How to Prepare for USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills
Get an SP, can be a friend or family or colleague., Practice, practice, practice., Time all your cases and patient notes. ,Memorize DDs of all possible symptoms and mnemonics for the history and exam , Work on clear layman language. , Be polite...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Get an SP
Ideally a doctor.
First Aid for step2 CS or USMLE world subscription for the cases. -
Step 2: can be a friend or family or colleague.
Your SP should be ruthless and criticize at every point. ,,,,, It will help prevent skipping any vital questions. ,, What made you come in today? ,,,,, DEATH Dressing Eating Ambulating Toileting Hygiene.
SHAFT Shopping Housekeeping Accounting Food prep Transportation. ,, ORIENTATION:
Which state or city are u in ? REGISTRATION:
Mention three objects slowly and clearly
- ask the patient to repeat once you are done. (e.g.
Pen, Watch, Ball) ATTENTION AND CALCULATION:
Ask patient to say "WORLD" backwards.
RECALL:
Now ask the patient to repeat again those 3 words u told him before.
LANGUAGE:
Show him your pen
- ask him what color it is.
COMMAND FOLLOWING:
On a piece of paper, draw intersecting pentagons, each side about one inch and ask him to copy it exactly as it is.
To score correctly, all ten angles must be present AND two must intersect.
Tremor and rotation are ignored. -
Step 3: Practice
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Step 4: practice
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Step 5: practice.
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Step 6: Time all your cases and patient notes.
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Step 7: Memorize DDs of all possible symptoms and mnemonics for the history and exam
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Step 8: Work on clear layman language.
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Step 9: Be polite
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Step 10: even excessively.
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Step 11: Read doorway info
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Step 12: write pt name and formulate and jot down a quick DD.
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Step 13: Knock with a quick 3 tap and walk in.
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Step 14: Greet the SP "Mr __ Hello I am Dr __.
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Step 15: Although this mnemonic is made for pain it can help in every history.COP LIAAAR PF SHOT
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Step 16: Character Onset Progression Location Intensity Aggravating factors Alleviating factors Associated symptoms Radiation Pain anywhere else Functional impact on Sleep Home Occupation Trauma history.
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Step 17: For a case of seizures or headache go with AT&T WIRELESS
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Step 18: Aura Timing nausea/vomiting Tearing/red eye Weakness/numbness Injury Running nose Estrogen(OCP) Leg(joint)pain Energy level Stress Speech.
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Step 19: For a case of Abuse do not forget to ask SAFEGARD
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Step 20: Safety at home Afraid of partner Family/ friends in the know Emergency plan Gun Alcohol Relationship Drugs.
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Step 21: For depression go with FACE SLIPS SM
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Step 22: Feelings(guilt
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Step 23: worthlessness) Appetite Concentration Energy levels Sleep Loneliness/libido Interests/hobbies Psychomotor symptoms Suicidal ideation Support group Memory.
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Step 24: Older person with 'Confusion' remember to ask about Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) DEATH and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)SHAFT.
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Step 25: For past history the familiar PAM HUGS FOSS is adequate.
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Step 26: Mini Mental State Exam; practice
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Step 27: it should not take over a minute.
Detailed Guide
Ideally a doctor.
First Aid for step2 CS or USMLE world subscription for the cases.
Your SP should be ruthless and criticize at every point. ,,,,, It will help prevent skipping any vital questions. ,, What made you come in today? ,,,,, DEATH Dressing Eating Ambulating Toileting Hygiene.
SHAFT Shopping Housekeeping Accounting Food prep Transportation. ,, ORIENTATION:
Which state or city are u in ? REGISTRATION:
Mention three objects slowly and clearly
- ask the patient to repeat once you are done. (e.g.
Pen, Watch, Ball) ATTENTION AND CALCULATION:
Ask patient to say "WORLD" backwards.
RECALL:
Now ask the patient to repeat again those 3 words u told him before.
LANGUAGE:
Show him your pen
- ask him what color it is.
COMMAND FOLLOWING:
On a piece of paper, draw intersecting pentagons, each side about one inch and ask him to copy it exactly as it is.
To score correctly, all ten angles must be present AND two must intersect.
Tremor and rotation are ignored.
About the Author
Brittany Reynolds
Creates helpful guides on cooking to inspire and educate readers.
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