More articles from 1-Minute consult
- Should we be concerned about thyroid cancer in patients taking glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists?
The risk in humans is difficult to quantify, but low.
- Should patients stop taking aspirin for primary prevention?
In view of the evidence, routine use of aspirin for primary prevention is not recommended, even in patients with diabetes.
- When should I discuss driving with my older patients?
Discuss driving safety with any patient who is age 80 or older, `or who has a high-risk medical condition.
- Is antibiotic treatment indicated in a patient with a positive urine culture but no symptoms?
Some groups should be screened and treated, eg, pregnant women and patients undergoing an invasive urologic procedure.
- Does massive hemoptysis always merit diagnostic bronchoscopy?
The procedure can control the airway, find the source of the bleeding, and in some cases stop it.
- Should all patients have a resting 12-lead ECG before elective noncardiac surgery?
If the risk is low, an ECG could unnecessarily delay surgery, drive up costs, trigger further testing, and increase anxiety.
- Can we reduce the risk of readmission for a patient with an exacerbation of COPD?
The risk can be reduced by using a checklist before discharge and by implementing outpatient programs that continue patient education and provide rapid access to medical support if needed.
- Do imaging studies have value in a patient with acute, nonspecific low back pain?
Consider imaging only in patients who have red flags for fracture or malignancy.
- Is cardiac stress testing appropriate in asymptomatic adults at low risk?
This test is most useful in patients who have chest pain and shortness of breath on exertion.
- Do patients who received only two doses of hepatitis B vaccine need a booster?
They should get one. However, two doses may be enough in healthy younger adults.