AMC Clinical Exam Hack: Mastering Differential Diagnosis for Acute Vomiting and Diarrhea in Children
Let’s talk strategy for the AMC Clinical Exam! When faced with an 18-month-old with acute vomiting and diarrhea, targeted differential diagnosis questions are your best friend. Here’s a quick guide to keep your history-taking sharp and efficient.
Tips for Success:
- Stay Focused: Ask only essential questions—skip what’s already covered in the stem!
- Think Common Causes: For vomiting and diarrhea, consider gastroenteritis, food intolerance, and infections, ruling out critical ones first.
Top Differential Questions:
- Gastroenteritis (Viral/Bacterial)
“Anyone else at home or daycare with similar symptoms?” - Lactose Intolerance
“Does diarrhea worsen with milk or dairy?” - Coeliac Disease
“Has John struggled with weight gain or had weight loss?”
“Does he have any allergies to Barley, Rice, Oats or Whey (BROW)?” - Cystic Fibrosis
“Any history of lung infections or oily stools?” - Food Poisoning
“Did he eat anything unusual recently?” - Intussusception
“Has he had episodes of crying and pulling his knees to his chest?”
Extraintestinal Infections to Rule Out:
- Meningitis
“Any fever, irritability, or neck stiffness?”
- Bacterial Sepsis
“Any color changes (pale or bluish) or rapid breathing?”
- Pneumonia
“Any cough, wheezing, or breathing trouble?”
Final Tips:
- Prioritize: Start with critical conditions.
- Stay Confident and Friendly: It helps put everyone at ease, including the examiner (win!)
Mastering these questions can help you confidently tackle acute vomiting and diarrhea cases—best of luck!
