More articles from 1-Minute Consult
- What are options for my patients with erectile dysfunction who have an unsatisfactory response to PDE5 inhibitors?
Alternative therapies include intracavernosal injection, vacuum erection devices, and penile prosthesis implantation.
Should my patients with hypertension be referred for renal denervation?Renal denervation may be appropriate as an alternative or adjunct to pharmacotherapy in certain patients. Shared decision-making is crucial before proceeding.
- Should every patient with an unprovoked venous thromboembolism have a hypercoagulable workup?
In the absence of consensus guidelines addressing this question, an individualized approach that considers personal and family history is needed.
- What fluids should I order for my patient with acute pancreatitis?
Recent data show that moderate fluid resuscitation is associated with fewer adverse events and that lactated Ringer’s may be superior to normal saline.
- Do patients with sepsis benefit from intravenous albumin?
Patients with sepsis who do not need vasopressors do not benefit from intravenous albumin compared with intravenous crystalloid therapy alone.
- Does my patient with acute variceal hemorrhage need a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt?
Placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt can be used as salvage therapy to control bleeding when endoscopic management fails and as a means of secondary prophylaxis in select patients.
- Should an NPO order be placed for my patient with acute pancreatitis?
Resting the pancreas with extended periods of nothing by mouth status or total parenteral nutrition is no longer considered the standard of care.
- Do I always need a central venous catheter to administer vasopressors?
Although generally preferred, central venous catheters carry risks such as procedural complications, infection, and thrombosis. Clinicians must assess, case by case, whether a peripheral intravenous catheter can be used.
- Should I refer my patient for a parathyroidectomy?
In patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, this decision should be individualized and not based solely on whether guideline criteria are met.
- Does every patient with lactational mastitis require antibiotic treatment?
Not all do. Depending on the duration and severity of symptoms, some patients can be managed conservatively.
