December 2009 Issue of JAAPA

December 2009 Issue of JAAPA

Editorial

Ready! Fire! Aim! Firearm safety is every physician assistant's job

Many of our patients own guns. It's part of our job as physician assistants to teach them how to keep themselves and their loved ones ...
 

It's time for an international congress of physician assistants

Such a congress could foster the role of physician assistants, explore innovations in the education of PAs, and much else besides.
 

Letters

Pending health care reform bills are addressing costs

Editorial: The challenging economics of US health care reform
 

Dermatology Digest

Why won't this rash respond to treatment?

This patient had chronic conditions she managed with a combination of clinical and self treatments. Is one of them perpetuating her rash?
 

A Day in the Life

A Day in the Life of Scott Blow, MPAS, PA-C

Follow this PA as he treats a wide range of burn wounds in the operating room and clinic at a regional burn center in Florida.
 

CME

H1N1 in perspective: The clinical impact of a novel influenza A virus

This review of novel and seasonal influenza viruses can help PAs prepare for H1N1 pandemic challenges during this flu season.
 

A new verdict for hormone therapy (HT): Safe for younger, symptomatic women

New research data and updated indications have created a niche for hormone therapy in younger women going through menopause.
 

CME Posttests

 

Case Reports

Bilateral shoulder pain developing after a hypoglycemic seizure

Posterior shoulder dislocations are hard to diagnose because of their rarity. Your ability to interpret the appropriate radiographs is key.
 

Common signs and symptoms, and a diagnosis that is often overlooked

Celiac disease should be considered in anyone who presents with suspicious gastrointestinal symptoms or with associated conditions.
 

Research Report

Differences in the diagnosis of dermatologic conditions among rural and urban physician assistants

This study's findings suggest that rural PAs are somewhat better than urban PAs at identifying and treating skin diseases, in part because they do more ...
 

What's New

What's New in HIV/AIDS: Treatment Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) can complicate management of patients on antiretroviral therapy.

What's new in HIV AIDS treatment? Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome is associated with recovering immune status and can make patients susceptible to infection.
 

Sounding Board

Piecing together confusing symptoms

The author reflects on the pain and confusion her family experienced watching her sister struggle with frontotemporal dementia.
 

POEMs

Surgery and nonsurgical treatments for carpal tunnel have similar outcomes

Clinical question: In patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome, does surgery provide superior pain relief than multimodal nonsurgical treatment?
 

LUNA does not alleviate chronic pelvic pain

Clinical question: Is laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation (LUNA) effective for the treatment of women with chronic pelvic pain?
 

Low-volume sulfate-based colonoscopy preparation is effective and well tolerated

Clinical question: Is a low-volume, sulfate-based formula safe and effective as a colon-cleansing preparation?
 

Corticosteroids are beneficial for Bell's palsy, but antiviral agents are uncertain

Clinical question: Are both corticosteroids and antiviral agents beneficial for the treatment of Bell's palsy?
 

Ultrasonography may be best first test for detecting renal stones in children

Clinical question: Which radiologic test should be ordered first for the evaluation of suspected urolithiasis in children?
 

Dabigatran reduces risk of stroke and embolism in patients with AF

Clinical question: Is dabigatran safer and more effective than warfarin for the prevention of complications of atrial fibrillation (AF)?
 

PA Quandaries

The ethics of using placebos for diagnosis and treatment in clinical practice

The case of a man with lifelong allergies suggests that a placebo, used honestly and openly, may be a useful therapeutic tool.
 

Diagnostic Imaging Review

An immigrant with fever, chills, and pleural effusion

This disease is uncommon in persons born in United States, but those caring for immigrants should consider its different manifestations.
 

Humane Medicine

Evaluating the patient with a measure of equanimity

The author reflects that no matter how many times he has examined a child who has been abused, the experience doesn't get any easier.
 

Case of the Month

Unexplained hypertension and hypokalemia in a young man

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

Ask a Librarian

Ask a Librarian!—December 2009

What are some online tools that can help you learn to write for professional publication? Are there any that can help you manage your references? ...
 

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