Pleural effusion (aka water on the lung) is excess fluid accumulating between the 2 pleural layers that surround the lungs. Pathophysiology Although normally containing fluid, excessive amounts can impair breathing by limiting the...

Paget’s disease of the breast is a malignant condition that outwardly may have the appearance of eczema, with skin changes involving the nipple of the breast. Epidemiology It is an uncommon disease...

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by a 3rd copy of genes on chromosome 21. Pathophysiology Caused by 3 copies of the genes on chromosome 21, rather than the usual 2. This...

Murmur is an auscultatable sound caused by turbulent flow of blood, caused by stenosis (i.e. restriction of heart valve opening) or regurgitation (i.e. allowing backflow of blood through an incompetent valve that incompletely closses). This...

Blood transfusion is the receiving of blood products into circulation via IV. The purpose is to replace lost components of blood. [faq]What is a blood transfusion? It's where you receive blood into your...

Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (aka vitamin K deficiency bleeding, VKDB) is a coagulation disturbance in newborns due to vitamin K deficiency. Pathophysiology As a consequence of vitamin K deficiency, there is...

Fibrocystic breast [disease] is a condition where breast tissue, affecting an estimated 45% of women, and at least 50% of women of childbearing age. Sx Noncancerous breast lumps, which can sometimes cause...

Pseudomembranous colitis (aka Clostridium difficile colitis) is colitis (inflammation of the large intestine) caused by infection by Clostridium difficile (spore-forming bacterium). Sx Infectious diarrhea, called C difficile associated diarrhea Latent Sx often mimic...

Infections in pregnancy are, because there is an increased susceptibility or severity of several infectious diseases. Risk factors Increased immune tolerance in pregnancy to prevent an immune reaction against the fetus Maternal physiological changes...

Pelvic exam is a physical exam of the female pelvic organs. Method External examination, including: Examination and palpate the vulva, perianal area, vaginal canal, for erythema, swelling, excoriation, rash, lesions, masses, trauma Examine for...