyclic mastalgia.
But again it could be related to pill I want you to stope the pill, wear supporative bra, NSAIDs and hot
pad and see you again.
As I remember the patient on ocp but not sexually active so I advised her to stope the pill, wearing
supportive bra and take NSAD for pain and reassure her is it a normal condition. ( EPO, Vit E,
Bromocriptine ).
221
222
223
224
Feedback 20-2-2018
GP, 22 years old female with bilateral breast pain. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and
currently under treatment.
Tasks:
-Relevant history
-Physical examination from the examiner
-Explain to the patient probable diagnosis and differential diagnoses
2 min thinking: worried patient needs reassurance. Usual gyne history taking (5Ps, PMHx, FHx,
SADMA)
History:
Introduce myself. Empathy with patient having pain on both breast, offered stronger pain killer after
asking allergic history.
Asked more about chief complaint (pain question: severity, type, aggravating/relieving factors,
worse/better, associated symptoms) – as far as I could remember, had breast pain since 2 months ago,
pain is constant, more severe during menstruation, feels lumpy on both breasts. No recent injury or signs
of infection on the breasts.
5Ps: regular period, on Microgynon 30, forgot the answers for partner, pregnancy, PAP smear.
PMHx: unremarkable
FHx: mother, 50 years old, had breast cancer diagnosed recently, had mastectomy, ? LN excision, on
chemotherapy/tamoxifen?? She is unsure about BRCA status.
SADMA – unremarkable
Physical examinations:
Positive findings: multiple lumps on both breast, no skin changes, no nipple discharge, forgot whether
there is any tenderness on palpation
Explanation:
Dear Mandy, there are various reasons for a person to have breast pain. It could be due to infection to
the breasts, injury but they are unlikely in your case. Sometimes it is related to female hormones which
could be normal. As you are having breast pain for two months now and it is quite disturbing for you,
we can help you by giving stronger pain medication, some heat pack to reduce the pain. I would like to
reassure you that it is not cancer, but as you are having family history of breast cancer and it increases
the risks of you having breast cancer. We could do some basic test, I would liaise with your mother’s
physician, if she is having the BRCA test, a genetic test then we might suggest for you have the test as
well. Otherwise I would recommend you to start breast screening at the age of 40. Assess patient’s
understanding. Reading material.
(I do not think I do well in this case and my management might be wrong, please counter check with
John Murtagh and RACGP)
AMC Feedback – Breast pain: PASS
(Approach to patient/relative 4, History 5, Diagnosis/Differential diagnoses 3, Management plan 4)
225
Feedback 11-12-2018
...27 year old lady comes complaining of pain in both her breasts.
TASKS-a.History (Not more than 3 mins)
b. PEFE( from examiner in form of card)]
c Dx, DDx
d. Mx
-Hx-introduce yourself(should be done in a good way as patient lookS very concerned)
Reassure her in the beginning(as from stem I know… it is cyclical mastalgia)
Ask pain question(SOCRATES)--patient says pain increases before her periods and is relieved after.
Then ask questions about local (breast )- skin shanges, lump, nipple discharge
Ddx- always start from benign to malignant cause( fever,weight loss, night sweats, Loss of appetite,) 5
P(TAKING OCP)
Review of systems- genitourinary system, GIT
Past medical hx- not significant
Family history-I asked any history of similar condition, she said none
SADMA.
Then I rephrase my question- any family history of breast cancer or any other cancer(need to rule
ovarian cancer , colon cancer as it can predispose someone to breast cancer)- at this time she said mother
got cancer and underwent treatment—then always show your concern for mother..like I am sorry and
how she is now? Then if she is doing good…then say that’s great.
Thanks to patient for history then turn to examiner(he gave me a card of physical findings)-PEFE –
multiple lumps in both breasts and one dominant one. All lumps are rubbery, mobile, not fixated, not
hard.(findings were inconsistent with cancer but consistant with fibrocystic disease(cyclical mastalgia)
dx- always start like based on history and examination, first of alI, i would like to reassure you that it is
not cancer so please don’t worry..then explain cyclical mastalgia as diagnosis
ddx- abscess, fibroadenosis, mastitis , cancer(all less likely )
mgt- TRIPLE ASSESSMENT AS YOUR ARE CONCERNED AND POSTIVE FAMILY HX.
A- ANALGESICS
B- -GOOD SUPPORTIVE BRA
C- I STOPPED OCP
D- DANOZOL(D
E- -EVENING PRIMROSE OIL, VITAMIN E.
Passed- global score- 6, KEY STEPS- ALL
123-Perimenopause
226
History
1-Open ended question
-I can see from the notes that you are complaining of hot flushes and irregular periods can you tell me
about it?
2-HRT indications Questions
Vasomotor symptoms:
--For how long have you had hot flushes? Is it constant or does it come and go? Is it getting worse? (Her
main problem was hot flushes, especially at night which. It started almost a year back and was getting
worst.)
-any heavy sweating at night?
Psychological:
-Are you having mood changes?
-Do you feel irritable, anxious or depressed?
-any sleep disturbances?
-have you lost weight recently? Any loss of appetite?
-do you have difficulty concentrating on things?
(She had become moody these days with some poor concentration, was interrupting her sleep so she
couldn’t sleep)
Somatic symptoms:
-any muscle aches and pains? Any bone or joint pain? (No)
Reproductive symptoms
-Any vaginal dryness, itchiness, discharge? (No)
Urinary symptoms
-Any burning or stinging while passing urine? Do you have to go to toilet more frequently? Do you fell
any lump down below? (No burning in pee and no prolapse)
history of osteoporosis
-any self or family history of fractures? (No)
-How does these symptoms interfere with your life and daily activities? (Her sleep was badly
affected so she felt tired through the day.)
3-5Ps questions
Periods
-when was your last menstrual period?
227
Investigations
So I would like to order few tests to know more about the diagnosis and rule out other conditions
-Basic blood tests like FBC, ESR, CRP, BSL, lipid profile, UCE, LFT, TFT.
-I would like do a hormonal test to look for FSH and LH levels.
-ECG to make sure your heart is fine because the decline in female hormones can affect it to.
Treatment
-I would like to refer you to the specialist for further evaluation.
-we might also consider giving you a combined sequential hormone replacement therapy to replace the
hormones that become deficient.
-advise life style modifications.
Feedback 14-3-2018
47 yrs old lady with irregular menstrual cycle and hot flush.
Tasks
229
in her body and that her periods might stop sometime soon. She was, what we called as Perimenopausal
phase of her life and her body was responding to the changing hormonal levels. -It could also be a
problem due to a butterfly shaped gland in neck called thyroid.
-infections and anxiety
Investigations
So I would do few tests to confirm and rule out any complications because of it.
-I would do a hormonal test too look for FSH and LH levels.
-Also included FBE, ESR, CRP to r/o any infection and anemia.
-ECG to make sure your heart is fine because the decline in female hormones can affect it to.
-We could do a bone scan but a specialist would organise that so I would write a referral.
-And to R/O thyroid disease, I would do some TFTs.
I referred her to specialist who would consider her for HRT use.
And because her sleep was disturbed, I told her about ways and lifestyle changes to improve her sleep.
Bell rang!
Scenario.. Health Review
Grade… Pass
Global score… 4
Key steps 1,2,3,4… yes
History… 4
Diag/ D/D… 3
Management plan…. 4
Feedback 7-7-2017 FAIL
47 year ild woman with hot flushes, irregular periods, pap smear 3 months ago was normal
TASKS
1. History
2. most likely diagnosis and differentials to patient
3. management to patient
WHAT I DID
asked about durATION of hot flushes...since 4 months
mood changes...no
on ocp...no
sexually active...yes
dyspareunia...no
were periods regular before...yes....any problems with periods...no
when did your mother had her menopause....i dont know
any aches and pains...no
any weather preference....no
smoking...yes
no alcohol
no medications
Mary you might be experiencing early menopausal symptoms and these could also be caused by changes
in thyroid gland functioning or due to some problems with ovary or womb so we need to do some
investigations...but probably its fue to menopausal symptoms
231
Note/ Why he fail because his diagnosis is wrong he said early menopause not perimenopause.
his management is poor and did not mention she is a candidate for HRT.
Feedback 14-3-2018
Amenorhoea in 47 years lady – with flushing – counsel and send investigations.
Started with history – 5 Ps – mood changes – regularity – medications..etc – it was an obvious
premenopausal symptoms – explained that to her and offered her HRT to minimize her symptoms
and told her that I would give her reading material ( was an easy straight forward case ) . told her that
we might need to send for FSH/LH/Prolactin/U/S.
Feedback 14-3-2018
47 yrs old lady with irregular menstrual cycle and hot flush HX only irregular period ,hot flushes,no
mood swings on no pills now but she was on OCP for 5 years and then stopped,no weather preference
no lumps and bumps no contraindications of HRT.
counsel the pt (anovulatory cycle,we have to exclude other causes ,referral to gyn,might consider
giving combined sequential hrt)
send investigation(hormonal study fsh lh estrogen progesterone thyroid function test )
to sleep.
then continue the same with indications and contraindications and lifestyle.
in DDX you can ask tiredness ddx questions HEMIFAD will be good
Feedback 10-5-2018
Can you plz share your approach for primenopausal wome along with sleep problems
Her presenting complaint was sleep problem and tired during day so I asked detailed sleep problem
questions, then few causes for tiredness like diabetes thyroid any infections, then asked period History
sexual history and detailed history of menopausal symptoms.
I forgot the exact task... but I remember taking history and talking abt diagnosis and ddx and abt
management part also... sorry but I don’t remember the exact task
So in summary 2 cases of perimenopause the same age
*first chief complaint is hot flushes and irregular periods
*second chief complaint is sleeping problems and tiredness
Feedback 7-9-2018
Station 15- peri-menopausal symptoms – PASS
. Peri-menopausal Symptoms
In STEM: Hot flushes and difficult to sleep
47-year-old lady , comes in . have 2 children ,
Not complaint about abdominal pain ,
TASK
1. history ( very disturbing night time , can’t sleep , please help me to get rid of it , - patient request )
patient herself - -nil known migraine headache, breast cancer , active liver disease , abnormal bleeding
apart from dyspareunia with her partner , blood clot or calf muscle pain .
5Ps- LMP was few months ago , few and few over time.
Family history – not all with those conditions as well .
Nil family history of bowel cancer , osteoporosis ( protective factors )
2. Explain INVEStigations to the patient ( routine , hormonal studies ( explain in details slowly
FSH/LH , estrogen , prolactin , ) 2 times apart to confirm menopausal stage.
3. Explain possible causes to the patient
( DDx – peri-menopausal symptoms – draw with a diagram of vagina , uterus , fallopian tubes and ovary
) – told quickly about ovary function – estrogen – which is deficient in the patient )
- other metabolic – thyroid dysfunction , sugar problem like DM ,
Need to rule out – least likely – infections
3. explain mgmt plan to the patient
- for sexual performance – lubricant gel or estrogen cream
- will refer to the specialist and they might start HRT – as no contraindication to the patient
Before explanation about mammogram , the bell rang.
Feedback – Health review – PASS
Global score – 4 Key step 1 to 4 – all YES
History - 5 Invx and DDx – 4 Mgmt plan – 2
233
Differential Diagnosis:
Hypothalamus
-Eating disorder
-exercise induced
-stress induced
-liver/ renal disease
Pituitary
-hyperprolactinemia
-Thyroid
-antipsychotic medications
Ovary
-PCOS
-premature ovarian failure
-post pill amenorrhea
-chemotherapy and radiotherapy
235
Uterus
-pregnancy
-asherman syndrome
Note/Amenorrhea: no periods for 6 months if she is having regular periods, and no periods for 3 months
if she is having irregular periods
History
1-Can you tell me more (if chief complaint was just menstrual abnormality)
2-5Ps questions
Periods
-when was your last menstrual period?
-When did you have your first period?
-Were your periods regular until the past 1 year? How often do you get irregular periods?
-have you had any pain or heavy bleeding during menstruation?
Note/ in the exam she has 2 cycles for the past 1 year, before normal with no heavy bleed.
Partner/ sexual
-Are you sexually active?
-Have you ever been sexually active or not?
Pregnancy
-if sexually active ask if by any chance she is pregnant? (Pregnancy)
Pill
-do you use any contraceptive methods? What is the type? (Post pill amenorrhea)
Pap/ HPV
-Have you taken the Gardasil vaccine?
-pap/ HPV up to date
3-Differential questions:
PCOS
-have you put on weight recently?
-any excessive hair growth? any acne?
-do you feel thirsty? Pass large amount of urine? (DM complication of PCOS)
POF
-do you have any hot flushes, heavy sweating, mood changes
Thyroid
-any weather preference? Any changes in bowel habits?
Hyperprolactinemia:
-any headache, blurring of vision? Any milky discharge from the nipple?
Eating disorders,
do you think that you are overweight? Do you try to lose weight through crash dieting or excessive
exercise?
Exercise-induced amenorrhea:
236
-do you exercise regularly and how many hours do you exercise?
Stress-induced amenorrhea:
Any stress at home? Any stress with your family?
4-General questions
-Do you smoke? (Smoking predisposes to PCOS)
-Any family history of a similar condition especially in your mom or sister?
-Any previous medical or surgical conditions? Any medications that you are on?
-any medications that you are on?
Note/ in the exam Acne positive, overweight positive. Remaining hx normal
Physical Exam from examiner
1-General appearance: hirsutism, acne, BMI, pallor, LN
2-Vital signs: BP
3-CVS, Respiratory
4-Thyroid exam
5-Abdomen:
any visible mass, distention
6-Pelvic: consent and chaperone
-Inspection of the vulva and vagina
-Speculum and Per vaginal exam CAN be done in PCOS, but NOT in this case because she is virginal.
7-Office test:
BSL, UDT, urine pregnancy test
Note/ in the exam bmi 31, acne and hirsutism positive.
Investigations
I need to run some Ix to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out others
-FBE, UEC, ESR, CRP, LFT, serum lipid profile
-TFT
-FSH/LH ratio (Normal 2:1)
-Testosterone levels
-Pelvic ultrasound - greater than 10 follicles less than 10mm in size, this is PCOS
sample case
Maria presents to your GP with complaints of absence of periods since the last 6 months.
TASKS
-Further history
-PE from examiner
-Discuss management with the patient
Causes:
Pregnancy
PCOS
Premature Ovarian failure
Post-pill amenorrhea
Asherman's syndrome
Thyroid disorders
Hyperprolactinemia
Eating disorders
Exercise-induced amenorrhea
Stress-related amenorrhea
History
1-5Ps (pregnancy/ post pill amenorrhea)
Periods
-What are your concerns?
-Do you get spotting at the time of your normal periods?
-How were your periods before it stopped?
-How do you quantify your bleed before it stopped?
-Any pain at the time of periods?
Sexual history
-Are you sexually active? Are you in a stable relationship?
Pregnancy
239
3-lifestyle questions
-How is your diet?
-SADMA history
-Past history
-Family history
Physical Exam
1-General appearance:
BMI, pallor, dehydration
PCOS: any excessive hair growth, acne
Elasticity of skin - low estrogen can decrease elasticity
2-Vital signs
3-Thyroid
4-CVS/Respi/CNS
5-Abdomen: visible distention, mass, palpate for mass and tenderness
6-Pelvic examination
Inspection of the vulva and vagina: any discharge or bleeding, look for atrophic vagina
Speculum exam: cervix healthy or not, any discharge/bleed
Bimanual exam: CMT, uterine size, tenderness, adnexal mass and tenderness
7-Office tests: UPT, UDT, BSL
hormones suppress the areas in your brain which alters the secretion of estrogen and progesterone.
The other contributing factors could be eating disorders and low levels of body fat and also the
emotional stress that is associated. So an imbalance between the exercise and increased nutritional
demands along with stress can bring about amenorrhea, as it starts interfering with the normal hormonal
pathways.
-If this is not treated, this can lead to long-term complications, like the decrease in the fertility or
decrease in the bone density and the bones become brittle and break easily, increased cholesterol levels
and also premature aging.
- But first, we need to rule out all other possible causes of amenorrhea.
We have already done a pregnancy test, and it has come out to be negative.
All the basic bloods need to be done like a FBE, UEC, LFT, RFT, TFT, vitamin D (25-OH vitamin D),
serum prolactin, serum lipid profile, estimate all the hormones like GnRH, FSH, LH, estrogen,
progesterone, and also a pelvic ultrasound.
If these measures are not working in 6 month's time, then we can put you on combined oral
contraceptives.
I will give you reading materials regarding exercise-induced amenorrhea and I will arrange a review
with you in 1 month.
241
Feedback 19-7-2018
Menstrual complaint (exercise induced amenorrhea) Pass 4 key steps : yes
Case: a young female who is not having her periods since 12 mnths .she had ger pregnancy test done
which was negative. Pulse was quite low (i dnt remember exact value) her husband is concerned so he
asked her to seek consultation.
Tasks : hx,dx ,ddx, mx no pefe
when i entered the room there was a young female smiling n quite unconcerned abt her not having
periods . Consent for private qs and then I asked her 5ps in detail and then dds... pcos, thyroid,
hyperprolactinimia,pof,all were negative. Had a D&E some yrs ago (2 or 3) Then i asked her any
change in her diet ir routine or anything around that time since she has this complaint. She said she has
a marathon coming up in few mnths for which she was preparing since 15 /16 mnths . Exercise for
5 hrs n swimming for 2 n half hr . There i got my dx . Dx : exercise induced amenorrhea.
Ddx: pcos, Asherman's, thyroid, pof,
Mx: i explained her why she is not having periods.then said with her consent i need to include her trainer
in my team so we can midify her time and pattern of exercise bcz it is affecting her normal body
functions. Will also add a dietitian to modify and plan a good diet bcz she lacks the essential nutrients
which are important for normal body functions due to this heavy exercise.
