Approach to the Critical Patient

Immediate stabilization

Stabilization priorities

High-risk screen

High-risk features

Key concepts

Clinical framing

History

Symptom characterization

Presenting symptom pattern

Exposure and epidemiology

Exposure risks

Red flags and modifiers

Severity and complications

Physical Exam

Vitals and general

Bedside assessment

Lung and cardiac exam

Thoracic exam

Pitfalls

Common pitfalls

Differential Diagnosis

Primary and mimics

Diagnostic alternatives

Coding alignment

Acute bronchitis codes

Laboratory Tests

Routine labs strategy

Lab selection principles

Suggested labs when indicated

Targeted testing

Point-of-care testing

POC and pathogen tests

Diagnostic Tests

Scoring Systems

Severity and decision tools

MRI

MRI roles

CT

CT roles

Ultrasound

Ultrasound applications

Disposition

Level of care

Disposition framework

Follow-up planning

Follow-up needs

Treatment

Nonpharmacologic

Supportive measures

Symptom control

Symptom-targeted therapy

Antibiotics and antivirals

Etiology-directed therapy

Monitoring and reassessment

Safety checks

Special Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy considerations

Geriatric

Geriatric considerations

Pediatrics

Pediatric considerations

Background

Epidemiology

Pathophysiology

Therapeutic Considerations

Therapeutic rationale

Patient Discharge Instructions

copy discharge instructions

Discharge instructions

References

Clinical guidelines and evidence

Key sources

SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.