Cough Mnemonic USMLE step 2 CS
Cough Mnemonic USMLE
Cough is a very common symptom that is responsible for approximately 30 million outpatient doctor visits annually in the United States.
Evaluation and management of persistent cough can account for up to 40% of the practice volume in an outpatient pulmonary practice.
Patients who seek medical attention for chronic cough are more likely to be female. Among patients with chronic cough, women tend to cough more often and to have more intense cough reflex sensitivity compared to men [Source: 1, 2, 3].
Cough can be classified based upon the duration of the cough; within each category are likely diagnostic possibilities.
- Acute cough: is defined as cough that has been present for less than 3 weeks and is most commonly due to an acute respiratory tract infection. Other considerations include an acute exacerbation of underlying chronic pulmonary disease, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism.
- Subacute cough: is defined as cough that has been present longer than 3 weeks but less than 8 weeks [3 to 8 weeks].
- Chronic cough: is defined as cough that has been present longer than 3 weeks.
Are you having trouble remembering all the important questions to ask your patient who is presenting with depression during your USMLE Step 2 CS patient encounter? Then try our Cough Mnemonic for USMLE Step 2 CS.
Cough Mnemonic USMLE step 2 CS
Do NOT forget to:
- Offer a cup of water or tissue to your patient if you notice they are coughing in the examination room.
- If patient is holding a tissue make sure to ask her to show it to you to see if there is any blood.
- Ask if your patient has tried to quit smoking in the past, if not then educate on smoking cessation.
Cough Mnemonic USMLE step 2 CS
Physical Examination Cough Mnemonic
NOTE: Make sure to wash your hands or wear gloves before you start physical examination. Make sure to ask for permission before you start each physical exam. Make sure to use proper draping (don’t forget to tie back patient’s gown). Make sure to explain each physical examination in layman’s term to your patient. Do NOT repeat painful maneuvers.
- HEENT: Inspect Mouth, Throat, Lymph nodes
- Cardiovascular exam: Auscultation
- Pulmonary exam: Auscultation, Palpation, Percussion, Tactile fremitus
- Abdominal exam: Auscultation, Palpation
Differential Diagnosis Cough Mnemonic
- Tuberculosis
- Pneumonia (typical vs. atypical)
- COPD exacerbation
- Asthma exacerbation
- Lung abscess
- Lung Cancer (especially with history of smoking)
- Wegener granulomatosis
Diagnostic Work up Cough Mnemonic
- Purified Protein Derivative (PPD)
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Blood culture
- Sputum gram stain, Acid Fast smear,
- Chest X-ray
- Chest CT
- C-ANCA
- Bronchoscopy
- Lung biopsy
Cough Mnemonic USMLE step 2 CS
- BEST Tips on how to Pass USMLE Step 2 CS
- Physical Exam Videos
- BLUE SHEET Mnemonic (.pdf file)
- CS Timer
- Official USMLE Step 2 CS Site
- Official Content Description & General Information Booklet (includes the list of abbreviation, you can use on your exam)
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Cough Mnemonic USMLE step 2 CS