JAAPA-Journal of the American Academy of Physicians Assistants articles from July 2008

JAAPA-Journal of the American Academy of Physicians Assistants archives from July 2008

FSMB approves new licensee competence guidelines.(FROM THE AAPA)(Federation of State Medical Boards)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) in May approved five guiding principles for policy development that will help its member boards in their efforts to ensure that licensees are competent to practice during their entire professional...

PAs look to pave way for practice in Puerto Rico.(FROM THE AAPA)(physician assistants)
July 1, 2008... A group of PAs met at a "summit" during AAPA's annual conference in San Antonio to hear the results of research on the practice environment for PAs in Puerto Rico, as well as to discuss strategies to achieve enabling legislation in the US...

Public Health Service releases update to tobacco guideline.(FROM THE AAPA)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... An updated Clinical Practice Guideline, Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update, was announced by Carolyn Clancy, MD, director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and Michael Fiore, MD, chair of the Guideline Update...

Risk versus choice: what teens need to know about alcoholism.(Editorial)
July 1, 2008... The statistics about alcohol abuse among underage drinkers and young adults are, at the very least, sobering. In 2003, almost 74% of adults aged 21 years or older reported that they had started using alcohol before the current legal drinking...

Product: Cimzia.(New Drug Information)(Drug overview)
July 1, 2008... PRODUCT: Cimzia COMPANY: UCB, Inc. PHARMACOLOGIC CLASS: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Certolizumab pegol 200mg/vial; pwd for SC inj after reconstitution; preservative-free. INDICATION: In moderately...

A serious condition or a benign masquerade?(Dermatology Digest)(Case study)
July 1, 2008... [FIGURE 1 OMITTED] * CASE A 57-year-old man first presented to our dermatology clinic with a 2-year history of a diffuse, patchy, pruritic rash. According to the patient, he had a skin biopsy during that period that was reportedly...

Screening, diagnosis, management.(SUBSTANCE ABUSE)(Disease/Disorder overview)
July 1, 2008... * WHO SHOULD READ THIS? All PAs who can screen patients for substance abuse, follow up with those who have a history of substance abuse, and refer any patients with active substance abuse to appropriate treatment facilities. * WHY IS...

Inherited epidermolysis bullosa: this dermal disease is beyond skin deep: manifestations of this rare skin disease range from chronic cutaneous erosions to a debilitating breakdown of the skin. More severe variants of the disease can affect all organ systems.(CME)(Disease/Disorder overview)
July 1, 2008... Inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare skin disease that manifests as painful cutaneous erosions and blistering following minor skin trauma. Severe debilitation and pain can result when EB affects the gastrointestinal, oral/dental,...

Kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.(The Surgical Patient)(Cover story)(Case study)
July 1, 2008... Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures are a common problem and cause much pain and disability. Traditional treatments have included bed rest, bracing, and narcotics; however, none of these measures is very effective. Major reconstructive...

Pericardial effusion and developing tamponade in a 30-year-old man: the cause sometimes remains unclear, but cardiac tamponade is potentially fatal. A rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to saving the patient.(CASE REPORT)(Case study)
July 1, 2008... CASE A 30-year-old white male arrived at the emergency department complaining of chest discomfort of 2 weeks' duration. He described the discomfort as a constant, retrosternal, left-sided pressure that had begun gradually and worsened over...

The ZZZs to success: a good night's sleep is more than beauty rest: insomnia is more complex than just not getting a good night's sleep. If left untreated, the condition can compromise quality of life. Patients may also develop more serious conditions.(CME)(Disease/Disorder overview)
July 1, 2008... Any PA on call through the night or student cramming for finals can verify the importance of sleep and the effects of a lack of sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) defines insomnia as difficulty initiating sleep or remaining...

CME posttest.
July 1, 2008... EXPIRATION DAY: July 2009 All posttests must be submitted online to AAPA. The CME scoring service is provided at no charge to current Fellow members of AAPA. Others must submit a $20 scoring fee for each posttest using AAPA's secure...

Physician shortage predictions and their implications.(Research Corner)
July 1, 2008... Health care policy experts generally agree that the United States faces a medical provider shortage in the near future. Recently there have been several articles addressing provider shortage predictions in single medical specialties. Since the...

Dementia treatments found to be minimally effective.(Patient-oriented evidence that matters)
July 1, 2008... Clinical question Do treatments for dementia improve symptoms or delay progression? Bottom line Although they produce a statistical improvement when compared with placebo, neither cholinesterase inhibitors nor memantine produce clinically...

EULAR presents fibromyalgia treatment guidelines.(Patient-oriented evidence that matters)(European League Against Rheumatism)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Clinical question What are the preferred approaches to treating patients with fibromyalgia? Bottom line Antidepressants, pramipexole (Mirapex, Sifrol), pregabalin (Lyrica), tramadol (Ultram), tropisetron (Navoban), and heated pool...

CBT and psychoeducation reduce relapse in bipolar disorder.(Patient-oriented evidence that matters)(Cognitive behavioral therapy )(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Clinical question Do psychosocial interventions reduce the relapse rate in patients with bipolar disorder? Bottom line Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and group psychoeducation reduce the risk of relapse in patients with stable bipolar...

Q: what's the best sun protection to use?(When the Patient Asks)
July 1, 2008... The adverse effects of UV radiation include tanning, sunburn, premature skin aging, exacerbation of photosensitive dermatologic conditions, precancerous skin lesions, skin cancers, and eye problems such as cataracts. UVB radiation has been...

Q: what's the best sun protection to use?(Patient Information)
July 1, 2008... * AM I REALLY AT RISK FOR SUN DAMAGE? Everyone is at risk for sun damage. This is true no matter what color your skin is. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause tanning, sunburn, early skin aging, skin cancer, and eye problems....

Chest pain and an abnormal ECG in a young woman.(Diagnostic Imaging Review)(electrocardiography)(Case study)
July 1, 2008... [FIGURE 1 OMITTED] * CASE During a preoperative evaluation, a 34-year-old female was discovered to have an abnormal ECG and was sent to a cardiologist for further evaluation. She denied chest pain, weakness, palpitations, syncope,...

Case of the month.(Case study)
July 1, 2008... [FIGURE 1 OMITTED] * CASE A 17-year-old white female who had previously undergone resection for a brain tumor presented to her primary care PA for evaluation of school performance issues. She complained of difficulties with attention...