I also said that i will do some basic investigations (blds and u/s) and will refer her to a gynecologist. i
didn't ask ger to quit the exercise because i thought i can't stop a person who is just few mnths away
from her goal and was preparing so much for so many mnths so i just said we need to modify things .and
if that doesn't work i will refer her .
Feedback 19-7-2018 PASS( KEY STEPS 1,2,3,4 YES,Score 5,5,3)
Menstrual complaint (Secondary Amenorrhea 2 to excessive exercise)
Task : Hx , provisional Dx and DDS and Mx, NO PEFE.
Long scenario outside .25 year old female came to u because of not having period for last 1 year ,did
preg test which was negative, vitals showed pulse -47/min rest all normal.
When I entered the room young lady was sitting ,seems quite unconcerned, told me that she is here
because her husband is worried. I told her confidentiality and asked consent about private questions,
then started with periods, covered 5Ps then PCO,POF ,Pituitary, thyroid , diet and exercise. She had a hx
of D&E 3 years back, no kids as don’t want to, doing exercise 5-6 hours day because preparing for
marathon, diet was good.
Most likely Dx was sec. amenorrhea due to excessive exercise, DDs Asherman, POF ,PCO, Thyroid.
MX multidisciplinary team as not ready to quit or dec exercise, need councilling as its affecting her
body badly, exercise instructor and me. I told her that I want to do hormonal assays(blood test and
US to make sure every thing is fine) After dec exercise ur period will return in couple of months, if not
then referral ,reading material and fu.
Young lady around 28 yrs with history of amenorrhoea since last 3-4 months. ( this is the case of
secondary amenorrhoea)
Tasks: History, Dx and DDX
Thinking outside: I remembered the causes of secondary amenorrhoea from karen’s.
Inside: Me: I am so sorry to hear about your problem.
Pt: Oh Don’t worry, I am not worried about not having periods. Its my husband who is worried that’s
why I am hear.
Me: Is it okay If I ask you few questions so we can find the cause of it.
Pt: Okay
Me: 1st please tell me more about your periods.
Pt: they were regular until 4 months ago, every 28 days, moderate not heavy last for 4 days. She gave all
the history including menarche as well.
Me: Is there any chance you could be pregnant? Pt: No
Me: Did you do pregnancy test at home? Pt: No
I asked about remaining 3 Ps. All negative.
Me: Then I asked questions regarding all the causes as per karen’s. (All negative except heavy exercise).
Me: Do you do lots of exercise? Pt: yes
Me: pl tell me more about it. Pt: I am preparing for triathlon. So I do lots of exercise. Me: okay.
Then I asked about anorexia nervosa such as what is your perception regarding your body? Pt: means?
Me: do u consider yourself fat? Pt: no way
Me: do u use laxatives of water pills by any chance? Pt: No
Then I ask about SADMA, present, past and family history.
Dx: Me: there could be many reasons why your periods are stopped.
I think it is your heavy exercise that is causing it. It is called exercise induced amenorrhoea. When
you do heavy exercise body thinks that you r losing lots of energy and not having enough energy
and body produce some changes that causes stopping of periods.
Others reasons such as thyroid problem ( but u done have thyroid symptoms), high hormone
production such as prolactin ( but u don’t have milky discharge from nipple and no visual
blurring), early menopause ( but u don’t have mood swing and hot flushes), pregnancy ( but u
don’t have symptoms), psychogenic causes (less likely bcas u don’t have symptoms), certain
medications ( but u don’t take them), certain problem with ovaries or womb.
Global Score: 4
Key Steps: 1&2 No, 3 yes
Approach to pt: 4 History: 5 Dx/ DD: 5
243
Hyperprolactinemia:
-any headache, blurring of vision? Any milky discharge from the nipple?
4-Confidentiality+ eating disorders.
-do you think that you are overweight? (Yes, I am fat)
-anybody told you that you are overweight? (Yes)
-can you tell me briefly about your diet? (I think I am eating healthy diet)
-have you ever lost control over how much you eat? (Yes, I take a lot of food at times and lose control)
-Do you feel guilty after that (yes)
-do you try to vomit or use any medications in order to lose weight (yes vomiting)
-do you exercise regularly and how many hours do you exercise? (30 minutes/ day)
-do you know your BMI? (21)
-dizziness, palpitations, dental problems?
5-Psychosocial history and HEADS
mood questions:
-how is your mood
-have you ever thought of harming yourself or others
-how’s your sleep
-do you find it hard to concentrate on things.
Delusion and hallucination
-I am gonna ask you certain questions that could be a bit sensitive but theses are just routine questions I
ask to some of my patients.
-do you feel, hear or see things that others don’t?
-do you think someone is spying on you or trying to harm you?
Insight and judgment
-do you think you need any professional help?
-if there is fire in this room what would you do?
HEADS
-any support at home, any stress?
- What do you do for living, any stress at work?
- have you lost interest in things you used to enjoy?
- SAD
- how is your social life? Do you catch up with friends quite often?
6-General questions
-Any family history of a similar condition especially in your mom or sister?
-Any previous medical or surgical conditions?
-any medications that you are on?
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Feedback 14-3-2018
Young woman with menstrual irregularities. (There were clues that told it was eating disorder which I
can’t recall now)
Tasks
-History
-Diagnosis and D/Ds
2 min thinking.. Bulimia and Anorexia Nervosa but always rule about medical reasons. Causes of Eating
disorders, predisposing factors, complications of these condition, depression symptoms and drug abuse.
After introduction I started by building some rapport and asked how was she feeling and what was
she concerned about. She told about her menstrual irregularity.
I asked about how it all started? Since how long and how have her periods changed through this time?
She said they had become more irregular only. Last one was three weeks back. She wasn’t sexually
active, on no contraceptives. No chances of being pregnant (I still asked about morning sickness and
breast tenderness). Asked about any headache or visual problem (pituitary cause) any tremors or weather
preferences (thyroid cause) or any gynaecological procedure, but all was negative.
I gave the confidentiality statement and asked about her perception of her weight. She said she thought
she was fat. Here I asked if anybody told her about this and she started wrapping her cardigan around
her body saying yes some guys commented on my belly. I further asked if she was worried about any
of her body parts.. she said yes I’m fat and guys commented on that.
During further questioning she accepted that she was fearful of getting fat and tried to vomit after
food especially chocolates and that helped her feel better. She also had episodes of uncontrollable
eating that end up making her feel guilty . Her diet was normal and gave me a long description. She
ran 30 mins per day. There was laxative abuse previously but no diuretic use. Her BMI was 21 (she
told it to me herself without a question)
Further asked about complications like if she had any abnormal sense of rapid heart beat or dizziness or
dental problem but there was none.
Asked about Predisposing factors like anybody in the family had similar condition or she had any bad
experiences from her childhood or wether she had a perfectionist personality but none was positive. She
had no signs of depression and wasn’t using any drugs or smoking.
I started by explaining and writing the diagnosis and D/Ds. I told her that after talking to her there were
a couple of conditions that are in my mind that present like that. It could be Bulimia Nervosa.. because
her BMI was normal and she was vomiting and had uncontrollable episodes of eating.
It could be Anorexia nervosa as that causes menstrual irregularity.
It could be Body Dysmorphic Disorder as she was concerned about her body and thinks guys comment
on that.
Other causes can be pituitary, thyroid etc but were unlikely in her case.
She didn’t look happy so I asked if there was anything bothering her and why she looked unhappy? She
smiled ‘no everything’s fine.’ End of it!
Bell rang. Scenario… Menstrual Problem Grade.. Pass
Global score… 6 Key steps 1,2,3,4… yes Approach to patient… 5 History…. 7 Diag/ D/D…. 6
247
2-DDX questions
PCOS
-Any excessive hair growth or acne?
POF
-Any hot flushes, heavy sweating, mood changes?
THYROID
-Any weather preferences. How are your bowel habits?
HYPERPROLACTIN
-Any headache, blurring of vision, milky discharge from the nipples?
Confidentiality+ eating disorder questions
248
-Our hypothalamus is usually very sensitive to change in body environment and I’m concerned about
your body mass index which is quite low 17 so it could be diet induced amennorhea, stress induced but u
don’t have any stress.
249
-Although you are not fitting in the eating disorder criteria, but it could be eating disorder; anorexia
nervosa or beginning of this condition.
-Although you do not have concerning symptoms but you are not having periods and your child hood
obesity history and that is making me feel if we take the help from psychiatrist. Who is going to conduct
a formal interview and help form dietitian and nutritionist who will design your work out schedule and
diet plan in such a well-balanced way that it will not affect your body.
Feedback 1-6-2018
amenorrhea for 12 months. BMI 17. Swimming 1.5 hour daily. On strict diet control.
-History
-diagnosis.
-DD to pt.
( never been pregnant before. Taken pills until 2 years back. After than had period only once. Pt
doesnt like to limit swimming and she told she want to be healthy. She know she is slim but want to
maintain health by diet and exercise)
This was the most controversial case but thankfully I passed it , I was very fixed headed on eating
disorder from the very beginning so tried to concentrate on psychosocial rather then amenorrhea
She told me that her last period was 1 year back and before that it gradually became irregular no
abd pain, she don’t think she is pregnant, used ocps: for long time but periods were normal while
popping the pills, currently using condoms, cervical screen / pap : normal, partner, stable healthy no
health issues no family stressors.
no stressors, no BOV, head ache, no thyroid related complaint, no acne hirusitism, no gynecological sx,
no previous or current pregnancy, no pid, no hot flushes or dryness of vagina.
then I moved on to psych hx stressors: no , eating habit: just veggies, no meat , no excessive exercise, no
purging, no laxatives, no body image issues, no frequent mirror check, no mood issues, no see, hear or
feel thingy, no family hx of eating disorder.
While exploring her child hood hx she said she used to be a fat and chubby kid I asked her how does her
feel about it and she said it didn’t upset me I explored any particular reason for strict diet plan she
said I want to stay healthy and no other perceptional issues at all. No hx of child hood abuse or
molestations.Explored HEADSSSS: all satisfactory
250
As it was DD station I told her there could be loads of reason for her not having periods wuch we call
secondary amenorrhea in our language, then drew pituitary ovarian axis on paper and started
enumerating the reasons.
Told her our hypothalamus secretes some hormaones which act on pituitary and inturn pituitary secreats
the hormones which act on the ovaries and that’s how the female experience regular periods on
monthyly basis.
Our hypothalamus is usually very sensitive to change in body environment and I m concerned about
your body mass index which is quite low:17 so it could be diet induced amennorhea, stress induced
(but u don’t have any). I m not a psychiatrist and although u r not fitting in the eating disorder criteria.
but it could be eating disorder; (anorexia nervosa or beginning of this condition.
although u don’t have concerning symptoms but ur not having periods and ur child hood obesity hx is
making me feel if we take the help from psychiatrist who is going to conduct a formal interview and
help form dieatetion and nutritionist who will design your work out schedual and dieat plan in such a
well balanced way that it wont affect your body.
Then went on to tell other DD’d
Told her I was thinking of
Pregnancy (not PT –ve)
Prolactinoma(tumor of pituitary, but no head ache bov , and milky discharge although we will run basic
investigations).
PCOS(not obese, no facial hairs, no acne)
Hypothyroid(no lump In front of neck, no hot or cold intolerance, wt is quite low)
Stress: (no stressors, except for child hood obesity which also didn’t bother her)
Exercise induced(she didn’t give me any thing red flaggish)
Diet (most likely).
Anorexia nervosa (querry , not sure but 1st DD)
Ocp induced( but periods were normal while she was on ocps)
POF: (no hot flushes, no dysperonia, no dryness of vagina)
No gyneacologic sx on ovaries or uterus
PID (no hx)
Feed back : passed Global score : 6 All key steps cpvered
Approach to pt: 5 Hx: 6 Dx, DDX: 6
Feedback 1-6-2018
251
Amenorrhea for 1 year. Task: Hx, explain cause of amenorrhea Anorexia nervosa.
DDx Mnemonics 5PTEAS (Pregnancy, Pills, POF, Prolactinoma, PCOS, Thyroid, Exercise and diet,
Asherman, Stress) which I gave as DDx and told why others are unlikely.
BMI 16 I think. Excessive exercise. Diet restrictions. Both started 1 year ago, no specific stressor in hx.
Patient wasn’t concerned about the condition. So I explained briefly what it is and how it can adversely
affect her health. Explained HPO axis. Other possible causes and they are unlikely. Mentioned possible
adverse effects of anorexia
157-Anemia in pregnancy
Case (21-6-2018)
Pt 30ws pregnant, comes to review the results you ordered the day before. Hb:9.0 microcytic
hypochromic anaemia. glucose: normal.
Task:
-hx (4min).
-Explain investigation
-Dx
-Management
Feedback 22-6-2018
Pt 30ws pregnant, comes to review the results you ordered the day before. Hb:9.0 microcytic
hypochromic anaemia. glucose: normal.
Task:
hx (4min). Explain investigation Dx Management
Approach Greeted patient
Asked if she is feeling light headed, dizzy would like to lie down. She said she is alright she wants to
know what the results mean So I explained the result first. Then told her number of causes and risk
factor and cause these so I would like to take a through hx.( I did not do well in this case) So I asked
252
about the any tummy pain, baby kick, discharge from below.
Asked headache or leg swelling, racing in the heart
Then antenatal checkup done or not, Folic acid taken or not, Asked diet—vegetarian
Bleeding diseases in her or family, Colour of urine, Stickiness of stool to pan, On any blood thinning
medication Known kidney or liver condition Ethnicity.
Previous pregnancies—she said 4 ( I completely forgot to ask about the gaps in the pregnancies
Periods—any heavy bleeding Blood group
The I said as I mentioned earlier you are having Anaemia. Then I said most likely it is Iron Deficiency.
Thought about chronic diseases, thalassemia seemed unlikely To confirm the diagnosis I would like to
take blood to do Iron profile
Mx
Refer to High risk preg clinic
Start on iron tablets
Will give stool softners
Check iron profile again in 2 weeks
Continue treatment for at least 2-3 months.
Asked her any questions—will this anaemia harm my baby
I said complication in mother is heart failure and in baby is IUGR
But don’t worry in the High risk pregnancy clinic you and your baby will be frequently monitored for
any complications.
Bell rang Said thank you to pt and roleplayer ( Most likely the cause was reduced gap in pregnancies
which I forgot to ask.)
Case (15-3-2018)
30 weeks pregnant, GP, 4th pregnancy. Tests show hypochromic microcytic anaemia.
Tasks:
-take further focused history
-ask pefe
-give dx
-mx
(vegetarian, children 5, 3, 1 respectively)
Feedback 25-10-2018
22 yr old woman, 8 wks of preg came with blood test results: Values were for microcytic hypochromic
anemia with normal iron levels.
Task:
History
d/d
further inv
I took history for possile causes of anemia. Asked ethnicity and finally explained possibility of
thalaseemia n said ALL antenatal inv plus hb electrophoresis.
253
Approach
Explaining results
-Some blood tests have been performed and the results are now with me to explain to you so let us see
the results together.
-We have three types of blood cells the red blood cells, which contain an iron rich protein called
Haemoglobin, which is responsible for carrying oxygen to the tissues. White blood cell to help fighting
against infection and platelets to help with blood clotting.
-Platelets and WCC are normal.
-But there is a decreased level of hemoglobin we call this anemia.
-Also this MCV is less than the normal range this mean that the size of the red blood cells are small.
-There are few possibilities but first I need to ask you a few questions in order to reach the diagnosis.
History
1-Late pregnancy complications questions
-How’s your pregnancy so far?
-Any tiredness, dizziness?
-any chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath?
-any tummy pain, vaginal bleeding or discharge?
-any headache, blurring of vision or leg swelling?
-any fever, nausea or vomiting?
-is the baby kicking well? (Baby problem)
2-recurrent visits questions
-Have you had regular antenatal checks?
-How were the blood tests? Are you aware of your blood group?
-have you done down syndrome screening?
-US at 18-20 weeks gestation? Is it single baby? Any birth defects? What is the position of the placenta?
-Sweet drink test at 28 weeks?
-Repeat ultrasound at 32/34 weeks?
-Bug test at 36 weeks?
-did you take your folic acid?
7-Social
-What is your usual diet? Does it include meat and green leafy vegetables? Are you on any special diet?
-SAD -Medications
-family history and origin
PEFE
1-General appearance: pallor, skin for petechial or bruising
2-Vital signs
3-CVS/Respi/CNS
4-Abdomen: fundal height, FHR, lie, presentation
5-Pelvic examination
Inspection of the vulva and vagina: bleed, discharge
Speculum: cervix for any bleed or discharge
6-Office test: UDT, BSL
Diagnosis and Management
-What I am suspecting in you is an iron deficiency anaemia. It is a common condition that happens in
pregnancy because there is an increased demand during pregnancy because you need to supply iron for
yourself and your baby.
-The causes for this condition are multiple. It could be due to the diet, or the pregnancies that are close
together, and as you had a history of anaemia.
-other possibilities are thalassemia, chronic disease, infection, bleeding disorder but unlikely.
- Iron level is correlated with the oxygen supply, which is important for the baby's growth and
development. It is good if it diagnosed and treated early, to prevent any problems during pregnancy.
-If it is untreated, it can cause lethargy, tiredness, exhaustion and dizziness, it can lead to heart failure
and also postpartum haemorrhage or bleeding after delivery. In the baby, it can result in a low birth
weight and a growth retardation.
Management
-I would like to arrange blood test; iron studies including ferritin. (Critical error)
-Refer to High-risk pregnancy clinic.
-Start on iron tablets.
-The iron tablets should not be taken along with dairy products, but you can take orange juice along with
it as vitamin C increases the absorption of iron.
-After you start on iron, your haemoglobin levels will go up in two weeks' time, but you need to
continue taking the iron tablets still for at least 3 months after your iron comes back to normal to
replenish the iron stores. Will Check iron profile again in 2 weeks.
-Once you start taking the iron tablets, you may experience a bit of abdominal discomfort, and
constipation, your stools may turn black. You should take a lot of water to avoid constipation.
