CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM INFECTIONS Bacterial Meningitis BASICS   An acute inflammation and infection of the meninges which surround the brain and spinal cord ETIOLOGY   Children: group B streptococci and E. coli,…

 BRONCHITIS, PNEUMONIA, LUNG ABSCESS, AND EMPYEMA Bronchitis BASICS   Infection of the conducting airways of the lung (bronchial inflammation) ETIOLOGY   Generally viral (influenza, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]) SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS…

 FACIAL TRAUMA Mandibular Fracture BASICS   Most commonly caused by assault or motor vehicle crash SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS   Malocclusion   Floor of mouth ecchymosis   Lower lip/chin paresthesias DIAGNOSTICS   X-ray two views or…

 BELL’S PALSY BASICS   Unilateral (sometimes bilateral) motor dysfunction of cranial nerve (CN) VII ETIOLOGY   Associated with pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, trauma, infection, neoplasm, Lyme disease, herpes simplex virus SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS…

 ABUSE Elder Abuse and Neglect BASICS   Neglect or failure of the individual responsible to provide needs and protection to a vulnerable person   Considered elder abuse in patients >60 years old…

 BACK PAIN Cauda Equina BASICS   Compression of lumbar and sacral nerve ETIOLOGY   Most commonly from tumor or disc herniation SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS   Back pain   Bowel or bladder dysfunction (urinary retention,…

 ECTOPIC PREGNANCY BASICS   Pregnancy located outside the uterus    •  Fallopian tube ectopic (outer one-third most common)    •  Cervical and extrauterine ectopic (rare) ETIOLOGY   Conditions that block the fallopian tube    •  History of sexually…