Your next patient is a 46-year -old woman recently diagnosed…

Your next patient is a 46-year -old woman recently diagnosed with congestive heart failure.  You hear a S3 during your cardiac exam.  A S3 is a short and low pitched sound that is best heard with the bell of the stethoscope at the apex of the heart.  A S3 is created by:

It is important to assess cognitive function to identify mil…

It is important to assess cognitive function to identify mild cognitive impairment that may indicate the onset of dementia or cognitive changes associated with normal aging. The Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) is a standard screening tool that is used often with older patients to

You are called to evaluate a 3-year-old child that has a res…

You are called to evaluate a 3-year-old child that has a respiratory illness. The child is on his hands and knees in his bed. The mother says he has had a bad cough before but never like this. This cough, which sounds like inspiratory stridor to you, came on suddenly tonight. You are aware of the child’s position, but also that he is drooling, not swallowing, and has circumoral cyanosis. The mother says the child has never used an inhaler and has no chronic problems. Your best action at this time is to: