Re: CS questions
bingousmle - 09-06-09 01:35

hey when are you taking your exam?

Re: CS questions
adonis123 - 09-06-09 02:25



I have always maintained that USMLE Step-2CS is an exam about being with the patient.Please donot waste yur precious exam time by doing the superfluous examination.Physical exam is the least important part of the USMLE Step-2CS.Please donot misunderstand that I m asking u not to do any physical exam.What I want to say is that u must always do a brief and a focussed exam.Physical exam should never take more than two minutes on the actual test.Please remember Step-2CS is about addressing concerns of the patient and not about showing off one's knowledge.

BTW,here is how u take the orthostatic vitals:

" The diagnosis of orthostasis is made by finding that the systolic/diastolic blood pressure drops at least 25/10 mm mercury on going from lying to standing. After measuring the supine blood pressure, it is recommended that one should have the subject stand for 2 minutes (if tolerated) before measuring the upright blood pressure ."

Are u talking about the 'Get UP and Go test' ?

Good Luck!

Re: CS questions
docbul - 09-06-09 11:39

Yes pls tell me what is this "Get up and GO " test,when to do it and how? one more thing is that i thunk i am bit weak in writing the exam workup of the patient. how mcuh does PN weigh inorder to get pass??pls tell me some more points how to pass this exam?Thanks

Re: CS questions
docbul - 09-06-09 11:40

My exam is on 8th at atlanta test center,

Re: CS questions
adonis123 - 09-06-09 12:07



Get Up and Go Test :

I.Technique: Direct patient to do the following :
A.Rise from sitting position
B.Walk 10 feet
C.Turn around
D.Return to chair and sit down

II.Interpretation :
A.Patient takes <20 seconds to complete test
1.Adequate for independent transfers and mobility
B.Patient requires >30 seconds to complete test
1.Suggests higher dependence and risk of of falls

Patient Note is an important component of the USMLE Step-2CS exam.It comes under the ICE(Integrated Clinical Encounter ) section.PN must be legible and must touch all the main headings .
Differential Diagnosis is the most important part of the PN followed by Investigations,and then come the History( Chief Complaint plus Others) and last of all the Physical Exam.So, do a lot of practice to write an efficient patient note.Moreover, Patient Note is rated by Physicians and not by the SP's.
Other tips for the exam r: Speak Slower and louder than usual ,Show respect,Address concerns,Don't ask the same question more than once,Don't ask the SP to repeat, Dissect the Chief complaint,Ask about main Associated Symptoms,touch all important headings,Never interrupt,Ask them if they have anything else to tell u,help the SP's change positions,Ask for permission before touching them,Make them feel comfortable,Ask them if they have any concerns,Thank them,Summarise the Chief Complaint and Let them know what u r going to do next.

If u follow the above guidelines,u will definitely do good on the actual exam.
Good Luck!