More articles from 1-Minute Consult
- Can patients opt to turn off implantable cardioverter-defibrillators near the end of life?
Yes, it is reasonable to consider deactivation near the end of life if the patient or family wishes.
- Obstructive sleep apnea: Who should be tested, and how?
Only 10% of people with obstructive sleep apnea are diagnosed—a dismal statistic, considering the consequences.
- Does allergic conjunctivitis always require prescription eyedrops?
We reserve prescription drops for patients with persistent, bothersome symptoms despite using over-the-counter drops.
- Should all patients with significant proteinuria take a renin-angiotensin inhibitor?
Most of them should, with exceptions due to adverse effects such as angioedema, cough, and hyperkalemia.
- What can we offer patients with mild cognitive impairment?
Physicians can promote healthy nutrition, physical activity, socialization, and mental activity, but no drug is approved for it.
- Are breast and pelvic exams necessary when prescribing hormonal contraception?
Only a medical history and blood pressure measurement are needed before prescribing estrogen contraceptives.
- Do healthy patients need routine laboratory testing before elective noncardiac surgery?
Testing often increases costs and anxiety, with little benefit.
- What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
The two have different indications and goals and are often provided in different settings.
- Does stenting of severe renal artery stenosis improve outcomes compared with medical therapy alone?
Added to drug therapy, it can modestly improve blood pressure control, but has no significant effect on outcomes.
- Should thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) activity be determined before prescribing azathioprine, mercaptopurine, or thioguanine?
Testing can identify patients at risk of life-threatening myelosuppression on these drugs.