This book is a concise learning guide dedicated to the full scope of pediatric history-taking and clinical examination, for use in OSCEs as well as clinical life.
It guides the reader simply and methodically through what to ask when taking a history, and how to perform a comprehensive physical examination. The book contains more than 30 “History Stations” covering the most common pediatric cases, as well as 10 “Examination Stations” covering examinations of the different body system. It provides students and resident doctors worldwide with the necessary core information for pediatric history-taking and clinical examination, all in a brief and interesting format.
The book adopts a reader-friendly format through a lecture-note style and the use of Key Points, Clinical Tips, Notes, Tables, and Boxes listing the most important features. It is also richly illustrated, demonstrating the correct way to perform clinical examinations.
Written “by a resident, for residents and medical students,” this book has been revised, foreworded, and peer-reviewed by fourteen prominent authorities in the field of Pediatrics from various parts of the world (including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, Canada, and India), and from different universities (Illinois, Pennsylvania, Washington, Oxford, Edinburgh, Keele, Melbourne, Toronto, Parma, and Florence Universities). These experts recommend this book for medical students, pediatric residents, and pediatric practitioners, as well as pediatricians.
Foreword
Preface
Part I History-Taking Skills and Symptomatology
1 Basics of History Taking
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Identity (patient demographics)
1.3 Chief Complaint(s) (presenting complaint)
1.4 History of Present Illness (history of presenting complaint)
1.5 Past History
1.5.1 Birth History
1.5.2 Past Medical and Surgical History
1.6 Medication History
1.7 Developmental History
1.8 Immunization History
1.9 Feeding/Dietary History
1.9.1 For an Infant
1.9.2 For an Older Child
1.10 Family History
1.11 Social History
1.12 Review of Systems (ROS)
2 History Taking of Common Pediatric Cases
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Dyspnea
2.3 Cyanosis
2.4 Cough
2.5 Wheezing
2.6 Stridor
2.7 Chest Pain
2.8 Syncope
2.9 Sore Throat
2.10 Ear Pain
2.11 Abdominal Pain
2.12 Vomiting
2.13 Acute Diarrhea
2.14 Chronic Diarrhea
2.15 Constipation
2.16 Upper-Gastrointestinal Bleeding
2.17 Lower-Gastrointestinal Bleeding
2.18 Jaundice
2.19 Hematuria
2.20 Edema
2.21 Polyuria and Urinary Frequency
2.22 Diabetic Ketoacidosis
2.23 Failure to Thrive
2.24 Headache
2.25 Seizure
2.26 Lower-Limb Weakness
2.27 Coma and Confusion
2.28 Skin Rash
2.29 Fever
2.30 Pallor
2.31 Bleeding and Bruising
2.32 Joint Pain
Part II Examination of the Newborn and Older Child
3 Examination of the Newborn
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Initial Brief Examination after Birth
3.2.1 Apgar Score
3.3 Routine Examination of the Newborn Infant
3.3.1 General Observation and Assessment
3.3.2 Skin
3.3.3 Head and Face
3.3.4 Neck
3.3.5 Arms and Hands
3.3.6 Chest
3.3.7 Heart
3.3.8 Abdomen
3.3.9 Genitalia and Anus
3.3.10 Legs and Feet
3.3.11 Neurologic Examination
3.3.12 Spine and Sacrum
3.3.13 Hips
3.3.14 Completing the Examination
4 Examination of the Older Child
4.1 Introduction
4.2 General Inspection
4.3 Assessment of Hydration Status
4.4 Assessment of Nutritional Status
4.5 Anthropometric Measures (growth parameters)
4.5.1 Weight
4.5.2 Length or Height
4.5.3 Head Circumference
4.5.4 Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC)
4.5.5 Body Mass Index
4.5.6 Growth Charts
4.6 Vital Signs
4.6.1 Pulse Rate (heart rate)
4.6.2 Respiratory Rate
4.6.3 Temperature
4.6.4 Blood Pressure
4.7 Examination of the Skin, Hair, and Nails
4.7.1 Skin Examination
4.7.2 Hair Examination
4.7.3 Nails Examination
4.8 Examination of the Head, Face, and Neck
4.8.1 Head Examination
4.8.2 Face Examination
4.8.3 Neck Examination
4.9 Cardiovascular System Examination
4.9.1 General Physical Examination
4.9.2 Examination of the Precordium
4.10 Respiratory System Examination
4.10.1 General Physical Examination
4.10.2 Examination of the Chest
4.11 Gastrointestinal System Examination
4.11.1 General Physical Examination
4.11.2 Examination of the Abdomen
