Highest Yield GI for USMLE Step 2 CK and Internal Medicine and FM Shelf - Action Potential Mentoring

Step-by-Step Tutorial: High-Yield GI Review for USMLE Step 2 CK and Internal Medicine

1. Colonoscopy for GI Bleeding:

   • For USMLE exams, when faced with GI bleeding, choose colonoscopy as the answer.
   • Understand the importance of colonoscopy in identifying conditions like angio dysplasia, which can lead to lower GI bleeding.
   • Recognize the need for interventions like cauterization or embolization for angio dysplasia.

2. Traveler's Diarrhea:

   • Associate E. coli as a common cause of traveler's diarrhea.
   • Diagnose through stool culture and microscopy.
   • Emphasize hydration as a key aspect of treatment.

3. Hair Eating Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment:

   • Identify patients with hair eating disorder through symptoms like alopecia.
   • Perform an EGD for diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC):

   • Differentiate between PSC and PBC based on hepatic biliary dilation.
   • Understand the need for liver transplant as definitive treatment for PSC.

5. Association of PSC with Cholangiocarcinoma:

   • Recognize the increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma in patients with PSC.

6. Wilson's Disease Presentation:

   • Look for hepatolenticular degeneration as a clue to Wilson's disease.
   • Identify symptoms like parkinsonism, tremors, and dementia.

7. Complications Post-EGD in Achalasia:

   • Understand the risk of esophageal perforation post-EGD in achalasia patients.
   • Diagnose through a water-soluble esophagram and treat with surgery if needed.

8. Pancreatic Pseudocyst Imaging and Diagnosis:

   • Recognize pancreatic pseudocysts on imaging, noting the pain radiation to the back.
   • Use amylase and lipase levels to aid in diagnosis.

9. Celiac Disease and Villus Atrophy:

   • Consider celiac disease in patients with villus atrophy, weight loss, and loose stools.
   • Perform tests like serum D-xylose and fecal fat levels for diagnosis.

10. Absorption in Terminal Ileum:

    • Understand the absorption of bile acids and vitamin B12 in the terminal ileum.
    • Look for megaloblastic anemia and elevated fecal fat levels as indicators.

11. Tropical Sprue Diagnosis and Treatment:

    • Differentiate tropical sprue with a travel history and perform an actual biopsy for diagnosis.
    • Treat with tetracycline-based regimen after initial steps.

12. Small Bowel Obstruction Post-Operative:

    • Identify small bowel obstruction in post-operative patients through KUB X-ray.
    • Provide supportive care and hydration, consider NG tube placement.

13. Ogilvy Syndrome in Elderly Patients:

    • Recognize Ogilvy syndrome in elderly patients with severe electrolyte abnormalities.
    • Diagnose with a CT scan and manage with various interventions.

14. Differentiating Choledocholithiasis from Cholecystitis:

    • Use liver function tests to differentiate between the two conditions.
    • Treat choledocholithiasis with ERCP and cholecystectomy.

15. Hepatic Adenoma vs. Hepatocellular Carcinoma:

    • Distinguish between hepatoma (hepatocellular carcinoma) and hepatic adenoma based on presentation and management.

16. Esophagitis Types and High-Risk Populations:

    • Differentiate between esophagitis types (Candida, CMV, HSV) based on clinical presentation in high-risk populations.

By following these steps and understanding the key points mentioned in the video, you can enhance your knowledge and preparation for USMLE Step 2 CK, Internal Medicine, and Family Medicine shelf exams.