JAAPA-Journal of the American Academy of Physicians Assistants articles from February 2005

JAAPA-Journal of the American Academy of Physicians Assistants archives from February 2005

AAPA sends support to tsunami survivors.(From the AAPA: news of current interest)(American Academy of Physician Assistants, Physician Assistant Foundation)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... The AAPA Board of Directors, in response to the recent tsunamis, has voted to donate $10,000 to Direct Relief International, an organization that delivers medical relief to those affected by natural disasters. "The extent of this disaster is...

DEA withdraws pain medication guidance.(From the AAPA: news of current interest)(US Drug Enforcement Administration)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Just months after the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) released a set of frequently asked questions that eased some of the concerns clinicians had about prescribing controlled pain medications, the agency withdrew the document, saying that it...

AAPA will target access to affordable health care in 2005.(From the AAPA: news of current interest)(American Academy of Physician Assistants, State Children's Health Insurance Program)
February 1, 2005... With domestic spending coming under increased scrutiny in light of a growing deficit, AAPA will focus its efforts in the new, 109th Congress on preserving funding for federal programs that promote access to affordable health care, allowing PAs...

Why I got a master's degree.(Guest Editorial)
February 1, 2005... Why I got a master's degree is because I was afraid. I decided to take the additional course work I needed for the degree because I was afraid that if I didn't, somewhere down the road--when I'm, say, 65 years old--someone would tell me I must...

Altered mental status: cause determines treatment: the workup for AMS can be tough because of the myriad of conditions associated with this disorder. This article provides clinicians with a review and a road map.(Recertification Refresher)(continuing medical education credit)
February 1, 2005... KEY POINTS in this article * The patient with altered mental status (AMS) can present a challenge to clinicians in a variety of settings, including the family practice office, the emergency department, and the ICU. * Patients of...

The PA as exercise advocate: prescribing exercise for patients: review the latest exercise recommendations, learn practical solutions to common barriers against activity, and find out how to tailor your counseling to your patient's readiness to make lifestyle changes.(continuing medical education credit)
February 1, 2005... KEY POINTS in this article * Physical inactivity is a leading, preventable cause of health problems. * During a clinic visit, taking time to address the issue of risk reduction through exercise may not change every patient's life, but...

Health benefits of exercise: we all know that regular exercise is good for health. But sometimes we feel it is too hard to get started. Here are answers to common questions and some tips to help.(Patient information: from your physician assistant)(FIT principles)
February 1, 2005... Why should I exercise? An active lifestyle improves your health in many ways. Regular exercise can * Reduce your risk of dying from heart disease * Treat or prevent high blood pressure * Lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol and...

Case studies in writing the exercise prescription: to use your counseling time most effectively, spend a few moments determining the patient's stage of readiness for change before you prescribe an exercise regimen.
February 1, 2005... Case 1: Contemplation Mr. C. is a 42-year-old computer software engineer who is new to your practice. He is here today to discuss laboratory results from his complete physical examination 2 weeks ago. His examination was unremarkable...

Liver transplantation: managing complications in primary care: the number of people surviving liver transplants has increased steadily over the past 3 decades. Immunosuppressive regimens have become more sophisticated, as have strategies for preventing complications.
February 1, 2005... KEY POINTS in this article * Liver transplant has a survival rate of from 85.9% in the first year to 77.5% in the third year posttransplant. * Liver transplant complications include postoperative complications, rejection, complications...

Management of traumatic femoral shaft fractures.(Diagnostic imaging review: interpreting clinical images)
February 1, 2005... Femoral shaft fracture should be regarded as an orthopedic emergency and requires immediate medical attention to preserve the patient's limb and to minimize complications. Special care must be taken to examine the hemodynamic and neurovascular...

Vaccine effective against HPV.(Patient-oriented evidence that matters)(randomized controlled trial)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Clinical question Is a vaccine effective against human papillomavirus (HPV) strains associated with cervical cancer? Bottom line A bivalent vaccine against HPV types 16 and 18 is well-tolerated and effective in reducing HPV infection and...

Tight BP control prevents blindness in diabetic patients (UKPDS).(Patient-oriented evidence that matters)
February 1, 2005... Clinical question Does tight BP control improve visual outcomes in diabetic hypertensive patients? Bottom line Tight BP control results in a small benefit in the prevention of blindness, with an NNT of 1000 per year. Tight control was also...

Dexamethasone improves TB meningitis survival.(Patient-oriented evidence that matters)(Randomized controlled trial)
February 1, 2005... Clinical question Does adding dexamethasone to the standard treatment regimen for tuberculous meningitis improve outcomes? Bottom line When added to a standard treatment regimen for tuberculous meningitis, dexamethasone (Decadron) reduces...

Evidence-based medicine? Show us the evidence!(Sounding board: JAAPA's op-ed department)(comments, ideas, opinions)
February 1, 2005... When I graduated from PA school in 1983, the "correct" treatment plan implemented for a patient was related primarily to the preferences and experiences of the supervising physician. As PAs went into practice and gained additional clinical...

CME calendar.(Calendar)
February 1, 2005... ALABAMA April 1-3 2005 Annual CME Conference. Where: Birmingham. Provider: Alabama Society of Physician Assistants. Information: nsmunroe@hiwaay.net. FLORIDA March 9-13 PANCE/PANRE Review. Where: Fort Lauderdale. Provider: Nova...

Case of the month: diagnostic challenges from your case files.
February 1, 2005... CASE A 56-year-old woman was referred to our practice for evaluation of a pulmonary nodule. She had stopped smoking 15 months before this visit but previously had smoked two to three packs of cigarettes per day. Her family had no chronic...