4.11.3 Further Examination
4.12 Examination of the Child’s Genitalia
4.12.1 Male Genital Examination
4.12.2 Female Genital Examination
4.13 Reticuloendothelial System Examination
4.14 Examination of the Nervous System
4.14.1 General Physical Examination
4.14.2 Mental Status Examination
4.14.3 Cranial Nerves Examination
4.14.4 Motor System Examination
4.14.5 Sensory System Examination
4.14.6 Reflexes and Clonus
4.14.7 Coordination and Cerebellar Signs
4.15 Musculoskeletal System Examination
4.15.1 General Physical Examination
4.15.2 Examination of the Joints
Appendix
Index
Dr. Anwar Qais is a resident physician at Al-Sader Teaching Hospital in Basrah, Iraq. Graduating with distinction from the University of Basrah College of Medicine in 2013, he has been a member of the Iraqi Medical Association since 2015. Dr. Qais has published several medical articles, which have been cited by numerous national and international newspapers, websites, and satellite channels. In 2015, he served as a manager of Al-Mudaina District Primary Health Care Center. Dr. Qais has attended numerous conferences on Pediatrics and conducted academic presentations in the field of Pediatrics. Currently, he is pursuing a number of academic research projects and working on two books. In his free time, he enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with his family in Basrah.
This book is a concise learning guide dedicated to the full scope of pediatric history-taking and clinical examination for use in OSCEs as well as clinical life.
This book by Dr. Anwar Qais is a tour de force for the young doctor embarking on a career in Pediatrics. Full of detailed information on how to take a thorough clinical history and perform a detailed clinical examination. This book provides the explicit knowledge background required to take the early steps to become a competent children’s doctor. I can strongly recommend this book as an essential read for all young aspiring Pediatricians.
Hamish Wallace, MBBS, MD, FRCP, FRCPCH, FRCS, Professor of Pediatric Oncology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
This practical and very informative introduction to the evaluation of a child will be invaluable in successfully learning the art of pediatrics. Tables and figures, along with salient highlights enhance the readability and usefulness. It is a gem.
F. Bruder Stapleton, MD, Professor and Chair, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Washington, USA
Essential Clinical Skills in Pediatrics is written as a very practical guide for healthcare providers who are looking for a comprehensive roadmap to a thorough history and complete physical examination in children. The use of lists and tables makes it visually easy to follow and very user-friendly. The author has also sprinkled in some helpful clinical tips and highlighted some useful key learning points. Dr. Qais should be congratulated for a job well done.
Jeremy Friedman, MBChB, FRCP, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
The book Essential Clinical Skills in Pediatrics has been a tremendous effort by the author. It is written in a simple and concise manner, with the clarity needed to quickly pick up important points. It is quite complete and incorporates the main findings that pediatric residents and specialists need to know during a history and physical. The lecture-note style, using short sentences and lists of important features, is particularly appreciated. I think that this book will be helpful for a wide audience of physicians, not only those specialists in pediatrics but also general practitioners who may see children in their practice.
Rolando Cimaz, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Florence, Florence, Ital
Provides simple and methodical guidance through what to ask when taking a history and how to perform a comprehensive physical examination
Contains more than 30 history stations covering the most common pediatric cases as well as more than 9 examination stations covering examinations of the different body system
Provides an illustrative demonstration of the correct way to perform clinical examinations
Provides simple and methodical guidance through what to ask when taking a history and how to perform a comprehensive physical examination.
