More articles from 1-Minute Consult
- What mask should I wear to protect against transmissible acute respiratory infections?
Clinical trials have not shown a direct advantage for N95 respirators vs surgical masks for many acute respiratory infections.
- Can I use direct oral anticoagulants to treat cancer-associated venous thromboembolism?
DOACs are increasingly replacing low-molecular-weight heparins for this purpose.
- Should I evaluate my patient with atrial fibrillation for sleep apnea?
Yes. The prevalence of sleep apnea is high in patients with atrial fibrillation, and vice versa.
- What are the risks to inpatients during hospital construction or renovation?
Risks include mold infection, Legionnaires disease, sleep deprivation, exacerbation of lung disease, and physical injury.
- Does my patient need maintenance fluids?
The question seems like it should have an easy answer. However, there is no consensus.
- Are daily chest radiographs and arterial blood gas tests required in ICU patients on mechanical ventilation?
Although routine testing is common, it has low diagnostic yield and is unlikely to alter patient management.
- Should we stop aspirin before noncardiac surgery?
It depends on the type of surgery and the reason the patient is taking aspirin.
- Do patients on biologic drugs for rheumatic disease need PCP prophylaxis?
Consider it in those with granulomatosis with polyangiitis or pulmonary disease, or those on high-dose steroids.
- Is chest radiography routinely needed after thoracentesis?
No, it should be done only in certain situations, for example, if pneumothorax is suspected.
- Can procalcitonin guide decisions about antibiotic management?
Yes, but clinical judgment must still be exercised.