September 2013


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Be picky about PICCs

Use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) is increasingly common in hospitals, in part because they are easy to use and there is a perception that they carry less risk of infection. But PICCs shouldn't necessarily be the default line for venous access.

Let's get (more) physical

Physical examinations, patient interactions are emphasized as part of the art of medicine.

Take time to ease the pain of elderly patients

Asking the right questions and individualizing care are especially helpful.

Obesity can complicate ventilator management

Maintaining upright positioning and adequate positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) are important in managing obese ventilated patients.

Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation: Who and when

Best uses include acute hypercarbic respiratory failure in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema.

Surgeons, internists square off over osteomyelitis

Medical and surgical solutions to diagnosis and treatment discussed.

Music soothes ventilated patients

Patients listened to preferred music at least twice a day.

Concerns, not ignorance, inhibit stroke med adherence

Physicians should work with patients to develop solutions to medication concerns.

A new approach to inpatient admission status

Physicians must consider certain Medicare regulations, requirements when deciding whether to admit.

Quincke's legacy

A nineteenth-century physician described angioedema, invented diagnostic lumbar puncture and described a sign of aortic insufficiency, but was still rejected for a Nobel Prize.

In praise of doing research

An Irish intern recalls the thrill of presenting at his first big U.S. scientific meeting.

The fine art of listening

Every patient has a story, and listening to it might just reveal a diagnosis.

The power of respect

Thoughts for interns and residents.

Letter from the Editor

This month's issue includes stories on peripherally inserted central catheters and bedside exam skills, and conference coverage from the American Thoracic Society, the Society of Hospital Medicine and the American Diabetes Association.

MKSAP quiz on ventilators

These cases and commentary, which focus on mechanical ventilation, are excerpted from ACP's Medical Knowledge Self-Assessment Program (MKSAP16).

Warnings on hydroxyethyl starch, acetaminophen, ketoconazole

Details on recalls, warnings and approvals.

Recent Research

Thrombolysis in wake-up stroke, probiotics in Clostridium difficile, and more.

In the News

Hepatitis screening, emergency warfarin reversal, and more.