-Include green leafy vegetables, red meat, beans and lentils in your diet, and cut down on coffee,
tea, soy products as all these can decrease your iron absorption (key point).
-If no improvement is seen after taking the supplements, then I will refer you to the haematologist for
further assessment and management.
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tingling when you pass urine? Have you experienced any incontinence? Do you open your bowels
regularly?
Sexual (partner)
-are you sexually active?
-Do you experience painful intercourse? (Atrophic vaginitis)
-Any bleed after intercourse? (Cervical cancer)
Pregnancy
-how many pregnancies have you had?
HRT (instead of pill)
-Are you on any hormone replacement therapy? (Can predispose to endometrial hyperplasia)
PAP and Mammogram
- Have you done your pap smear? What was the result? Mamogram?
Physical Examination
1-General appearance: BMI + PODL
-BMI, pallor, lymph node enlargements, dehydration, oedema
2-Vitals: BP with postural drop, temperature
3-CVS, R/S, CNS
4-Abdomen: Visible distention, mass, tenderness (abdomen is soft and non-tender)
5-Pelvic exam
Inspection of the vulva and vagina:
-bleeding, discharge, rash, vesicles
Speculum:
-does the cervix appear healthy?
-Any bleeding from the cervix?
-vaginal wall (vagina is thin, dry and atrophic with diffuse erythema)
Bimannual examination
-uterine size and tenderness of the uterus, adnexal mass and tenderness (uterine size is normal, no
tenderness)
6-Office tests:
UDT, BSL
Investigation
1-FBE, UEC
2-Transvaginal ultrasound and diagnostic pap
-Thickness of endometrium (in postmenopausal women, thickness should be less than 5mm)
-Polyps in the endometrium or cervix
-Any other abnormal growths
Management
Atrophic vaginitis
-From the history and examination, most likely you are having atrophic vaginitis. It is a condition where
the lining of the vagina becomes thin and dry, and breaks down at times, leading to a bleed. Normally,
the lining of the vagina is dependent on estrogen for strength and integrity. At time of menopause, the
ovaries shut down completely so that only very low levels of estrogen are formed, so when the estrogen
levels go low, the vagina becomes thin and atrophic.
-You can use local estrogen therapy in the form of vaginal estrogen cream, vaginal estrogen tablets
(Vagifen), or pessaries. You can also use vaginal lubricants, which is also effective to control dryness
257
-I will refer you to the specialist who will do a hysteroscopy and endometrium tissue sample
-once sampling is done treatment will be given depending on the type of endometrial hyperplasia so if it
is typical, you will be given progestogens either orally or an intrauterine contraceptive device like
Mirena will be placed. If the tissue sample shows atypical changes, the specialist may decide to do a
hysterectomy or removal of the uterus.
-I will give you reading materials regarding endometrial hyperplasia for further insight.
-I will arrange a review with you after the specialist consult.
-Life style modification and dietician if BMI is high
notes/
I think. There are 2 presentations for atrophic vaginitis case the first one is postmenopausal bleeding for
2 days.
The other would be a persistent vaginal discharge for 3 weeks
History
-You will do the same history like bleeding or discharge no difference then same differential and 5Ps or
general.
-in post menopausal bleeding the patient will say it is brownish discharge in lay term I think. And her
husband will be dead, if so no need to ask pain or bleeding after intercourse. Also she might not done
pap or mamo so arrange one if so.
-in the case of discharge 3 weeks as k importantly about the colour.
Examination
-for both there should be atrophic vagina, vaginal discharge or bleeding according to the case.
258
-there might be high blood pressure as incidental findings so again do LSM and arrange consultation if
so. But be careful they might be wrong with this feedback.
Management
-for both cases talk about atrophic vaginitis.
-in sample case they put Ix before discussion because the tasks are different. In the exam after talking
arrange Ix especially to rule out endometrial cancer.
Case (4/10/2017)
62 year old F with vaginal bleeding
- atrophic vaginitis
Vaginal bleeding – Pass
Scenario
Post-menopausal bleeding 2 days.
•History
•Focused examination from examiner
•Explain most probable diagnosis to patient.
C/O brownish discharge 2 days.
Menopause 15 years before no bleeding till 2days back. Used 2 pads so far. No abdominal pain. Last
pap smear 2 years back. (Told her we’ll have to do it today.)
Not sexually active for years. No previous vaginal discharge. No fever/ LOA/LOW
Waterworks and bowel habits normal.
Never been on HRT. No menopausal symptoms. Never had breast lumps/surgery.
Assessed for risk factors of endometrial ca. 3 children. No family history of endometrial (womb) or
colon cancer. Not taking any meds. (esp. tamoxifen), no evidence of PCOS in the past history. Not
used OCP…
SAD-no
PEFE:
All normal except blood in vagina/ not coming from OS. Atrophic vagina. Said I will do a PAP
smear during speculum exam. When asked for BMI, examiner said she is as you see her -role player was
quite lean.
Diagnosis:
Atrophic vaginitis is most probable diagnosis. Explained the effect of estrogen on integrity of
epithelium………. And explained her examination findings…
At her age, endometrial carcinoma is the most important diagnosis we want to rule out with this
presentation. (she got anxious- so added as she does not have any of the risk factors apart from being
post-menopausal and age, so atrophic vaginitis is the most probable), but cancer should be excluded
with a transvaginal USS, and PAP smear test before giving her above diagnosis.
• 4/4 key steps covered.
259
Feedback comment
I had this case in June. I passed it too. In the history, you have to rule out Endometrial/Cervical
cancer as the presenting complaint is brownish discharge in a post menopausal woman.
Ask detailed menopausal history about last menstrual period, any sexual problems (sexual history, my
patient's husband has passed away 10 years ago and she said she wasn't sexually active then),
vaginal dryness, emotional problems.
Then ask Cancer questions, like weight loss, appetite, night sweats, lumps or bumps.
(My task was history, ask examiner for phys exam findings and most likely diagnosis and DD)
Ask about her general health. When was her last Pap smear and mammogram? (This is very
important, my patient was due for a Pap smear, so I told her that I will perform one now and also
refer her for a mammogram).
Then asked the Phys Exam findings, it was consistent with atrophic vaginitis. I told her it is likely to be
atrophic vaginitis, but just to be sure I'd like to run a few more tests like an ultrasound to see how
thick her uterus lining is. (It wasn't necessary for the task)
My patient had an incidental high BP reading.
So I asked her if she is taking BP meds? She said no, she wasn't aware, so I told her that I will kee
an eye on her BP readings and if it was consistently high I will consider giving her medications in
the future.
period last time at age of 52 , no menopausal symp , not on HRT , has 3 children , normal vaginal
delivery , pap smear 18 mths ago , ( result were good) , mamogram done , good , husband died? ,
not sexually active , no PMH or PSH , no family history of gynaecology cancer , SADMA not
relevant
PEFE
BMI as you see , normal
vital sign BP 140/90, PR 80 min , RR 20 min , temp normal
no pallor , no jaundice
CVS normal
REsp normal
abdomen normal
pelvic inspection - no discharge , no mass , coughing ... no urine leakage , no prolapse
SS atrophic changes + , os normal
BME normal
urine dipstick , BSL not available
Explanation
Julia , based on the examination finding and history taking , most likely the cause of vaginal
discharge is due to a condition called atrophic vaginitis , ,which is very common in women after
menopause , causing thining and dryness of vagina due to lack of female hormone after
menopause .that can lead to irritation easily and discharge as well. this is not serious condition .
however , whenever a women in her post menopause has discharge we should also consider and
rule out other condition , like nasty conditon of neck of womb ( CA cervix ) nasty condition of
womb ( CA endometrium ) , even tho it is less likely , infection of womb is unlikely as you are not
sexually active ,
so i would like to refer you to specialist , who will do further assessment , take swab for discharge ,
doing usg to your belly to check thickness of the womb and pap smear , if anything suspicious ,
biopsy ,
i will prescribe lubricant and oestrogen cream to apply in your down below to relieve the
condition , and will review you regularly .
as your blood pressure is a bit high side , i will make another appointment to recheck your BP as
well
Recall 12-4-2018
a 67- year old lady comes with vaginal discharge from 2 m ago.
Tasks:
* further Hx
* ask p/e from examiner especificly
* mx
during hx these were found:
husband died 6 years ago , her LMP was 15 years ago , no any bleeding befor, was on pills and HRT for
2 years , no any other symptom, no itchiness, no wt loss.
not sexualy active, last pap was 2 years ago and was nl. not smoker.
in p/e:
just vagna was thin and cervix was pale and dry. no any other symptoms.
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Feedback 31-5-2018
8)atrophic vaginitis,GP,57 yr old woman with one day blood stained vaginal discharge.vitals r Normal
Tasks- H/O,PEFE,dx and ddx
History-one day bleeding ,just pink spotting on the pad.no discharge,no itchiness,no smell,no urinary
symptoms no trauma,no abdominal pain.
No menopausal symptoms,no HRT,husband died 6 yr ago.no sexual activity since there.Cervical
screening test normal,mammogram normal.no LoW,LOA, No family history of cancer
PEFE-typical atrophic vaginitis feature was given by examiner.
Explained-by drawing ,other ddx endometrial hyperplasia,gynecological cancers,infection all less likely.
Keys 3/4 approach 3,examination 4,dx and ddx 4 ,global 4
Feedback 26-10-2018
Station 5: Vaginal bleeding Fail (GS - 3)
Post-menopausal woman with Hx of vaginal discharge.
Hx, PEFE, Dx & DDx
Hx:
discharge (2-3 days, colour is period-like blood), other symptoms (fever, abd pain, no features of
UTI, no features of Cancer)
menopause 15 yrs ago. no bleeding since then. No other menopausal symptoms, no HRT
Sexual Hx – not active, (skip dyspareunia), STI screening (not done)
Screening (did Pap smear 2 years ago), mammogram
SADMA
PEFE:
GA, VS, abdomen exam (Normal),
Pelvic exam: normal on inspection (bleeding ??)
Speculum exam: atrophic changes in vagina, bleeding on areas where speculum is touched
Bimanual exam: uterus and adnexa – normal size and no TDN
Dx & DDX:
Explained Atropic vaginitis as my main Dx.
DDx: infection (candidiasis, Bacterial vaginitis, Trichomoniasis), Ca cervix and Ca endometrium
(patient looked worried as I mentioned cancer. But I reassured her that those are less likely as she was
healthy and she had no features of cancer. we just want to rule out cancer by doing some basic
screening.)
262
Feedback 8-11-2018
263
I entered the room, introduce and greeted the role player. Took a history regarding her bleeding. Asked
about characteristics of bleeding. Any concurrent pain, or vaginal discharge. Also about the time of
menopause, contraception, HRT, osteoporosis, or any bone pain or fracture, also sweating, sleep
disturbance or mood change. And also asked about her BMI, recent weight gain, balanced diet and
routine exercise.
Then explained about menopause, hormonal change, and unopposed oestrogen secretion in menopause
especially among the overweight women, and also about endometrial hyperplasia and risk of cancer.
Explained that this sort of bleeding is not a definitive sign of endometrial cancer, however, as there is a
risk of malignancy, it is wise to do more investigation on her by endometrial sampling. So she needs to
be referred to specialist for further investigation. And the rest of the management depends on the results
of the investigations.
Feedback 11-12-2018
58year old presents back to your GP clinic for her vaginal ultrasound report. It shows endometrial size
of 7mm.
Take hx,
Examiner will give you result and you have to Explain the results to patient
DD
Ask hemodynamically stability, ask bleeding history- CCVO, Bleeding anywhere else. Onset, duration,
progression, 5 Ps, RULE OUT DDX- ATROPHIC VAGINITIS,CERVICAL POLYP ,CERVICAL
CANCER,(ASK ABOUT ANY ABNORMAL PAP SMEAR), ENDOMETRIAL CANCER, OVARIAN
TUMOR,ANY OTHER CANCER IN PATIENT AND FAMILY, BLEEDING DISORDER ,LIVER
DISEASES., trauma
RISK FACTORS- obesity, smoking, nulliparity(you will cover in obstetric history)sadma-negative
positive findings--patient has had a proper period for the first time since LMP 5 years ago. Bled for 5
days, used a couple of pads, no clots, not fully soaked. AT the moment, she is not bleeding but she is
worried..so have a guarded reassurance.
RESULT—USG FINDINGS—Endometrial thickness was 7mm, ovary and cervix- healthy, so explain
each part of results and also give above ddx with the result. So said will do further investigations. Try
not to scare the patient..
Global score- 5, all key steps covered
264
Feedback 11-12-2018
Station 5 (Vaginal bleeding) Global Score 4 Pass
58-year-old woman comes to GP Clinic for the results of her ultrasound. It shows a 7mm endometrium.
Tasks: History, explain the results and DDx. (Relevant PE will be given on a chart)
I came in the room and greeted both the examiner and the patient.
I introduced myself and noticed patient was distressed. She said she wanted to know the results.
I told her I would be pleased to explain her the results but I would need to make some questions first.
She agreed.
I asked her to tell me more about her bleeding. When it started? Last month. How long did it last? 5
days. How many pads? A couple. Fully soaked? No. Any clot? No. Any abdominal pain? No. Any
fever? No. When was your last period? 5 years ago. Did you have hot flushes back than? Yes. Were you
on HRT? No. Any symptoms now? No.
I told her I would have to ask some sensitive questions. She nodded. I asked if she was sexually active?
Yes. Any bleeding during or after intercourse? No. Any pain during intercourse? No. Any STD? No.
Any weight loss? On the contrary, doctor, I have been putting on weight. (that caught my attention).
Any lumps or bumps anywhere in the body? No.
I asked about her HPV screen she said she had done last year and was normal.
I asked about mammogram and she said the last one was three years ago. I told her I would arrange one
for her.
Smoke? No. Any medication? No. Any Blood thinners? No. Any drug? No. Diet? Normal and rich in
calcium.
Home situation was unremarkable. Family history: unremarkable Previous conditions: none.
I asked for the PE chart. Everything was normal but BMI was 30.
I showed her the ultrasound result and explained it to her. I draw the uterus and showed her what the
endometrium was. I told her that normally it is 5mm but hers was 7mm and that was the cause of
bleeding. I named the condition: endometrial hyperplasia.
I explained that when menopause occurs, the ovaries stop producing hormones like estrogen and
progesterone. But her body was producing estrogen because she was overweight.
She looked at me and said with half a smile: “ you don’t need to be this direct, doctor!”
I said: “ I am sorry, let me rephrase it. As you told me earlier, you have been putting weight and your
BMI is 30. That’s the main reason why your body is producing estrogen. It acts on the endometrium
making it thicker as you don’t have progesterone to oppose its action.”
“Other causes of postmenopausal bleeding could be: atrophic vaginitis but it is unlikely because there
was no atrophy on the specular exam and you have no bleeding and no pain during sexual intercourse;
coagulation problems but you have no family history and you are not using any blood thinner; polyps
but it did not show on your ultrasound; cancer but you have no weight loss, no family history and no
lumps or bumps in your body.”
Key step 1:yes. Approach to patient/relative: 5 Key step 2:yes. History: 5
184-Incomplete miscarriage
You are an intern at ED. Your next patient is a young woman came with vaginal bleeding after 8 weeks
of amenorrhoea. She looked pale.
Tasks:
-Take a history from the patient.
-Ask PE findings from the examiner.
-Tell the possible causes to the patient
Differential Diagnosis:
1-Miscarriage (incomplete, Threatened )
2-Ectopic pregnancy
3-H-mole
4-Trauma
History:
*ask patient if she has any pain, she said yes ask for severity and offer pain killer she said no thanks she
is ok now.
1-ask the examiner “Is the patient hemodynamically stable?”
*The patient unstable so need to stablise her by putting IV lines and start on fluid take blood for
FBE,UCE,LFT
2-Bleeding questions (Duration-Action-Trauma-Amount or severity-colour-odour-content-
dizziness- bleeding disorder or blood thinner)
- for How long have you been bleeding? Is this the first time?
- What were you doing the time you passed blood?
- have you had any trauma to your tummy?
- How many pads have you used so far? Is it (are they) fully soaked?
- What is the colour of the bleed?
- is it smelly?
- Are there any clots or tissues? Any vesicles or grapes? passed tissues +ve
- do you feel dizzy or tired? (yes)
-have you had any bleeding disorders or take any blood thinner medications? (no)
2-Associated symptoms (tummy pain, fever, N&V, discharge)
- do you have any pain in your tummy? (Mild pain)
ask only severity + pain killer, site and radiation.
266
Pregnancy
- are you trying to become pregnant? Said yes and UPT at home was +ve yesterday
- have you had any previous pregnancies or miscarriages? (no)
- do you have any vomiting, breast tenderness? (no)
Pill
how long have you been off the contraception?
Pap or Hpv
is your pap or Hpv up to date?
4-Early Pregnancy questions
-Any antenatal checks you'd done so far? (no yesterday I noticed myself pregnancy)
- Have you taken your folic acid? (no yesterday I noticed myself pregnancy)
-are you aware of your blood group?
5-General questions (Diet-SAD, OTC- pets, PMH-PSH-Family hx)
- Diet: any intake of raw meat? (predisposed to toxoplasma), how many coffee do you take in a day?
- Do you smoke, drink alcohol or take recreational drugs?
-Any prescription or over the counter medications?
- Any pets at home? (toxoplasma in cat litter)
- Any other medical or surgical illness?
-Family history of miscarriages?
5-Pelvic exam
consent of patient and presence of chaperone:
Inspection: colour of the bleed? Tissues, clots? (Tissues positive) so here tell the examiner that you
need to remove these tissues.
Speculum: look if bleeding is coming from cervix , cervix closed or open? ( OS open with tissues)
Per vaginal: CMT, uterine size, position, tenderness adnexal mass and tenderness ( size 6 weeks)
6-Office test:, UDT, BSL ( Avoid asking for UPT, coagulation profile, US)
Explanation
-Show empathy to the patient like I’m sorry to tell you that you most likely having miscarriage…. Do
you want me to call anyone for you?
