NEET MDS Shorts
570274
Dental MaterialsCermet Cement is composed of glass metal powder that is sintered to polyacrylic acid to form a high-density material.
235932
General MedicineIn Zollinger Ellison syndrome, the pancreatic islets are involved because they contain the gastrin-producing cells that form the gastrinomas. The overproduction of gastrin is the main pathological mechanism leading to the disease's clinical manifestations.
578536
PhysiologyFluorescent lighting enhances the visibility of scleral icterus, making it easier to detect jaundice.
886129
PedodonticsProbing depth of a pocket is assessed by the Williams probe.
211001
MedicineThe response to treatment of syphilis is best monitored by VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test) because it is a non-specific test for syphilis that measures the presence of antibodies in the blood. It is widely used for diagnosis and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. TPHA (Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay) and FTA-ABS (Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption) are both specific treponemal antibody tests, which are used for confirming the diagnosis but not as commonly for monitoring treatment response. TPI (Treponema pallidum immobilization) is a specific antibody test but less sensitive than TPHA and FTA-ABS, making VDRL a more practical choice for monitoring treatment.
544439
General MicrobiologyPrevotella intermedia and P. melaninogenicus (now known as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans) are both anaerobic bacteria that can be found in the oral cavity and are involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases, including dentoalveolar abscesses. Fusobacterium nucleatum is another anaerobic bacterium commonly found in dental plaque and is associated with various oral infections, including dentoalveolar abscesses.
962666
PhysiologySecretin is structurally similar to glucagon, which is involved in glucose metabolism and regulation.
390606
General MedicinePulsus alternans is characterized by alternating strong and weak heartbeats
and is often associated with severe heart conditions, including mitral
incompetence. It indicates significant cardiac dysfunction.
Signs of Pulsus Alternans
Alternating Pulse Amplitude:
The most defining characteristic of pulsus alternans is the
alternating pattern of pulse strength. When palpating the radial pulse,
a healthcare provider will notice that one beat is strong (high
amplitude) and the next is weak (low amplitude).
Irregular Pulse Rhythm:
While the rhythm may appear regular, the variation in amplitude can
create an irregular sensation when palpating the pulse.
Blood Pressure Variability:
Blood pressure readings may also show variability, with alternating
high and low readings corresponding to the strong and weak beats.
Heart Sounds:
On auscultation, the heart sounds may also reflect this alternation,
with variations in the intensity of the heart sounds corresponding to
the pulse amplitude.
Symptoms Associated with Pulsus Alternans
Pulsus alternans itself is a sign rather than a symptom, but it is often
associated with symptoms of underlying cardiac dysfunction, including:
Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea):
Fatigue:
Palpitations:
Patients may report feeling their heart racing or irregular
heartbeats, which can be distressing.
Edema:
Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen may occur due to fluid
retention associated with heart failure.
Chest Pain or Discomfort:
Some patients may experience chest pain or discomfort, particularly
if there is underlying ischemic heart disease.
Cough:
A persistent cough, especially when lying down, may occur due to
pulmonary congestion.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness:
Patients may feel dizzy or lightheaded, particularly when standing
up (orthostatic hypotension) due to fluctuating blood pressure.