Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
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J Am Acad Nurse Pract · Aug 2009
Practice Guideline Case ReportsChronic cough: Stepwise application in primary care practice of the ACCP guidelines for diagnosis and management of cough.
To illustrate decision points encountered when using evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and management of chronic cough by means of a composite case study based on primary care practice. ⋯ Cough is the most common reason that patients seek an office visit. Many coughs resolve spontaneously, but coughs that persist significantly impair the quality of life. Use of the ACCP guidelines allows a stepwise empirical approach to the problem of unexplained chronic cough. This approach greatly increases the percentage of chronic coughs that are accurately diagnosed and effectively treated, and avoids unnecessary diagnostic testing.
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J Am Acad Nurse Pract · Jun 2009
ReviewThe U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: an evidence-based prevention resource for nurse practitioners.
To describe the work of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and to encourage nurse practitioners (NPs) to use its evidence-based recommendations for clinical preventive services. ⋯ NPs can use Task Force recommendations to guide their screening, counseling, and preventive medication decisions. They can also educate patients about the missed prevention opportunities related to underuse of effective services and the potential harms of overuse of inappropriate preventive services.
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J Am Acad Nurse Pract · May 2009
ReviewA primary care provider's guide to preventive and acute care management of adults and children with sickle cell disease.
To familiarize primary care providers (PCPs) with the pathophysiological processes, diagnostic evaluation, and medical management of sickle hemoglobinopathies and their complications. Current standards of care, clinical research advances, and new treatment options will also be addressed to assist PCPs in the management of sickle cell disease (SCD). ⋯ Newborn screening detects new cases of SCD annually. The median life expectancy has more than doubled for individuals with sickle cell anemia. Healthcare providers are now in an era of increased routine screening, assessment, and management of chronic complications from this illness not previously seen in the care of adults with SCD.
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J Am Acad Nurse Pract · May 2009
ReviewOutpatient management of asthma in children age 5-11 years: guidelines for practice.
To increase awareness among nurse practitioners (NPs) regarding diagnostic and treatment guidelines for asthma for the 5-11 year age group recently updated by the National Asthma Education Prevention Program-Expert Panel 3 (NAEPP-EPR3). ⋯ With application of current guidelines from NAEPP-EPR3, NPs can more effectively assess, diagnose, treat, and foster a collaborative self-management plan for children age 5-11 years. These interventions will result in an improved quality of life and decreased health risks for this young population.
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J Am Acad Nurse Pract · May 2009
ReviewNew tobacco trends: waterpipe (hookah) smoking and implications for healthcare providers.
To inform healthcare providers about waterpipe smoking, a new trend in tobacco use that is gaining popularity among adolescents and young adults. ⋯ Tobacco comes in many forms, all of which are addicting. Healthcare providers must be knowledgeable about new forms of tobacco to address all types of tobacco use with patients. Healthcare providers also have a responsibility to educate patients about the health risks inherent in these products to help prevent the long-lasting problem of nicotine addiction.