-Most likely what you're having is incomplete miscarriage. It is pregnancy loss presenting with bleeding
before 20 weeks of pregnancy, passing tissues and the neck of womb is open, the womb size is less than
age O/E.
-Exact cause is unknown could be due to genetic abnormalities in the baby.
-This usually managed by curettage(define it) by specialist….. you are in safe hands….
Other possibilities but unlikely are threatened miscarriage unlikely as in threatened misc the neck of
womb closed and no tissue passed. Molar pregnancy unlikely as no vesicles, and size of womb usually
larger than it should be. Ectopic unlikely as well
Feedback 15-8-2018
Vaginal Bleeding
Stem: Young lady with abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding after few weeks of amenorrhea (bp 80/40)
Tasks
~History
~PEFE
~Dx and ddx to patient
Inside the room there was a young girl in early 20s lying on the couch with sheet on. She was acting as
if she is in pain and looked anxious worried and breathing heavily.
Greeted her and address the pain first. Asked pain scale, allergy and arranged pain killers. Show
empathy.
Excused her to ask the examiner about vitals, he said already given. I asked if there is any change since.
He said no. So I told him to take patient to cubicle and give fluids before starting history. He said
sure.
Then took history ( You all know pain questions, bleeding questions.. keeping in mindtrauma,
intercourse, ectopic, molar, threatedned, imcomplete, complete abortion, appendicitis, pyelo etc( she told
she hasn’t seen any doctor and found out 1 or 2 days back with home pregnany test that she is
expecting). Asked about 5ps. And winded up.
PEFE
GA….Anxious breathing heavy
Vitals… Bp( still 80/40) even after fluids, PR Inc, RR Inc, Temp normal
Focused on Pelvic so asked for chaperone and patients consent ( examiner said offcourse you do)
268
Inspection: blood +
Speculum: blood +, clots +, POC +, OS opened ( I told examiner that I would remove poc as bp isn’t
coming up with fluids).
Gave dx of imcompplete abortion( in breaking bad news manner)and explained it.. ddx of
complete, threatened, molar, ectopic etc same as mentioned above.
Grade:Pass
Feedback5-10-2018
Station 5 (Incomplete miscarriage)
Question: You are an intern at ED. Your next patient is a young woman came with vaginal bleeding
after 8 weeks of amenorrhoea. She looked pale.
Tasks: Take a history from the patient. Ask PE findings from the examiner. Tell the possible causes to
the patient.
Score: I passed this case with global score 5
Key steps 1, 2 Yes 3 No
Approach to patient: 6
History: 5
Choice and technique of examination, organization and sequence: 6
Dx/DDx: 4
My performance
Patient is lying on the bed with some concerned and tired look.
Hello, Mary. I’m Dr. MM, one of the interns in this department. I knew that you might be very
concerned as you have bleeding from your down below. How are you feeling right now? (Yes, doctor, I
feel rather weak) I have to ask you some questions first. Would that be ok for you? (Yes, doctor) Is it the
first time to have bleeding from your down below after losing your period for 8 weeks? (Yes) Is the
bleeding too much? (Yes) Any blood clots? (Yes) So I have to measure your vital signs first from my
examiner. Can you please wait for a minute? (Yes)
Dear examiner, as my patient has severe vaginal bleeding, I would like to measure blood pressure
and pulse rate first. (PR is 110/min and BP is 80/50 mmHg) My patient is having hypovolemic
shock and so I want to insert wide bore cannula on both hands and collect blood for grouping and
matching and basic blood tests. And I’ll run normal saline right now, examiner. (Done) Let me get
back to my patient.
Ok, Mary. I have done all the necessary urgent treatment right now. Can we continue for history?
(Yes) Previously, do you have regular periods? (Yes) Have you checked any pregnancy when you lost
your peroids? (Yes, doctor, pregnancy test was positive) Is this the first pregnancy? (Yes) Do you have
any recent injury history to your tummy or down below? (No) Have you seen any tissue passed or grape
like vesicles in your bleeding from down below? (No) Any tummy pain? (Yes, doctor and it’s right here.
269
The patient is pointing around lower part of tummy) Ok, Mary, thank you for the information. I have to
examine you right now. OK?
Dear examiner, I want to measure vital signs again. (It’s still the same)
Then I’ll look for pallor. (Present)
I’ll do focused abdominal examination. Is there any tenderness? (Yes, in lower parts) Is there any
abdominal distension? (No) Any palpable mass? (No)
Then I’ll move on to pelvic examination with my patient’s consent and in the presence of chaperone.
On inspection, is there any bleeding at the moment? (Yes) Any blood clots? (Yes) Any foul smelling?
(No)
Any signs of injury or infection like redness and swelling? (No) Then, I’ll do speculum examination. Is
cervical os opened or closed? (open) Any tissue piece at the os? (Yes) Then I’ll remove it now. I’ll do
bimanual examination. I want to know uterine size, position and tenderness. (uterus is 6 week size, RV
position and slight tenderness present) Thank you , examiner. That’s the end of my examination.
Ok, Mary. I’m really really sorry to tell you that you’re having miscarriage now. Let me draw a
picture. This is your womb and here is neck of womb and here is birth canal. When I examined
you I saw some tissue piece at the opening of neck of womb and your womb size is reduced now.
This is a condition we called incomplete miscarriage. It’s very important for you to have a
procedure which will take out all the tissue pieces left in your womb. The other possible cause
might be a condition we called threatened miscarriage but it should present with only mild
bleeding and no tissue passed from your down below. There’s another condition we called molar
pregnancy but it’s unlikely as it usually presents with grape like vesicles passed. There’s another
unlikely cause we called ectopic pregnancy. Then the bell rang.
Comment: Examiner was a Chinese and looked very patient and good-natured. Role player was very
good at acting.
3-General questions
-PMH (DM, fibroid)
-Family history (twins, big baby)
-SAD
-Pets, travel, raw meat
Case 1 Feedback
Feedback 17-8-2018 pass
Antenatal care (polyhydromnios handbook case),
Task-hx,pefe(ask any inv u want to review),d/d,inv
Hx-everyone is saying my tummy is bigger than normal, its discomfortable.
no hx/fhx of diabetes, no other medical condition, no fhx of congenital fetal abnormality, no exposure to
pets, vaccination uptodate, no s/s of dm or htn in pg,all antenatal test fine.
Pefe-uterus 6cm larger thn date, apart from that all r normal.
I asked for any inv available like bsl, usg(what pt told u that’s it) I asked again as task was any inv u
want to review, thn he said as I told u(bit angry I guess) office test-he asked me what u r looking for
specifically? i said bsl,urine dipstick-normal
dd-all 8 causes of hb
inv-same like hb USG,GTT etc.I said I need to send u to specialist,he might do some other invasive test
like amniocentesis(said how they will do this-taking some fluid from womb and check whether any
TORCH infection in baby)(score-5 here so enough inv).
I felt pt wasn’t happy as I had sob due to my physical illness, I had to take deep breath in between and
said sorry for that again and again bt still I had time-pt asked anything u want to tell me? i said yes ur
delivery is expected prior to due date, so red flag, stay near hospital, need to seen by specialist within
few days(all hb sentences)
Feedback 6-6-2018
large for gestational age- pass
? 29 wk pregnancy, regular patient at your clinic all AN screening tests were normal. Complaining of
abdominal discomfort and think her tummy is getting larger in size.
task: hx, PEFE, dx, ddx, arrange investigation for the patient
History: abdominal discomfort, no pain, no contraction, no nausea, no vomiting, pv
discharge/bleeding nil, no headache, visual disturbance nil, leg swelling nil, feel fetal movement ,no
urinary symptoms, no bowel symptoms, diabetes symptoms nil, pets nil, raw meat nil. Sweet drink test
done and normal, ultrasound done and normal, blood gp. LMP sure, regular period before, DM hx nil,
fibroid hx nil, family history of big baby present, no family history of twin.
PEFE: fundal height ? 32 weeks size( 3wks larger than the gestational age given in the scenario), single
fetus, FHS normal.
Ddx :likely polyhydramios, explain causes of it, ddx: DM, big baby, wrong date , twins, fibroids,
placenta abnormalities.
Inv: baseline blood tests, TORCH screening, would like to repeat sweet drink test, USG, CTG.
(Explained all ,with layman term)
274
Feedback 14-3-2018
32 weeks pregnant lady with rapid weight gain over 4 weeks. (Don’t remember exact weight changes
275
and gestation).
Take Hx, PE from examiner and explain diagnosis to the patient.
2 min thinking time; look for causes.. Polyhydromnios, multiple pregnancies, fibroid, wrong dates,
placenta previa, fetal abnormalities, low Hb, choriocarcinoma, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia,
infections, family history of large babies etc.
After introduction, I told her that I saw in her notes that she had rapid increase in her weight in these
last few weeks. So I need to ask her few questions if she was okay with that. She agreed. I asked her if
she felt any difference recently? Or any rapid increase in the size of her belly? Any difficulty breathing
or swelling in legs? All negative.
The baby was kicking well and there was no discharge or bleeding from her private area. I said let’s talk
about her antenatal tests. I asked if there was any abnormality in her blood levels and what her BG was.
It was fine and she was O+ve. Wether her pregnancy was spontaneous or assisted to R/O (multiple preg)
Then I moved on to her 18 week growth scan to ask further about multiple pregnancies, if the doctor
commented to where her placenta was, or if there was any abnormal growth in her womb, or if the baby
was fine and growing normally? She hadn’t eaten any raw or undercooked meat or didn’t come in
contact with cats. Her OGTT was normal and no previous or family history of DM or complicated
pregnancies.
Her husband and herself were of normal built and height and nobody in the family was very tall
etc. She didn’t travel anywhere recently.
I took a moment from her to talk to the examiner. Vitals were all stable. No edema. Abdominal exam
was more important so I focused on that. Fundal height was 34/35cm above pubic symphysis. FHR
was normal. No fluid thrill present. Fetal head wasn’t engaged and fetal presentation was cephalic. No
proteins on urine dipstick and BSL was not available.
I got back to her and told along with drawing that after talking to her and the examiner it looked like the
rapid weight gain was due to a Larger for date gestation. There could be a lot of reasons like
polyhydraminos, placenta obstructing the mouth of womb, preeclampsia with increased BP and release
of proteins in urine but I couldn’t elicit any in history.
So I would refer her to the specialist to do furthur testing to find the cause. He may do an USG to have
a look in the womb and the baby. A CTG will be done to make sure the baby is doing well. He may
repeat OGTT if he suspected DM. And a couple of other blood tests. Asked she understood?
Then told about complications of LDG mainly being preterm labour and malpresentation. So the
specialist may decide for an early delivery if any complications occurred. But from now on there will be
more frequent visits with doctor to keep her and her baby safe. Asked if she wanted to ask any questions
and the bell rang. Scenario … Antenatal Care
Grade… Pass
Global score… 5 Key steps 1,2,3,4…. Yes 5.. No
History…. 4 Choice of examination.…. 5
Diag/ D/D …. 5 Choice of investigations…. 5
- You are in GP and 34 weeks pregnant lady come for antetnatal checkup. U colleague saw her at last
appointment when she was 28 weeks and her FH at that time was 30 weeks. Now she is 34 weeks and
SFH is 38 weeks. All the blood tests and USG have been done which are all normal. Tasks
- Take further history
- Ask PE findings from examiner and investigations, where examiner will give u
what u are asking for
- Explain possible causes of this condition to pt
(You are not supposed to discuss about treatment)
2 mins thinking
- Oh, Is it new case? I didn’t see this in last year recall. Can it be transverse lie? No, it should be
reduced fundal height in T lie.
- It can be large for date uterus, my DDx are wrong date, polyhydramnios, big baby, multiple
pregnancy, fibroids, etc.
- In HO - I ll ask general Q and ask routine in PE. See, how it goes inside the room and I ll play it
accordingly.
History
When I stepped into the room, there was a re known AMC examiner whom I have seen in official AMC
videos. I greeted examiner and he checked my name card.
Greeting - Good morning. I am Dr Khine. I am one of the Drs in this general practice. Nice to meet you
Samantha. (Yep, Dr). I understand from ur notes that u are here for antenatal check up, right? (Yep)
Antenatal Q -
-How’s ur preg going so far? (It’s going well).
-Did u do all antenatal check ups that u are supposed to do? (Yep), Are they normal? (yep)
-What about USG at 18 weeks? Do u have any concern for that? (No, Dr)
(I didn’t ask in detail like how many babies, placenta location, liquor coz the stem mentions that
it was normal)
-Sweet drink test at 28 weeks? (No problem). Ok that’s great.
Late preg Q -
-Any tummy pain, Any HA, blurring of vision, leg swelling (No)
-bleeding and water broke from down below? (No)
-Do u feel that ur tummy is larger than it should be? (I dun know)
5P - Is it first pregnancy (Yep), Any previous miscarriages (No), Stable relationship (Yes), Pap smear (1
year back and it was normal)
SADMA, PMH (fibroid) , PSH - all clear
blood group and coombs test
FH - 38 cm
Lie – Longitudinal
Presentation – Cephalic
-FHR - 140/min
-CVS, Resp – Normal
When I ask about PVE, examiner said no PVE has been done.
Bedside tests - not available
Then I asked USG report, examiner said “Ur patient has already told you”
(I was freaking out as the task mentions that ask invx results from examiner). I said “Sorry examiner,
my pt didn’t tell me anything.” Examiner said no USG report is available.
Any CTG report? (Examiner - what??) I said “Cardiotocogram”. (Examiner - for what?) (It widens my
eyes again) I said to check well being of baby. (Examiner - It s not available) Then examiner told me
talk to my patient. I thanked examiner
Explain to patient
Jenny, According to history and physical exam findings, I found out that ur tummy was larger than it
should be, we call it “large for date uterus”
It can be caused by a couple of reasons like wrong date, which means u wrongly memorise ur LMP.
Then I draw a diagram of uterus with baby inside.
Other possible causes are big baby, increased amount of fluid inside bag around ur baby we call it
“polyhydramnios”, and if there are more than one babies inside ur womb.
Let me ask ur USG finding of 18 weeks, Did Dr tell u how many babies are there? (RP : it is singleton
pregnancy)
OK, that’s fine. So far, are u with me? (Yep, Dr)
Alright, the last cause is fibroid (I draw a fibroid in diagram) which is non cancerous growth of muscle
layer of ur womb.
Before pregnancy, did u notice any lumps in ur tummy? (No). (I should have asked any issue with ur
period like increased amount of bleeding)
So, we ll do a couple of investigations like repeat USG to find out the causes, and CTG which is a
special test to check wellbeing of ur baby. And we ll treat u accordingly.
(Mx is not task. So I didn’t talk about it)
Then the bell rang. (I should have told causes of polyhydramnios in this case but I didn’t)
AMC Feedback - Antenatal care : Fail (Global Score - 3)
History 4 Examination 4
Dx/ DDx 3 Invx 3
US shows only one baby, fibroids but you had no problems with your periods before pregnancy and it is
not shown on US; and polihydramnios.
You are due to a new US at 34 weeks, which I will arrange now.
On 36 weeks we will do the bug test and I will see you weekly.
When you go into labor, the obstetrician will follow you up. If they think baby is too big for vaginal
delivery, a C-section might be performed”
Bell rang and I had no time for red flags and reading material.
Key step 1:yes. Choice of investigation: 4
Key step 2:no. History: 5
Key step 3:yes. Choice & Technique of exam, organization and sequence: 3
Key step 4:yes. Diagnosis/Differential diagnoses: 5
Key step 5:yes.
Case 2 (Large for date + measure SFH only yourself during PEFE + give only DDX without likely)
Large for date
GP, 27 years old lady 34 week pregnancy came to see you for routine ANC. It is the first baby for her.
She lives with her husband and he is supportive to her. She came regular ANC and test results are
normal. She underwent sweat drink test and her blood group is B positive.
Task:
Take history
PEFE and you do yourself SFH
Tell the patient possible causes
Appreciate. I asked ANC: bld test normal. USG normal & no fibroid. Pregnancy complications: normal
apart she feels tense in tummy and discomfort. Baby kicking (+).
No fever, no skin rash, jt pain, no exposure to animal poo & pee, no poo & pee p/b
No chronic medical p/b. No taking medication except folic acid.
Ask PEFE: No anaemia, no jaundice. Vitals: stable (normal BP). Ht and lungs: normal. Abd: soft, no
tender, no guarding & rigidity, no scar.
Examiner asked me to check pt abdomen. I forgot to wash hand & he remind me. Please make sure the
bed is completely flat (they intentionally elevate the bed upto 20'). I inspect abdomen and palpate it but
he said I want only SFH. I measured it (36 cm). Then I asked single fetus, longitudinal lie, vertex
presentation, not engaged yet. FHS (+) ?150/min. I defer VE.
Office test: urine dipstick: he said no UTI, no Sugar, no protein (I am sure he told one by one)
Blood sugar: NORMAL (I am sure I asked)
I asked patient LMP: she said she forgot.
I explained her Large for date: she asked what it is. Large the womb size compared with her pregnancy
age.
Possible causes: wrong date, polyhydramnios, big baby, Twin baby, baby problem, fibroid, placenta
problem.
Grade: Not scored
281
Her period was irregular , she wasn't sure about her LMP.
Then I told it could be wrong dating as she wasn't sure abiut LMP.
As DDx I said twin pg, multiple pg, familial big baby, Polyhydramnios, Infections and explained
everything with a picture of the tummy.
As Ix I ordered all routine pg tests as it was her first visit.
FBE, Urine MCS, BSL, Urine deepstick, serology TORCH, Vericella, HIV, Hep B, A, and an
USG to find out the date and number of fetus.
