The Third Edition of this comprehensive and invaluable textbook explores proven techniques for interviewing and physical examination--from the fundamentals to the most advanced levels. Methods are described in step-by-step detail, with clinical pearls and insightful vignettes, explanations of the physiologic significance of findings, and extensive discussions of evidence-based medicine. Highlights of this new edition include-- / Additional history-taking questions regarding risk factors and discussion of legal issues affecting medical records / Numerous first-hand accounts of cases that illustrate specific concepts and findings / Chapters on the eye and the neurologic examination now feature a discussion of shaken baby syndrome / Expanded content on the mouth and dental examination / Coverage of recent findings in AIDS / Greater discussion of multiple sclerosis / New thinking about techniques for cardiopulmonary resuscitation / Expanded discussion of neural entrapment syndromes / Red flags indicate where urgent action is required / Plus more than 450 additional references from classic original descriptions up to the most current literature Even with all of today's sophisticated laboratory and imaging technology, the most important information comes directly from the patient. The Third Edition of Sapira's Art and Science of Bedside Diagnosis is your guide to gaining the most reliable information from your patients, developing a differential diagnosis and an efficient diagnostic strategy.
Clinical experience has been defined as “making the same mistake with increasing confidence for an impressive number of years,” in contrast to “evidence-based medicine”, which involves “perpetuating other people's mistakes instead of your own”.
This book is filled with pearls. Every now and then I take a peek at it to learn a few skills from the great clinicians who preceded us, depending on their physical exam much more than we do today. It is not outdated information, for they do present evidence and LRs for the findings when available.
It excels not only in practical knowledge, though. There are also hidden gems throughout the book. One of my favorites: Angina pectoris may be associated with angor animi, which literally means anguish of the soul. Because modern man has shed his soul, we now call this a sense of impending doom, which may often accompany myocardial infarction, dissecting aneurysm, or massive pulmonary embolism.
This is an excellent book for any peron either currently training to become a doctor, or for your seasoned professionals. This book is a compilation of all the traditional medical techniques used before X-rays, CT scans, and MRI's were so readily available. As a current medical student, I LOVE this book (so much that I actually put a bookcover on it)...