CRC 100 CASE OBSTET GYNCO PDF

PREFACE

Learning in medicine has gradually moved away from an apprentice system to a more structured course format. Advances have been made with the use of simulated cases, problem-based learning and electronic learning resources; however, this has led to a separation of the learning environment from the clinical art of real medicine.

This book aims to redress the balance with entirely clinical cases, highlighting the history and examination features with salient investigations. This allows the reader to place themselves in the position of the practising doctor encountering these scenarios in the everyday clinical setting.

Obstetrics and gynaecology involves the same clinical reasoning as other specialties covered in this series, but several points should be highlighted. First most patients seen in obstetrics and gynaecology are generally fit and healthy. As such they will withstand cardiovascular insults such as haemorrhage very effectively by increasing cardiac output. Signs of tachycardia and hypovolaemia may be late and signify severe compromise. Second, there are many physiological changes in pregnancy and normal ranges therefore alter. Where indicated, normal values for pregnant and non-pregnant women have been included. Finally, many abnormalities in obstetrics and gynaecology are picked up during ‘routine' care. This book therefore differs from those of Clinical Medicine and Surgery in that women do not always ‘present' with a problem, but one may be detected through, for example, routine antenatal care or during a cervical smear investigation.

The cases are grouped into broad categories with random ordering of cases within each category to mimic the way cases present in clinical practice.

We have written this book with both clinicians and medical students in mind, with cases varying in complexity, to reinforce common or important subject areas. We hope they will stimulate and challenge as well as build confidence for those working in or learning obstetrics and gynaecology.