Lindee Abe, APRN Hypersensitivity reactions can happen to anything in the environment. Likewise, there are many potential triggers. Hypersensitivity reactions are also a common chief complaint. With this being such a common chief complaint, it is essential to be able to quickly develop a treatment plan for these patients based on the type of hypersensitivity reaction and also the evidence for the use of specific treatments. Before discussing treatment options for a hypersensitivity reaction, let’s review the four types of hypersensitivity reactions. We can break these down into 4 types (I – I ..read more

Repetitive motion disorders, also known as repetitive strain injuries, are a common problem for many people who perform the same task repeatedly, whether it be at work or during leisure activities. These types of disorders can cause joint pain, inflammation, and even long-term damage to the affected area. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most common repetitive motion disorders and how they can be prevented and treated. Causes Firstly, it’s important to understand that repetitive motion disorders are caused by the repeated use of a specific joint or muscle group. This can lead to ..read more

Amy Patel, PA-C The red eye is a common complaint seen in the pediatric and adult population. The most common cause of a red eye is conjunctivitis or inflammation of the conjunctiva. Anatomically, the conjunctiva is composed of two parts: palpebral and bulbar. The palpebral layer, also known as the tarsal conjunctiva, lines the inside of the eyelids while the bulbar layer covers the globe over the visible aspect of the sclera. The diagnosis of conjunctivitis is typically due to three causes: viral, bacterial, or allergic. Diagnosis is commonly based on history, symptoms, and physical exam find ..read more

Pediatric patients and teenagers often experience abdominal pain, which can vary from mild discomfort to also including severe debilitating pain. Determining if the pain is emergent or non-emergent is crucial for addressing it. Non-emergent pain often results from indigestion, constipation, or menstrual cramps and can be treated with over-the-counter medication and home remedies. However, emergency abdominal pain stems from serious conditions like appendicitis or a ruptured ovarian cyst and requires immediate medical attention. Differential Diagnosis by Age Age group Diagnoses any age in ..read more

It’s been a long 3 years of constant changes with COVID. Most people are tired of hearing about it – especially patients and clinicians. While we seem to be at a point where cases aren’t as frequent or as severe, more “surges” are likely. With this in mind, now is the ideal time to provide an update on what is available for treatment. Home Management of COVID In the outpatient setting the primary treatment for COVID-19 was symptomatic over-the-counter treatment initially for infection. In many cases, this treatment plan remains the same. Ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen for fever, chills, and m ..read more

Payal Shah, PA-C “I fell down 2 stairs and twisted my ankle”. “I was playing soccer and I hit the ball wrong and know my ankle hurts”. Ankle pain is a very common complaint seen in primary care offices, but more often in urgent cares and emergency departments. As with any other chief complaint, the first thing to do is a history and physical. What happened? How many steps did you fall down (if they fell)? Where are you feeling the pain? Does it go down into the foot? Are you able to walk on it? Look at the ankle, is it bruised? Is there point tenderness? Is the patient neurovascularly intact ..read more

The tibial plateau is the upper part of the tibia (shinbone), which forms a joint with the femur (thighbone), also along with the patella to form the knee joint. Fractures to the tibial plateau are common injuries that can occur from high-impact accidents such as motor vehicle accidents, falls from a height, or sports-related injuries. Types of Tibial Plateau Fractures Tibial plateau fractures are classified based on the pattern and location of the fracture, including: Stable fractures: This type of fracture does not involve any significant displacement of the bone fragments and is less like ..read more

Kelsey Bates, APRN When you hear the word “trauma” what immediately comes to your mind? Is it something that you view as more physical, mental or both? In general, the health care industry has a decent grasp on dealing with physical trauma. As for mental trauma, there is room for improvement in terms of how to handle and help heal. This is no secret considering the mental health crisis that is currently going on in our nation. You would think that with all the prescription medications on the market to treat “mood disorders” we would see the mental health issues start to decrease but it is the ..read more

Lindee Abe, ARNP NAD infusions are an up and coming option for wellness and risk reduction. When I think about the past, present and future of “health” care in the United States, I get a little nervous. Our current “health” care model is primarily focused on “sick” care, not so much “health” care. In school, we are taught all about the various disease processes, what medications to give and protocols to follow. While that information is vital to know, our medical education system, medical system and health insurance companies, in general, need to support and push preventive and wellness care ..read more

Lindsay Portz, PA-C Knowing how to diagnose Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) and choosing optimal treatment recommendations is a crucial skill in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Virchow’s triad of stasis, hypercoagulability, and endothelial injury is the classic triad that causes clot formation. Venous Stasis Immobility of the lower extremities causes blood stasis. Blood usually will pool in the calf veins when a patient is supine. You can prevent venous stasis in your patients with elevation and/or mechanical compression of the lower extremities. Pharmacologic prophylaxis and post-op ..read more