Critical Care Medicine

The use of NIPPV therapy to treat 
patients with acute respiratory failure

November 09, 2011

Appropriate use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation can decrease the morbidity and mortality rates associated with standard treatment for ARF.
 

Abdominal compartment syndrome: Potentially lethal and easy to miss

September 01, 2011

Although a satisfactory outcome is far from guaranteed for patients with ACS, early detection and treatment are crucial to minimizing the impact of this serious multisystem syndrome.
 

Mesenteric ischemia: Rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential

, Frank A. Acevedo, PA-C, MS, DFAAPA July 07, 2011

Immediate attention is required if the patient is to have a chance of survival. Critical care, surgical, and vascular consultations should be obtained early in the disease process.
 

A Day in the Life: Robert G. Baeten II, MCMS, PA-C

April 12, 2011

A PA who practices in cardiac critical care recounts his responsibilities during a particularly busy night shift at Piedmont Hospital.
 

Should etomidate be used for emergency 
intubation in patients with sepsis?

April 08, 2011

The ED community has preferred etomidate for intubation because of its reduced hemodynamic effects, but it is associated with a definite increase in adrenal suppression.
 

MICU care delivered by PAs versus residents: Do PAs measure up?

, Bruno DiGiovine, MD, MPH January 27, 2011

This study compares patient outcomes in a physician assistant-run medical intensive care unit with those in a resident-run medical intensive care unit. The results are consistent with previous studies.
 

Concussion: 
Assessment of traumatic brain injuries

From CSAC, the Clinical and Scientific Affairs Committee of the AAPA November 16, 2010

Mild traumatic brain injury, or concussion, is a common injury seen in the urgent care setting. PAs should be able to evaluate the patient and determine the appropriate management.
 

Small bowel necrosis in association with jejunal tube feeding

Andrea N. Sarap, PA-C; Michael D. Sarap, MD, FACS; Jennifer Childers, PA-C November 15, 2010

Despite successful gastrojejunostomy reconstruction and jejunal feeding tube placement, this patient died from a rare complication.
 

Neuroblastoma: Management of a 
common childhood malignancy

November 01, 2010

An understanding of presentation, staging, and the genetic influence of this extracranial tumor can improve outcomes of affected children.
 

Travel-related infections: Diagnosis and treatment of exotic fevers

October 06, 2010

Patients rarely seek pretravel medical care, so PAs should be aware of common illnesses patients may present with after foreign travel.
 

What is MRSA?

September 30, 2010

The causes and treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus are discussed. A patient handout with frequently asked questions is included.
 

Hyperglycemia management in 
the urgent surgical patient

September 27, 2010

Stress-induced hyperglycemia presents a unique challenge. Avoidance of extreme fluctuations in blood glucose levels is critical.
 

Wheezing that is not asthma in a 4-year-old child

August 27, 2010

The mass seen on the chest film provided the first key to this relatively rare diagnosis.
 

Emergency or urgency? How to effectively manage a hypertensive crisis

, August 03, 2010

Distinguishing between hypertensive emergency and urgency is paramount to preventing target organ damage.
 
 

Acute pancreatitis and croup

, July 22, 2010

The general features, diagnostic criteria, and treatment modalities for acute pancreatitis and croup are reviewed.
 

Hyperphosphatemia: Understanding the role of phosphate metabolism

July 07, 2010

An elevated phosphate level is an indicator of serious disease. Diagnosis is based on which other test results are abnormal.
 

Urinary antigen test cannot be effective in patients with renal failure

June 30, 2010

QRS: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults
 

Induced therapeutic hypothermia truly is a lifesaver

May 28, 2010

Use of mild therapeutic hypothermia improves outcomes in cardiac arrest
 

A practical guide for mechanical ventilation in adult patients who require respiratory assistance

Richard G. Winters, MSPAS, PA-C; Donald A. Reiff, MD May 10, 2010

Providing care for postoperative, acutely ill, or traumatically injured patients requires an understanding of mechanical ventilation.
 

A day in the life of Major Shawn T. Buller, APA-C, MPH

April 13, 2010

The author narrates the activities of a day while deployed as a aeromedical physician assistant in Iraq.
 

Cardiac auscultation 101: A basic science approach to diagnosing heart murmurs

April 06, 2010

Applying the basics of anatomy and physiology to where and when heart sounds are heard best is key to successful cardiac auscultation.
 

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and nephrotic syndrome

March 19, 2010

The clinical features, assessment of, diagnosis, and treatment of PKD and nephrotic syndrome are outlined in a quick review format.
 

Drain placement with antibiotics provides effective therapy for appendicitis in pregnancy

Megan Bales Fulton, PA-C; Bennett Fontenot, MD; Stuart M. Leon, MD, FACS March 15, 2010

Conservative management is used effectively to treat a woman with a ruptured appendix at 32 weeks' gestation.
 
 

Use of mild therapeutic hypothermia to treat cardiac arrest

Bau P. Tran, PA-C, PharmD, MMS; Courtney V. McGuire, PA-C; Marie A. Maloney, MS, PA-C March 01, 2010

Induced hypothermia, used to prevent brain ischemia during cardiac surgery, can also effectively treat out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
 

Indications and strategy for surgical repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms

Debra Kleinschmidt, PhD, PA; Konstadinos Plestis, MD; Panagiotis Housits, MD February 02, 2010

Rupture of an aortic aneurysm is most often fatal, but a systematic approach to surgical repair can achieve a good outcome.
 

A review of giant cell arteritis and chronic renal disease

January 29, 2010

Clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment for an inflammatory disease of the blood vessels in the head and kidney disease are discussed.
 

Acceptance of physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) in trauma centers: A national survey

Sue M. Nyberg, MHS, PA-C; Kayla R. Keuter, MPH, PA-C; Gina M. Berg, PhD; Amy M. Helton, MPA, PA-C; Angela D. Johnston, MPA, PA-C January 25, 2010

This study suggests that trauma centers are increasingly hiring and making effective use of PAs and NPs—and that jobs for PAs will grow in this area.
 

Portal vein encasement complicates resection of Klatskin's tumor in the liver

Kathryn F. Hines, MSHS, PA-C; Timothy M. Pawlik, MD, MPH January 11, 2010

Right hemihepatectomy with en bloc resection of the extrahepatic biliary tree is performed on a perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.
 

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