AMC Feedback: Station 20: Antenatal care
Grade: Pass Global score: 4 Key steps: 1,2,3,4 yes,no,yes,yes
Assessment Domain: History: 4
Dx/DDx: 4 Choice of Investigations: 6
Case (7/3/2017)
20 weeks pregnant lady was overseas with her husband hasn’t seen anyone regarding her pregnancy so
when examined fundal height was 30 cm .. history and diagnosis and further management
I took the history asked for any symptoms she denied then asked about first pregnancy or not assisted or
not any previous heavy bleed or fibroid.
any symptom of DM any family history of big baby or birth defect and also any contact with raw meet
any SLE she denied everything so I gave her all options and said high risk pregnancy US viral serology
and sle screen the bell rang but I think I should tell about the OGTT and the other antenatal check as she
has nor seen dr before
Case (7/3/2017)
GP, 30 yr old lady, she moved to another country with her husband 2yr ago and now came back with 5
month pregnancy. She has never taken ANC before. On examination, u found that temperature- 37.2C,
fundal height-30cm, others are normal.
Task
-take history
-explain about your finding, possible diagnosis
-explain Investigation that you need to do to patient.
After reading the stem, I feel nervous a s it says possible diagnosis by taking only history. In history, she
has not taken ANC, don’t know blood group, no twin history, no USG and blood test done, no fever, no
rash, no BPV, LMP-5 months ago, Baby kick well, no known DM, also past medical and surgical
history-not relevant.
Pap smear not done and I said I will do it for you after our discussion then she said right now? I said yes.
Idon’tknow) Then, I explained that your temperature Is a little bit high( which I think) and your
pregnancy size is larger than it should be. (Until now, I don’t know what to tell about diagnosis.) Then, I
said may be due to polyhydraminion so I want to do ultrasound and check baby, liquor index & placenta,
also may be due to infection ( because I think she has low grade fever) so Blood test for infection
screening, blood sugar test to exclude DM. I also want to check your blood group. Also, may be wrong
date or twin ( which I forgot to tell her in exam). [I failed this case.
283
present. Then I told my pt about Threatened abortion and explained the DDx as incomplete abortion,
molar pg, twin pg, UTI. Arrange an USG, FBE, UEC, urine MCS. There wasn't any Mx task so I didn't
talk about it.
AMC Feedback: Assessed but not scored
-if it is not well controlled it can lead to a condition called preeclampsia where there will be a sharp rise
of BP and protein leakage into urine. So a far as possible this need to be prevented.
Management
-we need to record your blood pressure in 4 hours time and if it is elevated then you have gestational
hypertension
-if you have pregnancy induced hypertension further blood tests need to be done like FBC, UCE, LFT
which will sometimes be repeated later.
-urine also need to be checked for protein creatinine ratio and urine protein need to be looked for
weekly.
Physical Exam
GA - Any pallor, jaundice, leg oedema (No).
VS - T - normal, BP - 150/100, PR - 100, others – normal
Fundoscopy – normal
CNS examination esp reflexes – normal
Then, I d like to focus on abdominal exam, FH - 34 weeks, Lie - longitudinal, Presentation - Cephalic,
FHS - 140/min
I d like to complete my exam by doing resp and CVS exam (Normal).
I d like to check UDS for protein, nitrates, and leucocytes (All negative)
(Actually, I was expecting at least positive urine protein or pt throwed fits while asking PE, but
there was nothing. So this is just preg induced HT)
Management
Well, Ms Lindsay, according to HO and PE findings, most likely condition u are having now is called
pregnancy induced hypertension. It means high BP during pregnancy which is caused by hormones
secreted from placenta during pregnancy.
(RP : Is it due to hormones? Yes, it is caused by hormones that raise ur BP during pregnancy)
This is not very uncommon condition. Let me reassure u that it is well manageable and u can have
normal delivery and healthy baby if we treat it properly. (RP : Yep)
So, what we have to do for now is I will refer u to the high risk pregnancy clinic and manage u with
MDT including pregnancy specialist, specially trained nurses and me as a GP.
U need to go for frequent antenatal check up as it is high risk pregnancy. We ll check ur BP in every
visit and check protein in ur urine. Specialist will do USG of ur tummy and CTG to check well being of
ur baby. Depending on ur severity, specialist will decide how frequent we need to do these tests.
In terms of delivery, it depends on ur condition, baby’s condition and the severity of ur high BP.
Specialist will decide it. It can be normal delivery or CS.
I will review you regularly. I ll give u reading materials to make u understand better ur condition. I am
gonna write down the referral letter for u to see specialist. And in the mean time, I want u to be aware of
some red flags features. (RP : what do u mean?) (seems like she doesn’t understand the word red
flags)
Ok, I ll let u know about some important symptoms that u need to be aware of. If u have any severe
headache, blurring of vision, leg swelling, bleeding from down below, u feel that baby is not kicking
well, just come back to see me or u can go straight forward to ED asap.
The bell rang. I thanked to roleplayer and examiner and came out of the room.
(What I should have done - Specialist will start u on medication to lower down ur BP)
AMC Feedback - Antenatal Care : Fail (Global Score - 3)
History - 6
Examination - 5
Diagnosis - 6
289
Choice of Invx - 3
Management - 1
Feedback 23-6-2018
Feedback: Antenatal care: pregnant 30 weeks, with headache. Take Hx, PEFE, DDX, management.
Approach: vital signs? BP: 150/90. Any pains? Pain killers?
Hx:
Headache nature? nature, score, where, radiation, increasing and decreasing factors,…?
Pre-eclampsia possiblity: visual disturbance, shaking, vomitting, tummy pain, urine change, seizure, legs
edema.
Pregnancy history: tests, ultrasounds, GSL.
6Ps and medicine previous HT: NO, surgery,…
PEFE:
Vital signs?
Fundoscopy?: normal
CVS and chest: normal
Obstetric examination: fundal height (30cm), cephalic, vertical, no pain, fetal heart positive.
Relfexes: normal
Urine test: normal
Dx: Gestational HTN
Management: refer to high risk clinic, MDT to control your HT and OB specilaist will make a delivery
plan for you in controlled manner, do swab at 36 weeks.
Red flags: seizure, visual disturbance, tummy pain, water break, bleeding Hospital.
Grade: PASS, GS: 5
Key steps 1,2,3,4: Y (all covered)
Hx:5, PEFE: 5, Dx: 5, Management: 5.
TASKS
-Relevant history
-PE from examiner
-Diagnosis and management
AMC Case 21-2-2018
A young pregnant lady in her 32 weeks gestation presented to the ED with abdominal pain
tasks
-history
-PEFE
-diagnosis and management
Differential Diagnosis
1-Preterm labour.
2-Abruptio placentae.
3-preeclampsia
4-Trauma
5-Torsion of ovarian cyst
6-Medical causes: UTI, appendicitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis
History
1-pain questions
when you will enter the room the patient will be crying and rolling because of pain
-is my patient hemodynamically stable?
-I read from the notes that you are having tummy pain. Can you score the pain from 1 to 10, 10 being the
worst pain? (7/10) I will give you some painkillers, do you have any allergies?
-when did it start? Is it sudden or gradual? (for few hours )
-Where is the site of pain? (All over the tummy)
-Is the pain going somewhere else?
-Does anything make it better or worse?
-has this happened before?
2-late pregnancy complications/ DDX questions
Preterm labour/ PROM
-do you think that the pain is coming intermittently or is it a continuous pain? (Constant)
-Has the pain been coming at regular intervals or not? (if not constant ask)
-any Fluid leakage?
Placenta abruption
-Any bleeding from down below? (no)
Pre-eclampsia:
any headache, blurring of vision, dizziness, oedema? (no)
Trauma:
-any hit or falls prior to the abdominal pain? (No)
Acute abdomen (UTI/appendicitis/cholecystitis/pancreatitis): (normal)
-how are your waterworks? Any burning or stinging during urination? Any smelly urine?
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Management
-From the history and examination, most likely you are having a condition called a severe, concealed
abruptio placentae.
-The placenta is the part that connects you to your baby, and which carries oxygen and food from you to
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your baby. This placenta usually separates from the uterus after the delivery of the baby. But if the
placenta separates from the womb, during pregnancy, it is called abruptio placentae, which could be
revealed or concealed depending on whether the bleeding is coming out or not. In your case, it is the
concealed kind, the blood is collecting inside.
Breaking bad news:
-Unfortunately, the next news that I have for you is not very good.
-Do you want somebody to be with you while I discuss this with you? I can call your partner so that he
can be with you during this time.
-As you said, you have not been feeling the baby kick since this morning. And during my examination
as well, I could not hear the baby's heartbeat.
There is a probability that something nasty might have happened to the baby. But we need to confirm
this by doing an ultrasound to look at the condition.
-You will be admitted and seen by the specialist and the specialist might decide to do a C-section, as the
blood that has clotted inside needs to be evacuated or removed. Along with the placenta and the baby,
the leaking blood vessels needs to be seen.
-Once the emergency management is over, we can offer you and your partner counselling services as
well.
-I know this is a difficult time for you as you are hoping for this baby, but we are here to help you.
Feedback 21-2-2018
CASE 5: OG- IUD WITH CONCEALED ABRUPTION –PASS
young pregnant lady with tummy pain .tasks history, PEFE, management
while entering the room ,patient was lying in bed and crying and rolling with pain.asked pain scale,
offered painkiller, all pain questions, throughout the station she was crying with pain.
Pain all over the tummy, acute, no bleeding or discharge from vagina; not able to feel baby movements,
no bladder or bowel problem, no trauma immediately I arranged for doppler to check fetal heart rate,all
antenatal history normal so far.
Pefe; vitals postural drop present , told examiner that I secure cannula and start fluids.
Abd exn- generalised tenderness, uterus -/ contracted or rigid on palpation, absent fetal heart rate, pelvic
exn normal
Explained patient IUD due to ? Bleed – Placenta separated before labour. Offered support , asked for
partner, etc
arrange blood investigations, blood group and hold, specialist might arrange immediate surgery with
stable vitals.
History
Ask PEFE
Dx with reasons.
Approach :
I greeted the patient. Offered her pain killer as patient seems very painful. Then I checked vital signs and
examiner said BP 90/50 mmHg, PR 100/min. When I told that I would like to do resuscitation, examiner
said no management needed.
History :
Asked about pain questions. This is the 1st time, the pain is very severe and she felt it all over the
tummy. No radiation. Nothing makes it better or worse.
Then asked DDx - Does not look like contraction. No bleeding or watery discharge from down below.
No history of injury. No fever, nausea, vomiting. No problem with poo and pee. No history of fibroid.
Then I asked about ANC which is unremarkable. I forgot to ask about fetal kicking. Past Obstetric H/o -
she delivered both babies normally and they’re fine. Everything was unremarkable. PMH and PSH –
PMH is unremarkable but she had laproscopic appendicectomy when she was young. Social h/o –
unremarkable.
PE :
GA – patient is in pain
VS – the same
EYES – slight pallor +, no jaundice
CVS, RESP – normal
ABDOMEN - Inspection - laproscopic scars in RIF.
OBSTETRIC exam - FH is 36 cm. The abdomen is tense & tender. Cannot feel the fetal parts well. FHS
cannot be heard.
VE – no bleeding or discharge. Bishop score – unfavourable.
BST – UDS shows protein 3 or 4 +
Reflexes – intact.
Dx : Abruptio placenta with IUFD ( i was explaining the condition to patient by drawing a pic that her
womb size was larger and which is tense and tender….then the bell rang. I need to rush & tell her that
it’s due to abruptio placenta and your baby might be probably dead. Then I came out. )
Feedback 22-6-2018
8. In the GP 36w pregnant, came for check up as she was having cramp like upper tummy pain. Stem
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refers that in previous control BP:125/80, and slight swelling of ankles, rest of control normal.
Task
Hx
PEFE
Dx
Initial management
Approach
Greeted the patient
Asked the score of the pain she said 5
I asked if she needs any pain killer she said no
I said before I proceed I would like to asses your vitals
Examnier said BP-180/100 and rest were normal.. I also asked hydration status he said normal so I said I
would like to shift pt to treatment room and start on labetalol and put on cardiac monitors
Then went back to pt.. asked open ended question.
Then said will ask sensitive question and asked about bleeding from down below, can she feel the baby
kick, headache (positive), leg swelling that is not going away (positive)
DD qs
Eclampsia
Cholecystitis
UTI
Gastroenteritis
Asked about antenatal checkups
Period
Obstetric hx
Pap’s
Any hx of STI
Blood group.
Past medical hx of high blood pressure, any kidney or heart disease
PEFE
GA
Edema
Icterus
Hydration
BMI
Vitals
Nervous system
Fundoscopy
Reflex
Abdomen
Inspection
Palpation
SFH
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Lie
Presentation
FHS
Pelvic-I think examiner said not done ( can’t seem to remember)
Office test—Urine dipstick positive for proteinuria
Dx- Pre-eclampsia—drew picture said some chemicals released from placenta (part connects you to the
baby) sometimes causes a sharp rise in blood pressure with protein in urine.
Initial Management
Shift to hospital
Call ambulance ask any help needed she said to inform partner
Talk to obstetric registrar
In the hospital they will admit you, OBG registrar will see you, start you on IV Hydralazine for blood
pressure control, Start Mgso4 to prevent complication like eclampsia and will do USG and CTG to
monitor baby’s condition.
Asked any question whether she understands
She said she understands
So I said the main management is delivery of the baby as she is 36 weeks the obstetrician might proceed
with it. But it depends on how she is responding to treatment, how baby condition is ( bell rang)
I thanked the patient and examiner and left
-Is it there always, or just at times? (Assess degree of prolapse. If it is always there, it is 3rd degree) (it is
just there at times)
-When do you have the feeling of the bulge? (When she stands for a long time)
-What relieves you of the feeling? (When she lies down, she can feel the bulge going inside) (Probable
2nd degree prolapse)
-Associated symptoms: bleeding, discharge, itching, rash? (Prolapse can get infected)
-any involuntary leakage of urine? (Incontinence)
2-past medical history
Chronic cough:
-any chronic cough?
Constipation
-how is your bowel motions?
-Any history of constipation? Do you open your bowels regularly?
UTI
ask about waterworks as well (can be associated with a cystocele or urethrocele, can have urinary
retention)
-any problems with passing urine?
-Is there any burning or stinging during urination?
3-Past surgical history (hysterectomy)
4-past obstetrical history:
-have you been pregnant before? how many pregnancies have you had? (3 pregnancies and 3 deliveries),
6-Social
-Sexual history: are you sexually active? Are you in a stable relationship? Any problems with
intercourse? Any bleed after intercourse?
-Do you smoke? How long have you been smoking? How many sticks per day?
-Alcohol drinking?
-medications and allergies
Physical Examination
1-General appearance: BMI (35, obese - can lead to weakness of the muscles), pallor
2-Vital signs
3-Systemic exam
Respiratory system (chronic cough is a cause) : air entry, adventitious sounds
CVS: normal S1 and S2, murmurs
Abdomen
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Management
-The condition you are having is a uterovaginal prolapse. It is a common condition where the cervix or
the uterus or both bulge into the vagina. For you it is a second degree prolapse as it is not coming
outside the vagina.
-The cause of a uterovaginal prolapse, is due to the weakness of the pelvic floor muscles and
ligaments, that support the pelvic structures like the uterus and the cervix.
There could be a lot of reasons for pelvic muscle floor weakness, like chronic cough, constipation, but as
far as your case goes, I can see that you are having a bad obstetric history. So at the time of pregnancies,
due to the extra weight gain, and the hormonal changes, these muscles can become weak, and at the time
of labor, when you push or strain, these muscles become more weak. One of the deliveries that you had
is a big baby, that is why you had a prolonged labor due to that, and that might have contributed to your
prolapse.
-Why didn't I had it then? Why am I presenting with the prolapse now? The contributing factors for
prolapse, is menopause and the extra weight gain. At the time of menopause, as the ovaries shut down,
estrogen is formed in very low levels. And this estrogen is necessary, to maintain the strength, and
the stability of the pelvic floor muscles.
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-You need to be referred to a specialist.
-Start with lifestyle modifications. Your BMI is a bit concerning, so I would like to refer you to a
dietician who could give proper advice regarding your diet.
You need to have regular exercise, and maintain the BMI within the ideal range.
-You need to also do pelvic muscle exercises. I can refer you to a physiotherapist who could advise
you about this.
How do you do the exercise? You can do the exercise in a sitting, standing or lying down position.
Contract your bottom muscles, for a count of 8, relax it for the same amount of time that you have
contracted the muscles, or count of 8 also, and do it 8 times at a go, three times a day.
How long does the pelvic exercise take to work? Usually it takes around 3-6 months.
-Another option is a vaginal pessary, a device inserted into vagina. It will help to keep the prolapse in
place and prevent it from getting worse. But it is not a definitive treatment of prolapse. You need to
change it every 3-4 months.
-Surgical management/option is considered if the conservative management fails and if the symptoms
becomes worse. One is repair procedure and it is of two types. One is called colporrhaphy where you
reinforce the pelvic floor muscles by using stitches. Another type is you put in a synthetic graft thereby
strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.
The next procedure is a sacrocolpopexy. This is where you re-suspend the vagina, cervix and other
pelvic organs and secure it to the back bone or the sacrum.
The last option is a total hysterectomy.
***Another case is the patient has undergone hysterectomy and has prolapse: vaginal vault prolapse.
AMC EXAM CASE
Causes of vaginal vault prolapse:
Weakening of the suspension: due to extra weight gain, chronic cough, constipation
Management:
Referral to the specialist, lifestyle modifications (usually BMI will be high), Pelvic floor exercises,
vaginal pessary (but not a definitive treatment),
Surgery: sacrocolpopexy - resuspend the vagina and secure that to the sacrum
Management in summary
1-refer to gynaecologist for pessaries or surgery
2-lifestyle modifications (dietician, SNAP, physical exercise)
a. Relevant history
b. Physical examination (BMI 29, maculopapular rash around introitus and inside of thigh, urine dipstick
+ sugar, BSL 11.3mmol/L
c. Diagnosis and management
History
- I read from your notes that you have something bulging from your private area. Since when? Can you
tell how it happened? Is it increasing?
