Examination of a 20 Year Old Woman with Episodes of Breathlessness course for GPs
This session uses a video clip to demonstrate how to perform a focused, problem-based physical examination on an adult presenting with episodes of breathlessness in primary care.
This session was reviewed by Khyati Bakhai and last updated in September 2018.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:
- Perform an examination to differentiate between an exacerbation of asthma and other causes of shortness of breath
- Perform a problem-based targeted examination of the chest to help make a diagnosis
- Identify ‘red flag’ symptoms and signs associated with shortness of breath
- Use a peak flow meter correctly
Shortness of breath is a common symptom in general practice. This session concentrates on a patient who presents with episodes of breathlessness.
Before commencing this session you should:
- Complete the introductory session to this module: Introduction to Physical Examination (400-0001)
- Be working or training in a general practice context
Niki Roberts is a five session GP in Waterlooville, Hampshire. She came into general practice from a background in General Medicine, which included a year as Registrar on a Respiratory team. She still enjoys Chronic Disease Management but in recent years has also become involved in teaching, as a trainer and Course Organiser for the local DRC. She is a CSA examiner.
Outside of medicine, she struggles to get to grips with the finer points of the waltz and has been walking the South Downs Way with her husband and a group of friends since January.
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