How to improve on these topics?

[Jonari]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Good afternoon everybody, I've compiled a list of some of my weak areas, that I see myself continuously getting wrong time and time again...was hoping SDN could provide a good resource on where to go to learn this information.


1. Spontaneous vs Tension pneumothorax - there was a question on a NBME, that I got right, but it was because of process of elimination.

2. Acid/Base - anion gap, increased anion gap, and all that other stuff. Is Chapter 4 in Goljan really all that one needs? I remember getting the UWorld question wrong where the patient had DKA, gave you the lab values and asked what was going on? Basically, needed to apply the equation (forgot the name) to see what was the cause of the metabolic acidosis, and to see if there was anything else in addition to the metabolic acidosis.

3. Heart sounds - i can't tell you how many times I keep choosing S4, when the answer is S3, when the patient has CHF.

4. Pressure Volume Loop Diagrams from cardio - i just can't wrap my mind around this concept for some reason.

5. Delirium vs Dementia vs Brief Psychotic Episode - you know there's a 70 year old patient who comes in for a certain treatment. in the middle of the the treatment he becomes wild, belligerent, telling people he doesnt know why he's here, etc etc...


any input is greatly appreciated!

 

[Zzmed]

Good afternoon everybody, I've compiled a list of some of my weak areas, that I see myself continuously getting wrong time and time again...was hoping SDN could provide a good resource on where to go to learn this information.


1. Spontaneous vs Tension pneumothorax - there was a question on a NBME, that I got right, but it was because of process of elimination.

2. Acid/Base - anion gap, increased anion gap, and all that other stuff. Is Chapter 4 in Goljan really all that one needs? I remember getting the UWorld question wrong where the patient had DKA, gave you the lab values and asked what was going on? Basically, needed to apply the equation (forgot the name) to see what was the cause of the metabolic acidosis, and to see if there was anything else in addition to the metabolic acidosis.

3. Heart sounds - i can't tell you how many times I keep choosing S4, when the answer is S3, when the patient has CHF.

4. Pressure Volume Loop Diagrams from cardio - i just can't wrap my mind around this concept for some reason.

5. Delirium vs Dementia vs Brief Psychotic Episode - you know there's a 70 year old patient who comes in for a certain treatment. in the middle of the the treatment he becomes wild, belligerent, telling people he doesnt know why he's here, etc etc...


any input is greatly appreciated!

You shouldn't be worried so much about finding those difficult to grasp. I believe the majority of people find it difficult to (myself too, especially acid base and pressure volume loops). Ok, here is what I say:
1. Webpath and CXRs (google them). I don't think there is a resource out there giving so much time on those. Not even Goljan.
2. Constanzo and Chapter 4 Goljan the best there is. At least, this is what I'm gonna do.
3. Google and you will find many programs-universities offering audio.
4. Again Constanzo. I am coming up short here.
5. Psych --> questions questions questions

 

[CDI]

Good afternoon everybody, I've compiled a list of some of my weak areas, that I see myself continuously getting wrong time and time again...was hoping SDN could provide a good resource on where to go to learn this information.


1. Spontaneous vs Tension pneumothorax - there was a question on a NBME, that I got right, but it was because of process of elimination.

2. Acid/Base - anion gap, increased anion gap, and all that other stuff. Is Chapter 4 in Goljan really all that one needs? I remember getting the UWorld question wrong where the patient had DKA, gave you the lab values and asked what was going on? Basically, needed to apply the equation (forgot the name) to see what was the cause of the metabolic acidosis, and to see if there was anything else in addition to the metabolic acidosis.

3. Heart sounds - i can't tell you how many times I keep choosing S4, when the answer is S3, when the patient has CHF.

4. Pressure Volume Loop Diagrams from cardio - i just can't wrap my mind around this concept for some reason.

5. Delirium vs Dementia vs Brief Psychotic Episode - you know there's a 70 year old patient who comes in for a certain treatment. in the middle of the the treatment he becomes wild, belligerent, telling people he doesnt know why he's here, etc etc...


any input is greatly appreciated!

#1 - Just learn the difference between the two. Not much else there.

#2 - Learn this well now using primary resources. It'll make CK easier.

#3 - HS on the real exam aren't that bad. The stem practically gives it away.

#4 - Just watch a Youtube video of someone explaining.

For #5 - (The way I understood it...just from reading the UW questions)
Delirium - OLD - Possibly some type of hospitalization or abnormal lab results in stem and they act up all of a sudden.
Dementia - also OLD - more gradual - usually losing their way or forgetting something, etc. Brief psychotic episode - acute, they'd have to have one of the symptoms of psychosis as well - hallucinations, delusions, odd speech/behavior - also no drugs or organic causes.