- Do you feel any abdominal discomfort?
- What is the effect of this bulging on your life?
- Is this swelling affecting your waterworks? Do you leak urine while you strain, cough, etc? Do you
have a strong urge to void on the way to the toilet or do you leak a large amount of urine on the way to
the toilet?
- Any discharge down below?
- Constipation? Waterworks?
- - Rash? Since when? Is it itchy? Can you describe the rash for me?
- Period: When was your last period? Any irregular bleeding after that? Hot flushes? Mood swings?
Breast pain? Irritable?
- Pregnancy: how many pregnancies? Were they big babies? Did you have any difficult labor or
prolonged labor?
- Partner: are you sexually active? Do you have a stable partner? Do you have painful intercourse? Have
you or your partner ever been diagnosed with STDs?
- Pap smear: When was your last pap smear? Result?
- Mammography?
- Past medical history: chronic cough, diabetes, asthma
- FHx: Osteoporosis, MI
- SADMA
Physical Examination
- General appearance
- Vital signs
- Abdomen
- Pelvic examination:
o Inspection for morphology of the rash (maculopapular rash around the introitus and groin area),
scratch marks, discharge, obvious bulge
o Speculum: wall of vagina, rash, discharge, blood, ask patient to cough (cervix comes up to the
introitus), leakage of urine, cervix
o PV: adnexal masses, CMT.
- PR: differentiate between cystocele and rectocele
- BSL and Urine dipstick
Diagnosis and Management
- You have a condition called uterovaginal prolapse with stress incontinence and candidiasis,
- Menopause resulting to lack of estrogen, difficult labor, big babies and constipation leads to the laxity
of the pelvic floor ligaments. It is a common condition among females in your age group.
- At this stage, I would like to refer you to the gynecologist. I would advise you to start with pelvic floor
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- Any urinary complaints like frequency, burning or leaking of urine? Any loin pain?
- Any history of prolonged cough, constipation, asthma or respiratory problems?
- Do you have any problems emptying the bowels?
- Any complaints of discharge or bleeding from down below?
- Any fever? Itching?
- When was your LMP? Any problems during or after menopause?
- When did you have the hysterectomy? Why did you have it? Any complications afterwards?
- Was it done at a tertiary care center? After the surgery, did you do pelvic floor exercises? Any other
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surgeries that I should be aware of? Did you take any HRT afterwards?
- May I know are you sexually active at the moment? Any complaints of pain or discomfort during sex?
How many kids have you had? Any history of big babies? Difficult or instrumental deliveries?
- SADMA?
- Have you recently noticed weight loss? Change in appetite? Night sweats? Lumps and bumps in the
body? Pap smear? Mammogram?
Physical examination
- General appearance
- Vital signs
- Chest and Lungs
- Abdomen: for tenderness
- Pelvic exam
o inspection: Obvious lump, discharge, ulcer, redness, discharge
o Sterile speculum examination asking the patient to strain looking for any visible lump while straining;
sims left lateral position (knee-chest position) gradually withdraw while asking a patient to strain
lump/bulge in the vagina (best way to detect cystocele and rectocele)
- Urine dipstick and BSL
Diagnosis and Management
- Most likely what you have is prolapse of the vaginal wall after hysterectomy. Once the uterus is
removed, the upper part of the vagina loses its anatomical support. Usually, during hysterectomy, the
surgeon will secure the upper part of vagina with the help of ligaments attached to the backbone and
pelvic wall. Some of these ligaments become loose because of: a. loss of estrogen b. prolonged
straining/coughing c. putting on weight.
- This phenomenon is quite common after hysterectomy. Up to 30% of patients might develop this. It
can affect the urinary system leading to frequent recurrent UTIs. It can also affect the wall of the bowel
causing constipation. Sexual functioning may be affected and might cause pain and discomfort during
intercourse.
- The treatment will be tailored according to your wishes, but you will need to see a specialist
gynecologist. The first option is conservative management which includes pessaries along with pelvic
floor exercises. Usually, this suitable for old, females who are not fit for surgeries.
- The second option is the surgical approach. It is called vaginal wall suspension surgery
(sacrocolpopexy). The surgeon will attach the upper part of the vagina to the strong tissues within the
pelvis usually to the lower backbone or sacrum. There are 2 options regarding the approach:
laparoscopic or keyhole surgery OR abdominal approach best decided by the surgeon.
- The recurrence rate after the surgery is very low therefore the surgery is mostly curative.
- Review. Reading material.
- Pelvic floor exercise (kegel): done to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. The exercise can be
done either sitting or lying down. The patient needs to empty the bladder before exercise. Contract the
pelvic muscles, hold contraction for at least 5 seconds, release it slowly and repeat 3-4x and gradually
build up duration for up to 10 seconds. She must not contract the abdominal, thigh or buttock muscles.
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Exercises must be repeated 3x a day as many times as possible. Results are usually apparent within 8-10
weeks. Safe to be done during pregnancy.
Case (28/4/2017)
Lump
Post menopausal with lump.examination n tell pt diagnosis.
on history
- lump in private part.
- no other menopausal symptoms.
- no hrt.no incontinence or constipation cough etc.
- on asking tells about hysterectomy few months ago.
- obs history not significant.
Examiner was standing beside me while doing per speculum on dummy.
On cough impulse patient pretends to cough.
After asking examiner tells no cervix.asked vault healthy? Lump is vault prolapse.
Finished examination with per vaginal biannual.explained patient diagnosis.advised ammo,pay.examiner
told management is not the task
Passed
Case (28/4/2017)
52 yr old woman with lump( didnt say where) .
task history, PEFE, DDx. On history she got vaginal lump and did hysterectomy 10 yrs ago. On
examination Vault prolapse.
Case (30/5/2017)
Uterovaginal prolapse with candida plus cyctocele and rectocele and having hight bsl obese (but she was
very thin RP)
hx ,pefe, tell possible dx , i think there was inx as well from the examiner.
- So she had mass down bellow which go up when she lay down and more when she cough or sneeze.,
- she had no drippling or constipation.
- no hx of chronic cough,
- meanopasue lady.
- not on HrT
- she had 2 pregnancies i asked size of baby was big 4.5 with NVD no instrumenal
- i ask about wtt loss or lumps or bumps non.
- no VB no discharge
not DM and she dont know if she had when i asked her specifically so i said i will adress this later.
- Having no medical condition
About the rash only itchy for long time didnt take anything and she didnt use any new things have no
allergy as well i asked if u have rash else where as well she said no she describe it as redness itchy only,
i think she wsnt smoker or alcoholic
Pe:
well looking normal
Vs
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BMI 37.
i asked abdominal wss normal.
then pelvic i asked i would like to do sims speculum in lt lateral so he gave me ut and vaginal wall come
all way out and normal looking cervix so i said it is grade 3 then ask about ant and post wall and was
postive for both.
- then i did urin dipstic was normal , she had high blood sugar level i asked mcu which wss normal as
well dont remember if i asked more than this.
I explain by saying u have all these things and we have to address each thing and u r in safe hand
*57 yo woman with vaginal lump feeling. Hx, PE, DDx, management.
Recall of 9-5-2018
Lump in vagina. Hx, pefe, explain ( hyresctomy 10 yrs ago, 3 vaginal births). ??Vaginal vault prolapse
Recall of 6-6-2018
Prolapse with Rash in groin, Blood test result given- DM, stem lump coming out of vagina. Rash in
groin area. On PEFE, ant and post wall Vaginal Prolapse.
Recall of 12-7-2018
Vaginal vault prolapse, no signs of incontinence Hx, PEFE, Causes DDx
Recall of 15-8-2018
vaginal prolapse case
Feedback (vaginal vault prolapse) Important
A woman in her 50s (I cannot remember the exact age), comes to ur GP complaining of a lump going
down on and off mainly with sneezing and straining.
Task:
Hx,
ask examiner for examination findings
management.
History
-I do understand that u have been complaining of a lump from the down below? Could u please tell me
more about it? I have this lump on and off for months now but it is getting worse now.
-Is it there only when straining? Yes
-does it disappear by itself? Yes
Here the role player said “I had my womb removed 13 years ago”. Actually she surprised me when
she said that coz I was almost sure it is uterine prolapse. So I continued my history taking...
-Can I ask why u had ur womb removed? Coz of heavy bleeding.
-Any complication after the operation? No, everything was normal until months ago when I had this
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lump.
-Any problem with passing water? No, completely fine.
-Any bleeding? Discharge? No
-Can I ask some personal questions?Yes,please
-r u sexually active? Yes, I am married
-does this lump affecting ur sexual activity? Yes, it makes me feel uncomfortable.
-Any bleeding after sex? No
-Have u had any HRT before? No
-What about ur pap and mammogram? Done regularly and normal
-How is ur health in general? Fineany wt loss or loss of appetite? No
-do u have any cough? Constipation? No
- Do u have children? Yes 2(or three)
-What about the deliveries? All NVD and without any difficulties.
-Do u smoke? No
-Alcohol? Socially
-Some people used recreational drugs, have u ever used them? No
-Any chronic illnesses? No
-Any medication? Allergies? No
Examination
-General appearance? Normal
-BMI? 28
-Vitals? Normal
-Chest and heart? Normal
-Abdomen? Starting by inspection? Normal......Palpation, any masses, tenderness? No
-Vaginal examination after patient’s permission, starting by inspection, any lump? No...
-then by speculum examination, any discharge? No
-Then I would like to ask the pt to strain, any lump? Yes, the vagina comes down...
-Then I would like to use Sim’s speculum in left lateral position and ask the patient to strain again to
look for cystocele or rectocele? Normal
-Urine dipstick and BSL? Normal
Management
-Mrs x, from what u have told me and after examining u, it seems that u have vaginal wall prolapse
(Actually the right thing to say is “Vaginal vaultprolapse” and I knew that but it just did not come out so
I just said wall prolapse.
Also I drew to the patient and explain the condition but please read more about it as I have no enough
information and I am not sure if what I said is correct or not Coz u had ur womb removed, this can
leave the vagina unsupported and with age the ligaments become weak.
This is not serious but with time it can get worse and might lead to ulceration. We have conservative
treatment and surgical....so what treatment do u prefer?(The pt. says she wants to find a final solution to
the problem so I said:)so we need to refer u to a gynaecologist who will do further assessment and
most likely will decide an operation. but life style modification is also important and u need to lose wt,
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walking for 30 mins every day, healthy diet( I am not sure if we need to talk about pelvic floor
exercise ,actually I did not have time as the bell rang!!)
AMC feedback –Vault prolapse after hysterectomy (O&G) -- PASSED
Feedback 15-8-2018
Scenario :Lump
Stem: Old aged female came with a “ lump”. It was not mentioned where. ( I thought could be breast or
vaginal)
Tasks:
~History
~pefe
~dx and ddx
Inside the room was an old aged female sitting on chair.
Greeted her and asked her to tell me more.She told about the lump down there.
Lump history:
since when, how started? Getting better worse etc .She said its been few months and it comes and
goes but getting worse with time and feels on strain cough sneeze.
Detailed 5ps 1. Pregnancies: how many kids, last pregnancy, baby sizes, prolonged labour , any
instrument? 2. Pills 3. Partner.:She was not sexually active as far as I remember 4. Periods: She had her
periods stopped few years ago. 5. Pap: don’t remember what she said.
Detailed 4bs 1. Bladder: any leakage? (no)uti (no) 2. Bowel (normal) 3. Breast ( normal) 4. Bone pain
(no)
Then asked about any menopausal symptoms.
Any hx of cough, constipation?
Any surgery.she said yes its been few years my womb has been removed.just a quick history why was
it removed? Any complication? How have u been since apart from this lump any other complain related
to that?
SADMA.
PEFE
Asked in the usual form starting from GA, I remember all was normal then came on pelvic
exam( consent and chaperone)
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Feedback 9-5-2018
Lump in vagina. Hx, pefe, explain ( hyresctomy 10 yrs ago, 3 vaginal births). ??Vaginal vault
prolapse-
OUT side- this is the crazy case, when i out side the room, i understand the word" lumb" only then i
assum it is the breast lumb cases as they did not mention where is the lumb. All my dd turn in to
breast cancer, fibroadenoma....I think i got crazy in this case as the word:' lumb'( this is language barrier)
Inside: the lady sat on the chair then i ask her about the symptoms, after asking a few questions, i figure
out that she got some thing protrude down below.
then i delete all my dd outside the room in my mind and try to find out what is this things.
She is the women so i after asking about presenting complain, I ask about 5P. Then i asked about nasty
growth question, risk factor, combination like menopause, surgery, delivery baby, how big of baby,
consipatient..I though she is really old so I ask about 4B- bone, breast as well. Then i ask examinor
about the PE for prolapse organ.
i told her dd- most likely it is vaginal prolapse , other can be cystocele, rectalcele, nasty growth... i
told her why she got this- menopause, delivery a lot of baby and surgery . i told her about the refer
specialist the exminer stop me and say that there is no management. i draw the picture and tell her all
the thing a gain. Bell rang.
Feedback 6-6-2018
Station 20 UVP, newly dx DM with candidiasis- unscored
? 57 /67 yrs old lady, new patient to your GP, presented with lump and rash( did not mention the site in
the scenario, so I was thinking about infection and haemato differentials)
task:
history,
PEFE card,
explain causes of each of her complaints.
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history: site of lump , from her vagina ( so I realize at that time it is UVP or vaginal prolapse case)
coming out on walking or standing, no pain, no rash and ulceration on it, dragging sensation present, no
urinary and bowel symptoms. Causes…3 children, vaginal deliveries, first child need forceps, no
pelvic floor ex, no chronic cough, no constipation, BMI, (forget to ask abt other postmenopausal
symptoms) 5Ps not all.
rash… groin and down below, itchiness, ulcer, bleeding? Not on other area of body
no fever, no lump and bump, LOA,LOW nil. (I have no idea at that time why she has the rash)
No known chronic illness. No previous gyane sx. Smoking , alcohol?
Pefe card: UVP , rash in groin and vulva, RBG 18
Explain: 2 pblms, explain about UVP with diagram and causes of it.
Another thing, you might have DM because RBG is high, (not sure I asked her about DM symptoms at
that time) also the rash could be candidiasis which is strongly associated with DM . will do further tests
to confirm DM. don’t worry they are manageable conditions.
Feedback 9-5-2018 Fail
Vaginal prolapse.
47 year old or older woman comes to see you because a mass (didn’t say where) so during my 2 minutes
outside I was thinking about an enlargement of a lymph node.
Task
Take history
PE from examiner
Diagnosis and differentials with reasons to the patient.
Nice lady. When asked why she was coming, she said she has a mass coming from her vagina so took
me for surprise because didn´t say that on the stem outside, any way I think I managed this case well.
History of 3 normal pregnancies, no pain, no fever, no any urinary symptoms I think she said a bit of dry
vagina. Medical history of hysterectomy I don’t remember if I asked why? Last pap was normal. No any
other relevant medical history. PE normal vital signs, didn´t ask BMI, abdomen normal, genital
examination: a mass from anterior wall coming through vagina.
I explained about vaginal prolapse and my differentials where all about prolapses, could be your bladder
or just the wall of the vagina, no your womb because you don’t have it. Didn´t have time for more.
Failed
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Feedback 12-4-2018
You are HMO in a rural hospital in duty for O&G ward.
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nurse us calling you .A lady has delivered recently and now is bleeding. from your room to ward take 5
min.before going there you want to order what is needed.
your tasks:
* listen to her explanation and take hx not more than 4 min.
* give advice and What she need do before you go
During the conversation via phone, pt has delivered a 4.2 kg baby, has had around 1250 cc bleed and has
had a difficult delivery 14 hours. a small episiotomy has been made and VS:
BP: 85/50, PR=120, others nl.
delivered placenta completely,no any bleeding from epi.
232-Hyperemesis gravidarum
Condition 144 Nausea and vomiting in the first trimester (Handbook materials)
Your next patient is a 38 year old woman who has come to the general practice because of severe
nausea and vomiting for the last two weeks in this, her first pregnancy. She claims that she has been
unable to keep foods or fluids down. Her last menstrual period was eight weeks previously, and pelvic
examination by your colleague in the general practice two weeks ago showed the uterine size was
appropriate for gestation and a pregnancy test was positive. She has had no previous operations or
illnesses
TASKS
1. Take any further relevant history you require
2. Ask the examiner about relevant findings evident on general and obstetric examination which
would assist you in making a diagnosis
3. Advise the patient of the likely diagnosis
4. Advise the patient of the care you would advise for her, including any investigations you would
arrange
APPROACH
o HEMODYNAMIC STABILITY--VITAL SIGNS: What is her current BP and is there a postural
drop, pulse and rhythm, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature?
o If UNSTABLE: please transfer the patient to the treatment room, secure IV lines, and
take blood for FBE, UEC, ESR, CRP, blood grouping and cross-matching. I would also like
to do urine dipstick to check for ketones. Please start IV fluids: normal saline, hartmann
solution or Haemaccel whichever is available.
o Please give her an oxygen mask and start high flow oxygen at 10/L (if rr / o2 sat
unstable)
o HISTORY
o Congratulations on your pregnancy. I have read from your notes that you are currently at
8 weeks of pregnancy, and you have been suffering from vomiting for about two weeks now.
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I know this can be very distressing for you, but we'll do our best to manage you. Could you
tell me more about your vomiting?
Is it getting worse? Does it usually come in the morning or a particular time
during the day? Could you describe to me the manner in how you vomit--is it projectile,
do you retch, etc? What does your vomit usually consist of? What's its color? Does it
have any blood? Did you eat anything out of the usual before you had these symptoms?
Any changes in your bowel motion? Do you still pass gas? (r/o bowel obstruction
or gastroenteritis)
Assess dehydration
How is your appetite? Are you still eating or drinking? Did you have any
fever, diarrhea, or dizziness? How is your waterworks? Any burning or stinging
sensation? Do you go to the toilet more/less than the usual? Any change in the
color of the urine? Any loin pain?
o QUESTIONS ABOUT CURRENT PREGNANCY
Is this a planned pregnancy? How were you able to confirm your pregnancy?
