You are hereForums / USMLE Forums / Step 2 - CS / Practice is the key for Step 2 CS
Practice is the key for Step 2 CS
Practice is the key to success in CS as this is a practical exam. One important but often ignored part of the CS that is actually evaluated by MD's is the patient note.
To help practice the cases, usmlesource developed a unique software just like the real exam that has a timer that warns after 10 minutes. You can practice any case using the free PN generator in the guest section of usmlesource.
Also, there over 30 free cs cases posted by users. Our proven Mnemonic based approach has helped hundreds of people pass this exam as it boosts your confidence and maximizes data gathering.
Try the new Usmlesource CS course and pass CS with ease!
Tags
Practice all the common cases like cough, sore throat, chest pain, abdominal pain, fatigue, pediatrics case(fever, cough, rash, enuresis, others), and one/two cases happen to be Psychiatry case(Depression, schizophrenia, panic attack) and TIME MANGEMENT IS THE KEY. the most imp case we happen to miss is DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. Just prepare it very well, this can pop up anytime. remember CS is not just taking history: greet, and show compassion in your patient care..say sorry if there is something concerning, offer tissue for a pt. if he/she starts crying in the middle of the case(work best with the ethics, you shud be more than ok) it has 4 sections: 1. History(all the points of HPI, ROS, PH, MH, SH, and other)
2. Physical examination : very imp-wash hands, drape, focused examination of the system involved and other relevant physical exam, CARE FOR THE PATIENTS COMFORT all the time esp in case presenting with pain.
3. Always explain the impression you have about the patients clinical condition and explain all the possible D/D's you consider for the given clinical setting and investigation you are going to order. NEVER FORGET TO ASK "IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR ME" and greet the patient well at the end of case and shake hand again, wishing good afternoon or good day..If u find some Hx of smoking, alcohol, drug abuse, STD's, just touch this thing a little bit and counsel the patient about the possible harms of this all and management options available.
4. WRITING part: writing history and PE, Investigations and Differentials for the case in order of the presentation. hope this helps...remember make brief notes of the CS case and checklist of things you are going to ask for the common cases. and planout the time for each section of the CS case to make sure all things are covered. let me know if you have any other concerns about the CS cases.[/b]