More articles from 1-Minute consult
Atrial fibrillation: Rate control or rhythm control?Rate control has been preferred as the primary approach, but the pendulum is swinging in favor of rhythm control.
- How do I interpret and use quantitative buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine urine levels?
Confirmatory testing of urine samples can be useful in outpatient settings where buprenorphine dosing is not directly observed. But retaining and engaging the patient in effective treatment should be the ultimate goals of testing.
- What are the considerations in patient selection and timing of risk-reducing mastectomy?
The option of risk-reducing mastectomy is for those at highest risk, and multidisciplinary conversations setting patient expectations are critical for optimal patient outcomes.
- Do all patients with primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis need antifungal therapy?
Patients diagnosed with this condition who have no symptoms or are mildly symptomatic do not require treatment and can be closely monitored.
- Is exercise restriction necessary in patients with pericarditis?
The authors review current recommendations and illustrate possible approaches through a case scenario.
- Does incidentally detected common bile duct dilation need evaluation?
A patient-centered approach and knowledge of the diagnostic yield of further testing helps determine appropriate management.
- Does my patient need an allergy evaluation for penicillin allergy?
In patients with reported penicillin allergy, obtaining a detailed allergy history directly from the patient is the essential first step.
- Does my hospitalized patient need an NPO-after-midnight order preoperatively?
Delays and postponements of surgical procedures are common, and NPO-after-midnight orders in these situations can result in prolonged periods without oral intake.
- Should my older adult patients take aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease?
For patients age 70 and older, recent evidence shows that the harms outweigh the benefits.
- Is Aspergillus isolated from respiratory cultures clinically significant?
Aspergillus is ubiquitous, so the significance of the finding depends on the patient’s symptoms, underlying lung condition, immune status, and radiologic fi ndings.