Are you in a stable relationship? Do you have support for this?
R/O causes of vomiting
Do you have any family history of twins?
Is this a natural or an assisted pregnancy?
Any bleeding or tummy cramps?
Did you have your initial blood tests requested during your previous visits to your
GP? Were you advised regarding screening and confirmatory tests for diseases in the
baby?
o Any history of STIs?
o When was your last pap smear?
o Do you know your blood group?
o Do you smoke, drink alcohol, engage in recreational drugs?
o Do you take other medications? Any allergies?
o Do you have any history of any medical or surgical conditions?
o PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
o GA: dehydration--skin turgor, CRT, tongue & oral mucosa moist? Lymphadenopathies,
pallor?
o VS: BP with postural drop? Temperature? HR?
o CVS, CNS, Respi
o Abdomen: distended or any masses? Tenderness? Rigidity/guarding? Any bowel sounds?
o Pelvic exam not needed
o Office tests: Urine dipstick and BSL
o Check for ketones
o PE findings from the case:
o She looks unwell and drawn. Her tongue dry and firm. Tissue turgor of the skin is
diminished.
o Pulse: 110/min
o BP: 120/80
o Temperatue 36.8C
o Abdominal examination, uterus not palpable
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o No loin tenderness
o Pelvic examination not repeated
o DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT
o From history and examination, it seems that most likely you have a condition we call as
Hyperemesis gravidarum. Have you heard about it? It is a condition common in early
pregnancy manifested by excessive nausea and vomiting. Its cause is multifactorial, however
it is usually implicated that the excessive vomiting and nausea is due to increasing hormone
levels especially the b-hcg hormone which supports your pregnancy.
o This condition usually goes away on its own, especially by 14 weeks of gestation as your
body becomes used to these new hormones, and the level of b-hcg goes down.
o However, it was seen from your examination that you are severely dehydrated, supported
by findings of ketones in your urine. Because of this, I will have to refer you to a hospital so
that you can be admitted for intravenous rehydration and monitoring. I will call an
ambulance to transfer you to the hospital.
o I will also refer you to a specialist who will see you and might do further investigations.
Although hyperemesis gravidarum can be a complication of a normal pregnancy, it also
occurs with increased frequency in association with other conditions such as a multiple
pregnancy, a urinary tract infection, or even a condition we call as a hydatidiform mole--
where there is an abnormal growth of placenta mimicking pregnancy. To rule out these
conditions, you will undergo blood tests such as an FBE, UEC, serum b hcg, liver function
tests, and also urine microscopy and culture, and a transvaginal ultrasound. You will be given
fluids through IV, and anti-vomiting/nausea meds (metoclopramide - maloxon/stemetil),
vitamin B supplementation (pyridoxine) to address your symptoms. You and your baby will
continually be monitored throughout your admission.
o Another thing that I would like to address is that you are currently 38 years old now, and
this puts you at a very high risk of having a baby with Down syndrome or other genetic
abnormalities.
SHORTCUT: Because of this, I will arrange genetic counselling for you to
undergo screening tests for down syndrome which consists of a blood test done as early
as 9-13 weeks looking for factors in blood which denote possible presence of a baby
with down syndrome, combined with an ultrasound examination done at 11-13 weeks.
We can also do a screening test in your second trimester which will also involve a
blood test looking for 4 factors in the blood (AFP, BHCG, ESTRIOL, INHIBIN) which
will screen for the condition. We can also do confirmatory tests: the chorionic villous
sampling test done during 11-14 weeks, which involves getting samples from your
placenta and to send it for genetic testing. We can also do amniocentesis, which can be
done at 15-18 weeks, which involves getting a sample of your bag of water and we send
it for genetic analysis for down syndrome. All of these confirmatory tests have certain
risks for miscarriage with 1:100 for CVS, and 1:200 for Amniocentesis.
FULL EXPLANATION: We have two screening tests, we usually do blood tests
looking for factors namely the bhcg and pappa as early as 9-13 weeks, together with an
ultrasound of the baby's back of the neck at about 11--13 weeks of your pregnancy. The
bhcg is inc, and pappa is decreased in a baby suspected of having downs. The detection
rate of this combined test is 87%
Another test that we do is the Noninvasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) which is done at 10
weeks. We get a blood sample from you and we send it for genetic testing. The
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detection rate is 99% but it is not covered by medicare and usually costs around 600-
700aud.
For the second trimester, 15-17wks. we can also do what we call a quadruple and a
triple screen. We test factors in your blood, namely the bhcg, inhibin, esriol and afp.
Both bhcg and inhibin are increased while the other two are decreased in a quad
screen.we test the bchg, estriol, and afp in the triple screen. Detection rates are 81%
and 71% respectively.
Once we get positive for downs in the screening tests, we do confirmatory testing for
downs
Chorionic Villous sampling that we do during 11-14 wks of pregnancy where we
insert a needle guided by ultrasound from down there and get a sample from the
placenta which we send for genetic testing. However miscarriage rates are 1:100.
We can also do an amniocentesis, which is done at around 15-18 weeks. We pass
a needle guided by an ultrasound to your womb, to get a sample of your bag of
water and we send it for genetic analysis. Risk of miscarriage for this is 1:200.
KEY ISSUES
Ability to investigate and treat a woman with hyperemesis gravidarum
Recognition of the need for genetic counselling in the view of advanced maternal age
CRITICAL ERRORS
Failure to recognise the need for hospitalization
Failure to do ultrasound and urine examination to check pregnancy, diagnose twins, molar
pregnancy, urinary infection, and the presence of urinary ketones
IMPORTANT POINTS FROM THE COMMENTARY
Management depends upon the degree of vomiting and therefore the potential diagnosis.
Common problems
o Failure to advise that the vomiting will usually cease or be markedly reduced by around
14 weeks of gestation
Handbook 144
Condition 144 (R4)
Nausea and vomiting in the first trimester in a 38-year-old primigravida
CANDIDATE INFORMATION AND TASKS
Your next patient is a 38-year-old woman who has come to the general practice because of severe
nausea and vomiting for the last two weeks in this, her first pregnancy. She claims that she has been
unable to keep foods or fluids down. Her last menstrual period was eight weeks previously, and pelvic
examination by your colleague in the general practice two weeks ago showed the uterine size was
appropriate for gestation and a pregnancy test was positive. She has had no previous operations or
illnesses.
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• Hyperemesis gravidarum is a common condition in pregnancy, with significant nausea and vomiting
in up to 10% of patients, a small number of these requiring admission to hospital for
intravenous fluids and antiemetics.
Task 4
• In order to assess the severity of the process, a urine specimen needs to be tested for
ketones. If ketones are present, admission for intravenous rehydration is usually required. If the
candidate indicates the need for such ketone testing, advise that this was strongly positive. As the ketone
test was strongly positive, admission is required.
• Although hyperemesis gravidarum can be a complication of a normal pregnancy, it occurs with
increased frequency in association with multiple pregnancies, hydatidiform mole, and in association
with urinary tract infections. Ultrasound examination is therefore required to rule out the former
diagnoses, and a midstream urine specimen should be collected and subjected to culture to rule out a
urinary infection.
• Treatment in hospital consists of rehydration with saline solutions and additional dextrose,
usually with vitamin B supplementation. Pyridoxine, or antiemetic therapy with Maxolon® or
Stemetil® can also be used in an attempt to resolve the vomiting.
• Investigations such as assessment of the serum electrolytes and urea, and liver function tests should
be performed to assess the degree of effect of the vomiting on the maternal bodily function.
• Usually the hyperemesis settles spontaneously, often having reached a maximum at about 70 days
(ten weeks) of pregnancy, and by the time of 100 days (14 weeks) most of the symptoms will have
resolved.
• If nausea and vomiting do not settle satisfactorily, or following initial therapy, other causes such as
small bowel obstruction, cerebral tumour or Addison disease need to be excluded.
• As she is 38 years old, and is therefore at increased risk of a chromosomal abnormality of the
baby, genetic counselling should be arranged with advice given concerning the usefulness of the
quadruple maternal serum screening and nuchal fold thickness assessed by ultrasound examination
(screening procedures only) or the use of chorion villus biopsy (CVB) or amniocentesis to assess the
fetal karyotype and actually rule out Down Syndrome. As she has indicated this diagnosis needs to be
ruled out, the definitive tests of CVB or amniocentesis should be advised following advice to her
concerning the potential complication rates of each of these procedures (risk of abortion due to the
procedure is 0.5% for amniocentesis at 15-16 weeks, and about 1.5% for CVB at 11-12 weeks).
KEY ISSUES
• Ability to investigate and treat a woman with hyperemesis gravidarum.
• Recognition of the need for genetic counselling in view of advanced maternal age.
CRITICAL ERRORS
• Failure to recognise the need for hospitalisation.
• Failure to do ultrasound and urine examination to check pregnancy, diagnose twins, molar
pregnancy, urinary infection, and the presence of urinary ketones.
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Karin case
Case: 38 year-old woman who came in with a 2-week history of nausea and vomiting. She is 8 weeks
pregnant and her pregnancy is consistent with GA. She has no previous illness.
Task
a. History
b. Investigations (1 only) – MSU
c. Diagnosis and management
Differential diagnosis:
- Multifetal pregnancy - Hydatidiform mole (complete/incomplete) – UTI
- Infectious Gastroenteritis - Brain tumor/Addison disease/bowel obstruction
History:
- IS MY PATIENT HEMODYNAMICALLY STABLE?
- Congratulations on your pregnancy.
- How many episodes of vomiting did you have per day? - Is it getting worse? Is it in the morning or
throughout the day? What is the content?
- Do you have fever? Diarrhea?
- How is your appetite? Are you still drinking eating or drinking? - Did you eat outside?
- How is your waterworks? Any pain or burning sensation? Any increased frequency? Any change
in color of urine? Any loin pain?
- Pregnancy: is this a planned pregnancy? How did you confirm your pregnancy? Any family history
of twins? Is the pregnancy natural or assisted? Any abdominal cramps or vaginal bleeding?
- Periods? Pills? Partner? Pap smear? Blood group?
- SADMA?
Examination:
- General appearance: tired, signs of dehydration (tongue, skin turgor, CRT?
- VS: BP (check for orthostatic hypotension); PR (tachy), RR, T – normal
- Chest, heart, abdomen – normal
- No pelvic exam needed.
- Urine dipstick – nitrites, ketones (+), leukocytes
o MSU: (+) for ketones! – admit!!!
Investigations:
- MCU - Ultrasound examination - Test for electrolytes, urea, LFTs
Diagnosis and management:
- You have a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. It means excessive nausea and vomiting in
pregnancy. These are common symptoms during initial pregnancy. However, 1 in 1000 women will
have excessive vomiting and require hospitalization.
- On examination, you are dehydrated and this was confirmed in urine analysis, so we need to admit
you. I will organize an ambulance.
In the hospital they will secure 2 IV cannulas, take the blood for FBE, U/E/, RFTs and LFTs because
dehydration can affect the liver and kidney. We need to do MCS to rule out UTI and USD to confirm
intrauterine pregnancy, rule out multiple pregnancy and molar pregnancy.
- They will also give medications to stop the vomiting (metoclopramide – mexalon, stemetil) and start
IV fluids and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine).
- We don’t know the exact mechanism behind it. However, it is usually due increased level of b-hCG
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which is one of the pregnancy hormones. Once the body has become used to the new environment, the
nausea and vomiting settles and this usually happens by 14 weeks.
- You are a 38-year-old mother and that puts you at a very high risk of having a baby with Down
syndrome. So I would like to offer you screening for Down syndrome (during your 10th week – blood
plus USD).
Case (29/11/2017)
Feedback (1st trimester complication)
You are a GP, a young female comes to you with 10 weeks of gestation with severe vomiting, not able
to keep anything down. Her antenatal course has been uneventful till now. ANC tests done.You are
seeing her for the 1st time. Further investigation, Tell her the diagnosis, management and explain the
reason for this.
Greet, introduce
Took a bit of history- anc checkup done or not
Planned pg?
Folate intake, FH of chromosomal prob, multiple pregnancy, pv bleeding or
discharge, any ovulation inducing drug
With vomiting fever, tummy pain and other prob
All negative
Mx- common condition, hyperemesis
Vomiting can u due to urinary infection, multi pg, molar pg, chromosomal prob even along with other
health conditions but also a normal variant. Vomiting due to body’s adjustment to pg and pg
hormones .Usually goes away once the 1st trimester is over, but as u are not able to keep anything down.
Will admit u. try out some IV fluids and meds. Run some ix- urine test (ketone, protein, leukocyte didn’t
mention details), liver test, kidney test, few blood tests(b hcg, electrolyte) and usg. Is that ok with u?
Want me to call someone?
Support at home?
Feedback 7-9-2018
Station 9 – hyperemesis gravidarum – fail
STEM : ( stem is very long )
middle age lady – UPT – positive
LMP 8/52 ago
nil bleeding , nil abdominal pain
Nil family history
Other doctor did
nil FBE ( sure )
blood group – B positive
Antibody – negative
HIV , Syphilis , Hepatitis screen – NEG.
On examination :
- nil fever, pelvic examination – os – closed, others – NAD , uterine size 8/52 ,
- vomiting several times since 2 days ago ( forget exact dates )
TASK
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1. Explain most likely cause and other possible causes to the patient
2. further investigations to the patient ( routine , other MMR serologies , serum Beta-hcg , U/S of
abdomen ) , refer to the specialist and explain about referral ( though mgmt is not necessary in the
TASKS)
Feedback 30-5-2018
‘First trimester complication’:
8/40 c nausea & vomiting (hyperemesis gravidarum). Benign 1st ANC bloods given in stem.
Task: Hx, counsel what Ix to do
Feedback: Pass
HOPC
o Basic rapport (you’re blds are reassuring, I’ll be going through your concerns step by
step, just need to ask some focussed Qs 1st)
o PregQs (basic ANC summary)
LNMP (any issues)
Planned/partner/support
Blood group
HPV
o When/how many episodes/keep anything down
o Eat anything funky/BOV/swelling/Pain/CCVO
o Any PV d/c /ccvo/grape-like tissue loss
o DdxQs
Bowel/bladder func
Fever
FHx twins
Ax & P
o Explained that it fits with n/v of early preg but needs confirmation
o 2/2 pregnancy hormone (bHcg)
o I’d like to examine you now and arrange…(as not given as task: I felt the need to mention
for sake of maintaining practical sequence of events the way they would occur in real
life)
o Basic ANC bloods (preg test)
o Send you to HRPC where you go to the same ANC but more frequent monitoring of you
& bub under MDT
o We need to assess the extent to which you’re producing the preg hormone & US to
characterize the pregnancy (as it depends on the bHcg to be at a certain level)
o Drew an arrow from 1 – 40/40 and explained 18/40(USS), 28/40(OGTT), 36/40(GBS)
And more freq US & CTG & bHcg monitoring
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Acute gastro- Any eating out recently? how's your bowel movements? - normal
Then, I mentioned, most probably, you are having a condition we called "hyperemesis graviderum' , It's
very common in first trimester and in first pregnancy. Our body reacts differently with this very new
change in your body because of hormonal disruption and pregnancy hormones start to rise. Don't worry,
this condition will settle down by 14 weeks. Make sense? (okay).
I will do further invx to rule out the other causes as well:
Blood tests: electrolytes. B-hcg level rising or not? high or normal?( I might forget to talk about LFT,
RFT, or it was mentioned in the stem)
Urine tests: Microscopy n culture, ketone bodies.
USG
I also mentioned, look we have already done these tests, so I'll not repeat those. I mentioned ddx again
while explaining invx to her to justify why I'll do it.
Mx: I asked; how are you feeling? As I can see, your vitals are stable now, can you manage yourself at
home? ( She said, yes) Then, I thought, might be it's a trap. I said then n there; good, but I would like to
refer you to hospital right now. It would be better for you as well, as they will do all the tests
immediately and specialist can come and check you up. They will give you medications, called
metocloromide + vit B6, to stop your vomiting and nausea feelings. Okay? (Yes). Shall I call an
ambulance for you? (no) Is there anyone with you atm?(yes, my husband)
233-Placenta Previa
Sample case/ You are an HMO at the ED of a tertiary hospital when 28 year old Jenny, who is in her 34
weeks of gestation presents to you with vaginal bleeding.
TASKS
Further history
Examination findings from examiner
Diagnosis and management
Differential Diagnosis
1-Placenta Previa 2-Abruption placenta 3-Trauma 4-Bleeding disorders 5-Blood thinner meds
History
1-Is the patient hemodynamically stable?
2-Bleeding questions (duration, action, trauma, amount or severity, colour, odour, content, dizziness,
bleeding disorder and blood thinner)
- for how long have had vaginal bleeding? (Past 2 hours) is this the first episode of a bleed during your
pregnancy?
- What were you doing when you got the bleed?
- Any chance you had a hit to your tummy?
- How many pads have you used so far? Is it (are they) fully soaked or not?
- What is the color of the bleed?
- Is it smelly?
- Any clots?
-any tiredness, dizziness or funny racing of the heart?
-have you had a history of bleeding disorders? Do you take blood thinner medication?
3-Late pregnancy complications questions
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The placenta is the part that connects you to your baby, and which carries oxygen and food from you to
your baby. This placenta is usually situated on the upper part of your womb. But if it attaches to the
lower pole of your womb, it is called placenta previa. (draw)
Clinical feature
The bleed is mainly because of the head of the baby pressing against the placenta leading to bleed from
the placenta.
Cause
- the cause is unclear but it could be due to multiparty, advanced maternal age, chronic hypertension,
smoking, alcohol and drugs, previous C-section.
Complication
One of the major complications of this is bleeding, and you can go to a shock or coagulation or you can
go into preterm labor. The baby can have hypoxia or decreased oxygen supply, and intrauterine growth
retardation.
