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Diagnostics

Hypothermia

James F. Ginter, MPAS, PA-C, Patrick Loftis, PA-C, MPAS, RN February 15, 2012

This month, the authors review the ECG changes characteristic of hypothermia.

Myocardial infarction on ECG

Patrick Loftis, PA-C, MPAS, RN, James F. Ginter, MPAS, PA-C January 16, 2012

In this installment, the authors discuss how to interpret and diagnose myocardial infarction (MI) on an ECG.

Electrolyte abnormalities on ECG

James F. Ginter, MPAS, PA-C, Patrick Loftis, PA-C, MPAS, RN November 16, 2011

The authors review the characteristic changes that hypercalcemia, hyperkalemia, hypokalemia, and other serum electrolyte abnormalities can cause on an ECG.

Ciliary injection: A differential diagnosis for the patient with acute red eye

Samuel Powdrill, MPhil, PA-C  December 02, 2010

A case report helps demonstrate how to make an accurate diagnosis in patients presenting with this challenging ocular manifestation.

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.

Persistent burning pain in the upper middle abdomen

Phillip Todd Smith, MHS, PA-C, MT(ASCP) October 29, 2010

A patient presents with a 3-month history of burning epigastric pain. CT and PET scans help identify the cause.

Emergency or urgency? How to effectively manage a hypertensive crisis

Kishore Kuppasani, MS, MPA, PA-C, Alluru S. Reddi, MD, PhD August 03, 2010

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

CME Posttest: Anterior shoulder dislocation; Hypertensive crisis

August 03, 2010

August 2010

Acute pancreatitis and croup

Dawn Colomb-Lippa, MHS, PA-C, Amy M. Klingler, MS, PA-C July 22, 2010

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

Cervical cancer: Updated screening guidelines

From CSAC, the Clinical and Scientific Affairs Council of the AAPA July 20, 2010

Key recommendations include age at initial screen, screening intervals, and discontinuation and the impact of the HPV vaccine.

What is hypertension?

Mary L. Hewett, PA-C, MS July 14, 2010

Hypertension is defined and how it is diagnosed is explained, including the severity levels for BP measurements.

Hyperphosphatemia: Understanding the role of phosphate metabolism

Daniel Podd, MPAS, PA-C 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

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: The race to find a fatal condition in athletes

Charles S. Lemasters II, PA-C; John M. Grosel, MD June 02, 2010

Conflicting opinions and concerns about costs inhibit the routine use of 12-lead ECG in preparticipation screenings for young athletes.

CME Posttest: Newborn screening; Cardiac auscultation

April 06, 2010

April 2010

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

Christopher Hanifin, PA-C 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.

CME Posttest: Examination of the shoulder; Mild therapeutic hypothermia

March 02, 2010

March 2010

How to approach the physical examination of a shoulder injury

Rob Powers, MEd, PA-C, ATC  March 02, 2010

Key factors from the history help with establishing a differential diagnosis and selecting proper tests for assessing a shoulder injury.

A very abnormal ECG in a relatively healthy person

Rami N. Khouzam, MD, FACC, FACP, FASNC February 23, 2010

An ECG obtained during the routine physical of a healthy, active man indicates serious heart disease.

What's new in diabetes: A1C assay emerges as a diagnostic test for diabetes

Karen A. Beer, PA-C, RD, CDE February 19, 2010

A committee of international experts recommends use of the A1C assay as the new standard diagnostic test for diabetes.

What approach should be used for a lesion on black skin?

Sandra Morris, PA-C, Mark Ling, MD, PhD February 05, 2010

The diagnosis and treatment of a skin disorder that is uncommon in black persons is reviewed.

A review of giant cell arteritis and chronic renal disease

Amy M. Klingler, MS, PA-C January 29, 2010

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

What could be causing this woman's abdominal pain and constipation?

Corri Wolf, PA-C, MS, RD January 26, 2010

Imaging studies and key laboratory test results help identify the cause of this patient's GI pain and altered bowel habits.

Unexplained hypertension and hypokalemia in a young man

Tom Vascik, MS, PA-C December 22, 2009

The patient's recent behavior and lack of sympathomimetic symptoms hide the cause of his presenting conditions.

Foot pain for 5 years, and an abnormal radiograph

Captain Amelia Duran-Stanton PA-C, PhD, MPAS November 17, 2009

Learn to recognize the clinical manifestations and radiographic appearance of a condition you may never have heard of.

Managing the adverse effects of bisphosphonate therapy on the jaw

Denise Rizzolo, PA-C, PhD, Mona Sedrak, PA-C, PhD November 03, 2009

Despite its undisputed benefits, bisphosphonate therapy can lead to jaw osteonecrosis, a devastating oral condition.

Benefits and harms of widespread PSA test use still unclear

Timothy Quigley, MPH, PA-C October 22, 2009

Despite the publication of the preliminary results of two studies and the update of two sets of guidelines, the benefits of prostate cancer screening are still controversial.