Approach to the Critical Patient

Immediate threats and exclusions

Time-critical exclusions

Initial stabilization and pain control

Immediate priorities

Key decision points

Management branch points

History

Mechanism and symptom profile

Presenting features

Risk factors and exposures

Predisposing factors

Red flags

High-risk symptoms

Physical Exam

Core eye exam

Baseline assessment

Slit lamp and fluorescein findings

Corneal assessment

Associated findings and pitfalls

Complication screen

Differential Diagnosis

Ocular surface and anterior segment

Key alternatives

Traumatic and vision-threatening causes

Vision-threatening diagnoses

Laboratory Tests

Routine labs

Laboratory testing strategy

Microbiology

Culture considerations

Diagnostic Tests

Scoring Systems

Risk stratification framework

MRI

MRI role

CT

CT indications

Ultrasound

Ultrasound considerations

Disposition

Follow-up timing and level of care

Disposition planning

Admit, transfer, or emergent consultation

Escalation triggers

Treatment

Foreign body and surface care

Surface management

Topical antibiotics

Antimicrobial prophylaxis

Analgesia and inflammation control

Pain control options

Topical anesthetic for home use

Topical anesthetic outpatient protocol

Therapies to avoid

Avoided practices

Special Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy considerations

Geriatric

Older adult considerations

Pediatrics

Pediatric considerations

Background

Epidemiology

Frequency and natural course

Pathophysiology

Mechanism

Therapeutic Considerations

Rationale for key therapies

Patient Discharge Instructions

copy discharge instructions

Discharge plan

References

Clinical guidelines and evidence sources

Key references

Point-of-care clinical summaries

Secondary references

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