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The pregnancy test is the most important test in females of reproductive age! Five Important Tests in 1st Trimester Vaginal Bleeding CBC Hemoglobin/Hematocrit Mild anemia in pregnancy is physiologic and normal Thrombocytopenia Type and Screen Required for blood transfusion Determines if patient needs RhoGAM Rho(D) immune globulin Binds fetal Rh antigens from a fetus so […]

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Common Causes of Constipation Lifestyle Low fiber diet Minimal water intake Poor exercise Medications Especially opiates Endocrine/electrolytes Hypothyroidism Hypercalcemia Bowel obstruction Delayed colonoscopy Unintentional weight loss Previous abdominal surgeries Rectal problems Anal fissures Fecal impaction Masses How to Treat Constipation Fiber (ex. Metamucil, Citrucel) Adds structure to the stool Water (polyethylene glycol/miralax) Hydrates the stool […]

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The blood sugar is NOT the emergency- Acidosis, Hypokalemia, and Dehydration are!!! Signs and Symptoms Vomiting Abdominal pain Polydipsia Polyuria Step 1: Test for DIABETIC-KETO-ACIDOSIS Diabetes Blood sugar Typically notably elevated (>250 mg/dL) Can be normal in certain circumstances Ketones Easiest test is a urinalysis Serum ketones also can be obtained Acidosis Blood gas (arterial […]