Mechanisms of Clinical Signs 2nd Edition PDF

Much has changed in the three years since the release of the first edition of this book. Accurate physical exam interpretation remains pertinent to medical decision making in an age of readily available advanced diagnostic tests. The authors are grateful for and heartened by the feedback from students and junior and senior clinicians alike who have found the first edition valuable in patient care. Reader feedback has driven the updates and improvements to the second edition. The same focus remains – understanding the mechanisms of clinical signs in medicine. There is a fine line between too much content and oversimplification – the authors have strengthened some entries and simplified others.

Several new clinical signs have been added to the text. Many new photographs, illustrations and flow diagrams are available to improve understanding. Finally, in this technological age, it would be remiss if a textbook was not enhanced by the use of online material. Audio and video files, demonstrating and/or explaining signs, are available to the reader. The evidence base for each clinical sign has been re-examined. The predictive value for a sign has been reviewed and revised where possible. Signs of particular clinical value have been highlighted under the heading ‘Clinical Pearl’. In many ways modern medicine has become more algorithmic or guideline focused. The accurate retrieval and interpretation of bedside patient information via the history and physical exam remains the art and science of medicine and the foundation upon which all good clinical decisions are made.