ABSTRACT
A large variety of data may be included in stems for surgical questions. Blood tests may include white cell count and CRP for signs of infection/inflammation, liver function tests (know the different pictures of pre-, intra-and post-hepatic jaundice) and raised amylase in pancreatitis. Metabolic acidosis on an arterial blood gas points to sepsis or bowel ischaemia. Be able to interpret the urine dipstick testing and never forget the urine pregnancy test in women of childbearing age with abdominal pathology!
