- Administration of both HBIG and hepatitis B vaccine now as soon as possible to patients with known exposure to hepatitis B
- drug-induced myopathy caused by the simvastatin, which is associated with elevated creatine kinase
- treatment with bisphosphonates to prevent osteoporotic hip and vertebral fractures is the only one supported by consistent patient-oriented, high-quality clinical evidence
- To be eligible for Medicare hospice benefits, a patient must be eligible for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance).
- Although most hospice referrals come from physicians, nurses, and social workers, a patient’s family members can also make a hospice referral.
- The patient must sign a statement choosing hospice, and both the patient’s physician and the hospice medical director must certify that the patient has a terminal illness with an estimated life expectancy of less than 6 months.
- Low urine 24-hour calcium levels or a low urine calcium to urine creatinine ratio is not characteristic of hyperparathyroidism. This finding should suggest familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia
- Clostridium difficile colitis, suggested by semi-formed rather than watery stool, fecal leukocytes (not seen in viral gastroenteritis or sprue), and a hospital stay greater than 2 weeks. While this disease has traditionally been associated with antibiotic use, it is posing an increasing threat to patients in hospitals and chronic-care facilities who have not been given antibiotics. The primary sources for infection in such cases have been toilets, bedpans, floors, and the hands of hospital personnel. Prompt recognition and treatment is essential to prevent patient relapse and to minimize intramural epidemics.
- An oral loading dose of clopidogrel should be administered as soon as possible in patients with unstable angina/NSTEMI who are to be treated conservatively. The standard dosage should then be prescribed, to be taken daily for at least 1 month along with aspirin
A Future Doctor
