ABSTRACT
This chapter presents evidence based guidelines and questions mapping for different types of cases presented at the respiratory station. It discusses bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, fibrotic lung disease, lung cancer and old tuberculosis. At the station, the candidate should observe the patient from the end of the bed and count the respiratory rate; look around the bedside and pick up on any clues that may help aid the diagnosis, e.g. sputum pot, inhalers, oxygen mask. The candidate should also look at the inhalers to elicit their contents. He/she should be able to differentiate between consolidation and an effusion on examination, look for any scars which may aid you with the diagnosis, and be able to differentiate the causes of upper- and lower-zone fibrosis. He/she should familiarise with pulmonary function test results for common respiratory conditions such as COPD. In cases such as pulmonary fibrosis and pleural effusion, look for an underlying cause for the pathology.
