For aspiring medical students just starting to delve into Problem-Based Learning scenarios, here are some guidance hints to help give you a starting point of where to research:

1. Signs of Infection:

– Localised infection signs: Redness, swelling, warmth, and pain at the site.
– Systemic infection signs: Fever, increased heart rate, and increased respiratory rate.

2. Endocarditis:

– Research the inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves.
– Explore how it may result from an infection, often bacterial.

3. Complications of Endocarditis:

– Investigate potential complications such as valve damage, embolism, and heart failure.

4. Likely Cause of Mr. Bloggs’ Infection:

– Focus on the history provided: ex-smoker, intravenous drug user, family history of lung cancer.
– Research common pathogens associated with intravenous drug use.

5. Sepsis:

– Understand sepsis as a severe, life-threatening response to infection affecting the whole body.
– Explore the systemic inflammatory response and its consequences.

6. Sepsis Six:

– Identify and research the six key interventions for managing sepsis promptly.

7. Blood Pressure Reading:

– Understand the two numbers (systolic and diastolic) and their significance.
– Explore what is considered normal and abnormal blood pressure.

8. Heart Sounds and Murmurs:

– Learn about normal and abnormal heart sounds.
– Explore the causes of murmurs and how they are classified.

9. Tricuspid Valve Involvement in Endocarditis:

– Investigate the anatomy of blood circulation in the body.
– Explore why intravenous drug users might be at a higher risk for tricuspid valve involvement.

10. Relationship Between Sepsis, Low Blood Pressure, Raised Lactate, and Acidaemia:

– Understand the physiological responses to sepsis.
– Explore how sepsis can lead to low blood pressure, increased lactate levels, and acidaemia.