Ortho Special Tests
Pulling the tibia forward on the femur to test for an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear.
What is the Anterior Drawer Test (or Lachman Test)?
The "Three Ps" (Polyuria, Polydipsia, Polyphagia) are the classic early signs of this metabolic disease.
What is Diabetes Mellitus?
Low levels of these two red blood cell markers (H&H) indicate anemia or hemorrhage.
What are Hemoglobin and Hematocrit?
A toxic overdose of this extremely common over-the-counter pain reliever is a leading cause of acute liver failure.
What is Acetaminophen (Tylenol)?
Sharp nerve pain radiating along the path of the longest nerve in the body, often shooting down the back of the leg.
What is sciatica?
Rotating and extending the knee to check for a click or pop, indicating a meniscus tear.
What is the McMurray Test?
The acronym F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) is used to quickly identify this neurological emergency.
What is a stroke (or CVA)?
Elevated levels of this specific cardiac enzyme in the blood are the gold standard for diagnosing a Myocardial Infarction.
What is Troponin?
An odorless, colorless gas that binds to hemoglobin 200 times stronger than oxygen.
What is carbon monoxide?
When the soft, jelly-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in its tougher exterior casing.
What is a herniated (or slipped/ruptured) disc?
Having the patient abduct their arms and resist downward pressure to test the Supraspinatus (Rotator Cuff).
What is the Empty Can (or Jobe's) Test?
Severe pain and rebound tenderness in the right lower quadrant (McBurney's Point) indicates this surgical emergency.
What is appendicitis?
An elevation in this lab value (often over 10,000) typically indicates an infection or systemic inflammation.
What is a White Blood Cell (WBC) count?
Severe withdrawal from this legal substance can cause life-threatening seizures and Delirium Tremens (DTs).
What is alcohol (ethanol)?
Inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions between bones, tendons, and muscles near joints.
What is bursitis?
Pressing the backs of the hands together to provoke median nerve tingling, testing for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
What is Phalen's Test?
A distinct "butterfly rash" across the cheeks and nose is highly associated with this autoimmune disease.
What is Lupus (or SLE)?
This common blood test measures the patient's average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months.
What is Hemoglobin A1c (or HbA1c)?
The specific pharmacological antidote used to reverse benzodiazepine overdoses.
What is Flumazenil?
A dangerous surgical emergency where pressure builds up within an enclosed muscle space, often following a fracture, cutting off blood flow.
What is compartment syndrome?
Squeezing the calf muscle to see if the foot plantar flexes, testing for an Achilles tendon rupture.
What is the Thompson Test?
Hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations (Cushing's Triad) indicate this dangerous neurological state.
What is increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)?
BUN and Creatinine are the two primary lab values used to evaluate the function of these organs.
What are the kidneys?
Nerve agents and insecticides that cause "SLUDGE" symptoms (Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, etc.) belong to this chemical class.
What are organophosphates?
A spinal emergency caused by compression of the nerve roots at the very lower end of the spinal canal, potentially causing paralysis.
What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?