Contains more than 30 history stations covering the most common pediatric cases as well as more than 9 examination stations covering examinations of the different body system.
Provides an illustrative demonstration of the correct way to perform clinical examinations.
“This book by Dr. Anwar Qais is a tour de force for the young doctor embarking on a career in Pediatrics. Full of detailed information on how to take a thorough clinical history and perform a detailed clinical examination. This book provides the explicit knowledge background required to take the early steps to become a competent children’s doctor. I can strongly recommend this book as an essential read for all young aspiring Pediatricians.” (Hamish Wallace, MBBS, MD, FRCP, FRCPCH, FRCS, Professor of Pediatric Oncology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK)
“This practical and very informative introduction to the evaluation of a child will be invaluable in successfully learning the art of pediatrics. Tables and figures, along with salient highlights, enhance the readability and usefulness. It is a gem.” (F. Bruder Stapleton, MD, Professor and Chair, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Washington, USA)
“Essential Clinical Skills in Pediatrics is written as a very practical guide for healthcare providers who are looking for a comprehensive roadmap to a thorough history and complete physical examination in children. The use of lists and tables makes it visually easy to follow and very user-friendly. The author has also sprinkled in some helpful clinical tips and highlighted some useful key learning points. Dr. Qais should be congratulated for a job well done.” (Jeremy Friedman, MBChB, FRCP, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada)
“This book is well written and very helpful. Instead of delivering information around a topic, it tells the reader what to do, what to ask, what to examine…The reference section is complete and informative and serves as a starting point for more in-depth reading on particular diseases and conditions. Indeed, Dr. Qais saw a problem and has solved it with the production of this book. I recommend his learning guide for students, residents, and practitioners of pediatrics.” (Stephen Ludwig, MD, FAAP, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA)
“The content and style are of high quality and make the information very accessible to a student or clinician who wishes to learn both the art and science of good history taking and clinical examination…This book would be very suitable for both undergraduate and postgraduate students learning pediatrics. The Key Points are well emphasized. I enjoyed the introductory tips on how to prepare for the consultation. The writing style, similar to a student’s lecture notes, and the liberal use of illustrations make the content live up to the title—it is indeed both essential and practical.” (Mike South, MBBS, MD, DCH, MRCP (UK), FRACP, FJFICM, FCICM, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia)
“Dr. Anwar Qais has produced here a very useful book aptly entitled “Essential Clinical Skills in Pediatrics: A Practical Guide to History Taking and Clinical Examination,” as this describes exactly what the book aims to do, namely, to provide in an accessible way a concise summary of clinical pediatrics based on the practical application of the clinical method… The text is very readable, being presented in a lecture-note format with highlighting of important facts and supplemented with marginal Notes, Clinical Tips, Boxes, and Tables, where appropriate. The whole text is extremely well referenced, with over 190 references provided. This small volume will be of great value both to undergraduate medical students and to postgraduate pediatric trainees working for their higher professional qualifications.” (Peter B. Sullivan, MA, MD, FRCP, FRCPCH, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK)
“The book Essential Clinical Skills in Pediatrics has been a tremendous effort by the author. It is written in a simple and concise manner, with the clarity needed to quickly pick up important points. It is quite complete and incorporates the main findings that pediatric residents and specialists need to know during a history and physical. The lecture-note style, using short sentences and lists of important features, is particularly appreciated. I think that this book will be helpful for a wide audience of physicians, not only those specialists in pediatrics but also general practitioners who may see children in their practice.” (Rolando Cimaz, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Florence, Florence, Italy)
“This book will help you to start; it acts as a beginning. Every journey requires a beginning, and this seems like a solid place to start.” (Will D. Carroll, MD, MRCP, MRCPCH, Bm, BCh, BA MA (Oxon), Honorary Reader in Pediatrics, Keele University, Keele, UK)