Management
- You need to be admitted and seen by the specialist.
- I am gonna put an IV line, take blood for investigation which include FBE, UEC, blood grouping,
cross-matching and hold. I will start you on IV fluid.
- Ultrasound will also be done to confirm diagnosis of placenta previa.
Ultrasound tell you what is happening (showed placenta Previa grade four)
Grade 1: low lying placenta previa, placental edge is not near the OS
Grade 2: marginal placenta previa, placental edge comes up to the level of the OS (Marginal PP)
Grade 3: partial placenta previa, partially covers the internal OS
Grade 4: total placental previa, completely covers the external OS]
- CTG will also be done to monitor the baby.
- bed rest at the moment.
-options
first: once you stop bleeding, wait in the hospital until 37 weeks when the specialist will do a planned
C-section. However, If the bleeding continues, and you become unstable, or if the baby becomes unwell,
an immediate C-section will be done.
Second: once you stop bleeding you can go home but if 3 criteria
*home near the hospital
*require constant companion
*need informed consent from the patient.
And the rest of your pregnancy should be in high risk pregnancy clinic
warning signs: bleeding, tummy pain, fluid discharge, baby not kicking well
I will give you reading materials about placenta previa for further insight.
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Notes
***In minor grades (grade 1 and 2) of placenta previa, usually C-section is done in 38 weeks. If major
grades (grade 3 and 4), C-section is done at 37 weeks.
***any grade of placenta previa, any gestational age, if the patient has heavy bleeding, becomes
hemodynamically unstable, or if there is fetal distress, stabilize the patient and go in for an immediate C-
section.
***if the patient insists on vaginal delivery, tell that it is always a C-section that is preferred in placenta
previa (any grade). But a trial of vaginal delivery can be considered if the placental edge is greater than
2cm from the OS and if the baby's head is below the placental edge.
Feedback
Case (11/2/2017)
you are a GP in a clinic 250km away from tertiary hosp. Ptn 34 weeks gestation comes for antenatal
visit. USG done recently and report says there is 4th degree placenta praevia, with the position of
placenta being mainly on posterior wall of uterus but covering the cervix.
Task:
Hx from ptn,
explain USG to ptn
management
Introduced myself, ask how is she doing.
A few questions on the pregnancy, if all is okay, baby kicking well etc. No positive hx there, no
bleeding or discharge from down below.
Then explained to her that the ultrasound shows something called placenta praevia. Drew the uterus, and
location of placenta. apologised that my drawing is horrible, i’m far away from being an artist. As i was
drawing, I told her the function of the placenta is for exchange of oxygen and nutrients between mum
and baby. Usually the placenta is located higher, here (i indicated on the picture i was drawing) but for
some reasons, its lower than it should be.
She asked me if it was dangerous, i said , yes it is a risky situation but not to worry we can handle this.
(I actually winged this case because I somehow did not read placenta previa during my revision so if I’m
wrong anywhere, ignore it).
I said that because of the location of the placenta, its too risky to have normal delivery so your safest bet
is a Caesarian section. What we need to do now is to do CTG. She didnt know what it was so i
explained that two (i cant remember what word i used, electrodes?) will be put on ur belly and that will
take the reading of the baby’s heart rate, movement and the uterine contractions.
I would like to discuss with the specialist, and upon his discretion maybe you may need to be sent to the
tertiary hospital soon, but I will arrange all that accordingly. If not, you will need regular monitoring wit
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possibly weekly USG and CTGs, also mentioned Blood grouping and cross matching somewhere in my
discussion.
Guys, I didn’t read this case and I really just talked on what I thought were the possibilities based on my
internship back at home 5 years ago.
Feedback: Late pregnancy complications, Pass, Global score: 4
Note/ according to the feedback, the patient presented to GP without bleeding or any symptoms. She
came for the results of ultrasound. So first we need to take history for 3 minutes, no PE task then we
need to discuss the result (Grade 4 placenta previa) I think the examiner will give a card with the result
or a picture and report. Just in case see images of grad 4. So explain the results calmly, listen to the
patient , draw a diagram. Then mx is to refer to specialist as her home is far and you are in GP so refer to
tertiary hospital to be seen by specialist, tell like option 1 in the lecture. Then the specialist will decide
etc.. most likely CS planned 37 for such grade.
234-Bleeding in pregnancy
Feedback 4-7-2018
Feedback: Bleeding. Young female pt, with period was 6 week late, bleeding.
Task
-Hx,
-PEFE
-Investigations.
Hx:
How severe was the bleeding? Dizzy? Pain? (no)
6Ps? (Pt has nausea, breast and pelvic discomfort), but Pregnancy test 2 wks ago: Negative.
SADMA, …
PEFE: everything normal, pelvic examination: cervix closed, no pain, uterus height consistent with 6
weeks pregnancy.
Investigations: Redo Pregnancy test right now and refer to USD, admit to hospital if pregnancy test is
positive.
Grade: PASS, Gs: 5
Key steps 1,2,3,4,5: Y (all covered)
Hx: 5, Choice of Examination:5, choice of investigations: 5
Note/ No dx in this case so just approach it like any previous lectures of vaginal bleeding with general
approach.
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38 year old Jane is brought to the ED of the hospital, where you are an HMO, with history of motor
vehicle accident. She's 32 weeks pregnant, and is complaining of abdominal pain.
TASKS
1. Focused history
2. PE from examiner
3. Diagnosis and Management
Positive points in the history: pain in upper part of tummy (rule out abruptio and preterm labor), it is a
dull pain, pain remains the same, bruise along the line of the seatbelt, baby is kicking well
Positive points in the PE: bruise along the line of the seatbelt in the abdomen, undal height: 32cm,
FHR: within normal limits, longitudinal lie with cephalic presentation
APPROACH
History
o How are you feeling at the moment?
o Ask for consent. If it is okay with you, could you please tell me how that accident
happened?
o Were you driving the vehicle?
o Were you driving within speed limits?
o Were you wearing a seatbelt?
o When did this happen?
o Were you able to walk out the vehicle alone? (will tell you that she doesn't have any
major injuries)
o Did you hit your head or tummy anywhere?
o At any time, did you lose consciousness?
o Are you having any headache now? Any blurred vision? Any nausea or vomiting?
o Any neck pain? Any limitations in moving your neck?
o Any shortness of breath? Any chest pain? Any pain or limitation of movements of your
extremities?
o I have read from the case notes that you are having some pain. Where is the site of pain?
How severe is your pain? It it a continuous pain or an on and off pain? Is the pain coming at
regular intervals? What is the type of pain that you are having? Is the pain going somewhere
else or not? Is the pain worsening?
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Physical Exam
o General appearance: pallor, dehydration, edema, bruises
o Vital signs
o Head: hematoma, swelling, depressed fracture
o ENT: bleed, discharge
o Neck: midline tenderness, limitation of movements of the neck,
o Chest: accessory muscle breathing, position of the trachea, air entry, abnormal sounds; S1
S2 normally heard, added sounds, murmurs
o Extremities: range of motion
o CNS: cranial nerves, neurological exam of the upper limb and lower limb
o Abdomen: fundal height: 32cm, FHR: within normal limits, longitudinal lie with cephalic
presentation
Uterine tenderness, uterine contractions: none
o Pelvic examination:
inspection of the vulva and vagina: bleed or discharge
Speculum: bleed or discharge from the cervix, OS open or closed?
o Office test: UDT, BSL
your pain becomes more severe or regular, if you break your waters, or if you have any bleeding
from down below, or if the baby is not kicking well, report immediately to the ED.
Do you have someone to be with you now?
Approach to patient:6
Choice and technique of examination and organization and sequence:6,
Accuracy of examination:5
Dx/DDx:5
comment
Task was Do physical examination
Diagnosis and management
UPT weak positive on stem mentioned
Severe pain at presentation
So pain killer offer
Then do general examination:
BP and Pulse to be measured on your own ..
complete abdominal examination
She had tender right iliac fossa
No rebound tenderness / no Mc burny point
No ascites
On pelvic examination : got a card ( adenexal tenderness)
Task : explain to patient about ectopic pregnancy .. patient crying as it was a planned pregnancy
Explained her urgent USG / about urgency of surgery and management with specialist
Time over
In afternoon group : patient had no pain .. she was okay .. rest similar case
Waiting for feedback to be sure
did u pass that pass? A detailed recall for 7 july with same scenario. Candidate diagnosed as ectopic
most probable diagnosis and gave other dds. Got only 2 score in diagnosis and failed that case
I failed that case too.. reason I didn't have time to mention DD and their invx and mx plan for Dd
So nutshell .. always mention DD to discuss along with the most likely situation
Show that you r safe and ready to take help from seniors
Case (9/3/2017)
female patient with pain in right iliac fossa for one week ,now got worse ,, her pregnancy test is vaguely
positive and 7 weeks amenorrhea.
Task
1)physical examination
2)tel most likely diagnosis
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positive findings tenderness right iliac fossa uterus enlarged and retroverted , adnexa tender ..
(CERVICAL EXCITATION /CMT IS NEGATIVE)
Feedback 5-7-2018
Young lady with missed period, lower abdominal pain. PT weakly positive.no bleeding
Task:
1- do PE
2- tell DDx
I did general, vitals examiner stopped me at blood pressure, abdominal exam (inspection, palpation,
bowel sound) rovsing sign negative. Asked pelvic exam.
DDX.. ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cyst or rupture or tortion, appendicitis, ureteric colic.
Passed: global score 4
Feedback 5-7-2018
25 year old girl, has been having RIF pain for 6 days, UPT was weakly positive 1 week ago, no PV
bleeding
Tasks
Relevant history
Focused abdominal examination
Explain the d/d to the patient
offered pain killer to the patient and asked for allergy.
Pain for 6 days, no shifting, no PV bleeding. no urinary sx, bowel normal. No vomiting but felt
nauseous. Bowels, urine all normal .
Examination (if you wear hijab, then be prepared to use you stethoscope)
general (as you see) .. vitals (I have to check them) so I did pulse and then blood pressure (examiner
stopped me when I starting inflating the cuff). on abdominal examination , there was RIF tenderness,
no guarding, Rovsing or psoas sign negative. Bowel sounds normal
Asked Pelvic examination and DRE, she gave me paper. > os closed, pain on right adnexa. Uterine
size is slightly enlarged.
d.d like pregnancy with ovarian cyst, ovarian/cyst torsion .. twin pregnancy (one in womb and other
ectopic). Ectopic pregnancy. also pregnancy with appendicitis / muscle spasm / kidney problem.
Feedback 5-4-2018
abdominal examination
GP, 27 years old lady c/o pain in RIF, n & v present these days, home pregnancy test weakly positive.
Perform PE, Dx, Ddx
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It took too much time for me to measure BP, only positive findings are tenderness in RIF, no RT, all
special tests negative, when it comes to VE, uterus slightly enlarged, no
Cervial excitation pain, but right adnexal tenderness +, no bulging
I told complicated ovarian cyst but didn’t have a chance to say Ddx again
It was my case: Acute abd Amenorrhe 6 weeks
Ut size was 6 weeks CMT -ve
Adenixial mass in rt side with pain Preg +ve
D.D $Preg with ovarian cyst $Ectpoic $Ap
Feedback 7-7-2017
20 year old presented with acute abdominal pain. bhcg was done and is weakly positive.
TASK
1. perform focused abdominal examination explaing to the patient what you are doing
2. Tell the patient your differential diagnosis
Hello examiner, hello Jane
I have been asked to examine your tummy that would involve looking at it, touching it..if you have pain
at anytime, let me know and i will stop...can you please lift up your shirt while I wash my hands
Im going to look at your tummy now
On inspection no distension, abdomen moving with respiartion, no scar marks
Im going to touch your tummy..tell me where does it hurt the most....she pointed to rif...im sorry for my
cold hands
did superficial palpation...
PATIENT KEPT ON SAYING YOUR HANDS ARE VERY COLD AND I KEPT ON
APOLOGIZING
THE STEM SAID ACUTE ABDOMEN...PATIENT SEEMED AS IF NOTHING WAS WRONG
WITH HER, WHICH WAS A BIT CONFUSING
on deep tenderness in rif...no rebound, rovsings negative
checked renal angle tenderness...negative
checked liver and spleen.
wasnt sure if i should do percussion....because it was acute abdomen and the patient kept on saying your
hands are very cold
checked bowel spunds...present
Covered her up and TOLD THE PATIENT NOW I WANT TO EXAMINE YOUR PELVIC AREA.
examiner came and said no need to do that we have already done for you and gave me a card
cmt negative
right adnexa tender
Jane there are some reasons for your pain
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-How did you confirm your pregnancy? (Home pregnancy test) ok, I will do a confirmatory office PT as
well
-Do you have any breast tenderness? Morning sickness? Yes
-Do you have any tummy pain, or bleeding, or discharge from down below?
Pill
-How long have you been off your contraception?
Pap or HPV
3-previous pregnancies questions
-I have read that you had a previous C section done. When was it done? 2 years ago
-Was it an elective or emergency C section? Emergency C-section was done
-Why was it done? Sort of obstruction during the labor
-Do you know the weight of your baby at birth? 4.2kg
-What type of C-section was done on you? [draw a photo if necessary]
-Did you have any complications during your previous pregnancy? Like high blood pressure or diabetes
that you had?
-Did you have any complications after the surgery like any excessive bleeding? Infections? Or any
complications? Clotting in your veins?
4-Past surgical history
-Did you have any other surgeries done on your womb apart from the c section? None
5-Past medical history + Family history+ SADMA+ diet and exercise
How's your diet? Do you regularly exercise?
To Examiner
1-What is the reason for the c section (obstructed second stage of labor)
2-What is the cause of the obstructed labor? Was there any cephalopelvic disproportion (the baby was
big, but the pelvis was adequate)
3-What is the type of C-section done? (low uterine segment)
4-Any complications during or after surgery? None
5-How long until the patient was discharged from the hospital (normally should be 3 days)
6-Any previous uterine/pelvic surgeries done to her? None
7-How was the condition of the baby after birth?
Counselling
-Vaginal birth after a c section is an option for all women who had a previous c section provided that the
indication of the previous c section does not recur and in many women, successful vaginal birth could be
achieved safely for both mom and the baby. The success rate of vaginal birth after c section is 55-85%.
-In your case the previous c section was done as the baby was a little big and your labor was not
progressing smoothly. But this is not a recurring condition and your baby might not be that big this time.
And from the notes, your pelvis is not narrowed but quite roomy as well. At present, you do not have
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any contraindications for the vaginal birth, and other points in favor for it is the type of C-section, which
is a lower segment C section, and also you don't have any previous uterine surgeries.
-You are in the early weeks of pregnancy now, and as the pregnancy progresses, if any complications
develop in you like uncontrollable high blood pressure, diabetes, or bleeding during pregnancy, placenta
previa, then a C-section needs to be considered again. Also certain complications in the baby like the big
weight of the baby, or any abnormal presentation or lie of the baby in the womb can also lead to a C-
section.
-There are certain advantages of the vaginal birth over the C-section. It avoids the risk of C-section like
complications of anesthesia, excessive bleeding, infection of the womb, and also injury to other organs.
The pain during the delivery will be short, and also you will have a shorter duration of stay in the
hospital.
-If you have one successful vaginal birth after a C-section, you can go in for any number of vaginal
births afterwards.
-VBAC carries risks as well. These include failure of the vaginal birth which will necessitate an
emergency C-section, and there is a risk of scar rupture (1:200), and a chance to develop endometritis or
infection of the womb. Repeated C-sections can lead to placenta accreta, a condition where the placenta
grows deep into the C-section scar of your womb. If you have one more C-section, the next deliveries
should always be by C-section and it is advisable not to have more than 3 C-sections.
Further Management
-Do all antenatal blood checks
-Start on folic acid
-Advice regarding down syndrome screening
-Needs to go for a shared antenatal care with ultrasound done at 18 and 32 weeks, sweet drink test at 26-
28 weeks. During each visit you will be monitored for any complications. And if any complications
happen, you will be managed at the high risk pregnancy clinic.
-I need to arrange for a specialist consultation at 26 weeks for discussion about the possible mode of
delivery, and another at 36 weeks for a definite decision.
-During delivery, you and the baby will be continuously monitored and the delivery should be done in a
tertiary hospital, under specialist guidance. You can also have excellent pain relief options.
-Here are reading materials regarding VBAC to give you more insight about this.
-Please observe to eat a healthy diet, and engage in regular exercise. Please avoid smoking, alcohol, or
recreational drug use.
-I will arrange a review with you once your blood tests are out
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281-OCP-induced Hypertension
You are a GP and 26 year old Susan comes to see you. She was started on combined pills 3 months ago
by a colleague of yours. She's having headache for the past 2 weeks.
TASKS
1. Further history
2. PE from examiner
3. Discuss management plan with patient
Differentials:
COC-induced hypertension
PCOS
Hyperthyroid
Positive points in the history: COC for the past 3 months, character of the headache is undefined
Positive points in the PE/Investigations: BMI is 26, BP 155/95
APPROACH
History
o Ask the pain scale. Offer painkiller.
o Headache questions
Where exactly is the pain?
How long have you been having the headache? On/off or continuous?
Does it go anywhere else?
What sort of pain are you having? Throbbing (migraine), band-like constricting
(tension)
Anything making it better or worse? When exposed to light (migraine)
Any food that you take that may trigger your headache -- chocolates, cheese, red
wine?
Associated symptoms (Differentials)
URTI/sinusitis: any fever, colds, facial pain?
Referred pain: Any pain in your ears or around your teeth?
Meningitis: Any nausea, vomiting, blurring of vision? Any rash?
Trauma: Did you hit your head somewhere?
CVS symptoms (side effect of pills): Any dizziness that you're having, any
chest pain, funny racing of the heart?
o COC history
What type of pill are you having?
What contraception were you on before this?
Any particular reason why did you opt for these pills?
Any other side effects of these pills?
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