Master Your Family Medicine Shelf Exam: Key Screening Guidelines and Treatments

Essential Screening Guidelines for Family Medicine

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening

• Age: Start at 65 years old
• Criteria: For individuals who have ever smoked
• Method: Abdominal ultrasound

Lung Cancer Screening

• Age: 55 years or older
• Criteria: 30-pack year smoking history, current smokers, or those who quit within the last 15 years
• Method: Low-dose CT scan of the chest

Colon Cancer Screening

• Age: Start at 50 years old, every 10 years
• Family History: If a family member was diagnosed before age 60, start screening at 40 or 10 years before their diagnosis
• Method: Colonoscopy

Pap Smears

• Age: Start at 21 years old, every 3 years
• Stopping Age: At 65 years old if previous screenings were normal

Mammograms

• Age: Start at 40 years old, annually or biannually

Osteoporosis Screening

• Age: 65 years old
• Method: DEXA scan of the lumbar spine

Vaccinations

• Zoster vaccine at 60 years old
• HPV vaccine between 9 to 26 years old

STDs and HIV Screening

• Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: Sexually active females under 24 years old
• HIV: Anyone between 15 to 65 years old

Key Treatments and Management in Family Medicine

COPD Management

• Classified by FEV1 levels: Mild, Moderate, Severe, Very Severe
• Treatment escalates from short-acting beta-2 agonists to inhaled steroids and oxygen therapy.

Gout and Septic Arthritis

• Gout: Treat acute attacks with NSAIDs like indomethacin or colchicine. Avoid these in renal failure, opting for steroid injections.
• Septic Arthritis: Aspiration is critical to diagnose. Treat with IV antibiotics.

Prenatal Care

• Initial visit screenings include CBC, urinalysis, STDs, HIV, hepatitis B, pap smear, blood typing, and rubella.
• Diabetes screening at week 28 using a glucose challenge test.

Pediatric Milestones and Vaccinations

• Recognize key developmental milestones from 2 months to 6 years.
• First flu shot at 6 months and the first live vaccine (MMR) at 1 year old.

Thyroid Disorders

• Hyperthyroidism: Treat with methimazole or propylthiouracil, watch for agranulocytosis.
• Hypothyroidism in pregnancy requires increased levothyroxine due to elevated estrogen levels.

This comprehensive overview covers pivotal screening guidelines and treatments across major areas in Family Medicine, vital for exam preparation and patient care. Review these guidelines thoroughly to ensure a strong foundation in Family Medicine.

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