Step 2 CS ordering labs

[zer0el]

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When ordering labs, are we supposed to separate out CBC/electrolytes/glucose/CA, or lump them as one entity? Same question for UA/urine cx.

Also, do we have to repeat any of the vital signs during our physical exam (such as orthostatics)?

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[SamusLives]

I tended to group similar things together.

Example:
CXR, CT Chest, KUB
UA, Urine Cx
CBC, electrolytes, glucose

This was especially useful if you have a lot of tests to order, otherwise I separated them to fill up all the lines.

As for vitals, I never did that on anyone b/c I was pressed for time. I did put it in the orders a few times when I thought it should be done.

Hope this helps! BTW, I just found out I passed about an hour ago (still don't know how).

Study hard, and good luck!!

 

[zer0el]

Thanks Samus, did you take notes during the encounter or try to memorize everything? Not sure of taking notes is frowned upon as being not in tune with the SP.

 

[SamusLives]

They give you a sheet of blank paper per station. I used it to write the pt's name and vitals, then I took notes during the history, not for the physical.

I tried to make eye contact as much as possible, and definitely did not write notes if the patient was conveying concerns or asking a "tough" question. However, during most of the history I was looking up and down.

The notes were helpful to write the Patient Note afterward. It would be quite a lot to memorize, full HPI, ROS, PMH, PSH, Meds, Allergies, SocHx, SexHx, FamHx, and sometimes an Ob/Gyn Hx. After doing this a few times, things can run together. Its up to you, I don't know how good you are at memorizing/purging/memorizing.

I think almost everyone writes notes, so the SPs shouldn't be surprised if you do too. Just try your best to make eye contact when you can, like when you introduce yourself, when you counsel, when you answer the tough question, and when you close the encounter.

Hope this helps.