1.
Hemochromatosis: Pumping too much iron.
Regan, EN
The Nurse practitioner. 2009;(6):25-9
2.
Recurrent wheezing illness in preschool-aged children: assessment and management in primary care practice.
Bloomberg, GR
Postgraduate medicine. 2009;(5):48-55
Abstract
Recurrent wheezing is common in preschool-aged children, with 1 in 3 children experiencing at least 1 acute wheezing illness before the age of 3 years. These children represent a diverse group, with some going on to present with asthma at school age and others experiencing complete resolution of symptoms. The primary care physician is faced with a dilemma of when to recommend daily therapy. He or she must also answer parents' concerns, often expressed as, "Does my child have asthma?" and "Will my child have to take medication the rest of his or her life?" This article presents recent studies and recommendations that can guide the physician in approaching the child and the parent with rational management. The emphasis is on viewing recurrent wheezing as a continuum requiring a plan of monitoring that starts with the very first episode. Using background information from the parents and a history of the child's allergic disposition, one can discuss with parents the risks of developing asthma and, together with planned monitoring, prescribe appropriate management. The primary care physician can plan management by using the Asthma Predictive Index and employing specific questions for features present during the intervals between acute episodes. Together with close monitoring, the physician will have a compass that effectively directs rational management.
3.
Common herb-drug interactions: what you should know.
Holcomb, SS
The Nurse practitioner. 2009;(5):21-9
4.
Managing the patient with hypertriglyceridemia: a practical approach for nurse practitioners.
Rankin, FM, Cohen, JD
Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. 2008;:1-14; quiz 15
5.
Pediatric overweight or obesity: does the label really matter?
Waldrop, J, Ferguson, LA
Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. 2008;(5):251-8
Abstract
PURPOSE To discuss the issue of early identification of overweight and obesity in infants and young children and provide some clinical recommendations based on the current evidence and the World Health Organization's (WHO) newly released guidelines for growth and development. DATA SOURCES Comparison of the growth charts from the WHO and the Centers for Disease Control as well as current literature. CONCLUSIONS Although healthcare providers and the general public recognize overweight and obesity as serious problems, there is still disagreement on what constitutes obesity in infants and young children and when and how to intervene. More research on interventions and outcomes is particularly needed. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The primary care provider deals with the sequelae of obesity on a daily basis. Some recommendations are provided for nurse practitioners who care for infants and children based on current evidence and expert opinion.
6.
Current issues for nurse practitioners: Hyponatremia.
Haskal, R
Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. 2007;(11):563-79
Abstract
PURPOSE To review the assessment, diagnosis, and management of hyponatremia (serum sodium <135 mEq/L), the most common electrolyte disturbance as a result of dysregulation of water balance in hospitalized or institutionalized patients. DATA SOURCES Comprehensive search using keywords AVP receptor antagonists, hyponatremia, SIADH, conivaptan, tolvaptan, lixivaptan, nurse practitioner, and others was carried out using the National Library of Medicine (PubMed) Web site from which full-text articles were obtained. Meeting abstracts were obtained from scientific sessions including the American Society of Nephrology Renal Week 2004 and the Endocrine Society's 87th Annual Meeting (2005). The Vaprisol (conivaptan hydrochloride injection) package insert was referenced and obtained from FDA.gov. CONCLUSIONS A diagnosis of hyponatremia requires thorough investigation for underlying causes and prompt treatment to prevent poor patient outcomes. In clinical trials, a new class of drugs called the arginine vasopressin (AVP) receptor antagonists or aquaretics has been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of hyponatremia. Among this class of agents, intravenous conivaptan hydrochloride, indicated for the treatment of euvolemic hyponatremia in hospitalized patients, is the first drug in class approved for use. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Elderly patients, and those with certain conditions such as heart failure, tuberculosis, cirrhosis, and head injury, may be at increased risk for hyponatremia. In hospitalized patients following surgery and the use of certain medications, hyponatremia is a common condition. A thorough understanding of the physiology of water balance and the risk factors associated with hyponatremia is essential for prompt and effective intervention. Awareness of the limitations of conventional therapies and the availability of new treatment options for hyponatremia allows clinicians to optimize patient care.
7.
Management and treatment of chronic kidney disease.
Kopyt, N
The Nurse practitioner. 2007;(11):14-23
Abstract
Estimates suggest that 30 million Americans have some degree of chronic kidney disease. By 2030, more than 2.2 million people will require treatment for end-stage renal disease, causing a significant impact on healthcare costs in the United States.
8.
Psoriatic arthritis: a holistic approach to management.
Nemeth, M, Holt, P, Savrin, C
Advance for nurse practitioners. 2005;(11):29-34
9.
Prevent shock. Learn to recognize severe feeding intolerance early.
McDuffie, AF
Advance for nurse practitioners. 2002;(4):61-4, 78
10.
Detection of insomnia in primary care.
Doghramji, PP
The Journal of clinical psychiatry. 2001;:18-26
Abstract
Insomnia is a widespread condition with diverse presentations. Detection and diagnosis of insomnia present a particular challenge to the primary care physician. Patients seldom identify their sleep habits as the source of the complaints for which they are seeking treatment. Insomnia may be the result of many different medical or psychiatric illnesses or the side effects of medications or legal or illegal recreational drugs. Insomnia has a serious impact on daily activities and can cause serious or fatal injuries. With ever-increasing competition with sleep from 24-hour television broadcasts from hundreds of channels and the Internet, as well as more traditional distractions of late-night movies, clubs, and bars, we have become a society that sleeps 25% less than our ancestors did a century ago. We have no evidence, however, that we require less sleep than they did. This article presents strategies for detecting and diagnosing insomnia.