Wednesday, 29 April 2026

Chapter 24 | Module 23: Bunions (Hallux Valgus)

 


Definition:
A bunion is a bony deformity at the base of the big toe where the toe gradually shifts inward toward the others.

Causes:

  • Genetic foot structure
  • Tight or narrow footwear
  • Arthritis (especially inflammatory types)

Symptoms:

  • Pain and swelling at big toe joint
  • Visible bump on side of foot
  • Difficulty wearing shoes

Management:

  • Wider footwear and padding
  • Orthotics for alignment
  • Pain relief (NSAIDs)
  • Surgery (bunionectomy) in severe cases

Chapter 25 | Module 24: Cancer

Definition:
Cancer is uncontrolled abnormal cell growth that can invade tissues and spread (metastasis).

Key Pathophysiology:

  • DNA mutations → uncontrolled cell division
  • Tumour formation
  • Potential spread via blood/lymph

Types (examples):

  • Carcinomas (epithelial)
  • Sarcomas (bone/muscle)
  • Leukemia (blood cancers)

Treatment Approaches:

  • Surgery (remove tumour)
  • Chemotherapy (systemic cell kill)
  • Radiotherapy (targeted destruction)
  • Immunotherapy
  • Adjuvant / neoadjuvant therapy

Prevention & Screening:

  • Smoking cessation
  • Screening programmes (e.g., colonoscopy, mammograms)

Chapter 26 | Module 25: Cardiac Arrest

Definition:
Sudden loss of heart function, leading to collapse and no pulse.

Common Causes:

  • Ventricular fibrillation
  • Ventricular tachycardia
  • Myocardial infarction
  • Severe hypoxia

Signs:

  • Unresponsive
  • No breathing or pulse

Emergency Management:

  • Immediate CPR
  • Defibrillation (shockable rhythms)
  • Advanced life support (airway, drugs like adrenaline)

Post-Arrest Care:

  • Therapeutic cooling (targeted temperature management)
  • Oxygen and blood pressure support
  • Neurological monitoring

Chapter 27 | Module 26: Cardiovascular Disorders

Major Conditions:

  • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
  • Heart Failure
  • Hypertension
  • Congenital heart defects

Coronary Artery Disease:

  • Atherosclerosis narrows arteries
  • Reduced oxygen to heart muscle → angina or MI

Heart Failure:

  • Heart cannot pump effectively
  • Symptoms: breathlessness, oedema, fatigue

Management:

  • Diuretics
  • ACE inhibitors / beta blockers
  • Low salt diet
  • Lifestyle changes

Chapter 28 | Module 27: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Definition:
Compression of the median nerve in the wrist.

Causes:

  • Repetitive strain
  • Pregnancy
  • Arthritis
  • Wrist injury

Symptoms:

  • Numbness/tingling in thumb, index, middle fingers
  • Weak grip strength
  • Night pain

Treatment:

  • Wrist splints
  • NSAIDs
  • Steroid injections
  • Surgery (carpal tunnel release)

Chapter 29 | Module 28: Catarrh

Definition:
Excess mucus in the nose, throat, or sinuses due to inflammation.

Causes:

  • Colds
  • Sinus infections
  • Allergies

Symptoms:

  • Blocked nose
  • Post-nasal drip
  • Throat irritation

Management:

  • Hydration
  • Steam inhalation
  • Saline sprays
  • Decongestants or antihistamines

Chapter 30 | Module 29: Cellulitis

Definition:
A bacterial skin infection affecting deep skin layers.

Causes:

  • Streptococcus or Staphylococcus bacteria
  • Entry through cuts, wounds, ulcers

Symptoms:

  • Red, hot, swollen skin
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Fever in severe cases

Treatment:

  • Oral or IV antibiotics
  • Elevation of affected limb
  • Wound care

Chapter 31 | Module 30: Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Definition:
A group of lifelong movement disorders caused by early brain injury.

Causes:

  • Oxygen deprivation at birth
  • Prematurity
  • Infection during pregnancy
  • Brain injury in infancy

Types:

  • Spastic (most common)
  • Dyskinetic
  • Ataxic

Symptoms:

  • Muscle stiffness or floppiness
  • Poor coordination
  • Speech difficulties
  • Developmental delay

Management:

  • Physiotherapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech therapy
  • Muscle relaxants (e.g., baclofen)
  • Mobility aids

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Chapter 24 | Module 23: Bunions (Hallux Valgus)

  Definition: A bunion is a bony deformity at the base of the big toe where the toe gradually shifts inward toward the others. Causes: ...