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MARCH 1, 2021
| AFP's COVID-19 Collection |
New topics include COVID-19 vaccine updates, post-ICU care in the outpatient setting, and new treatments for COVID-19. See the latest resources in the collection that is open-access and frequently updated.
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Most peripheral nerve injuries seen by family physicians will involve neurapraxia, resulting from entrapment along the anatomic course of the nerve. History and physical examination alone are often enough to identify the injury or entrapment; advanced diagnostic testing with imaging helps to confirm the clinical diagnosis and is indicated if conservative management is ineffective. Initial treatment is conservative, with surgical options available for refractory injuries or entrapment caused by anatomic abnormalities.
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Management of difficult-to-treat asthma includes confirming the diagnosis of asthma, addressing contributing factors, and optimizing treatment. An adequate trial of an inhaled corticosteroid and
long-acting beta agonist should be implemented with nonbiologic add-on therapies. Nonpharmacologic therapies should also be considered. Management of severe asthma includes assessment of asthma phenotype to determine which patients may benefit from biologic therapy.
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ASTHMA |
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An evidence-based, flexible, patient-centered approach to initiating contraception promotes health and enhances patients’ reproductive autonomy. Delaying contraception to wait for the next menses or for an appointment creates unnecessary barriers for patients. Clinicians can facilitate the use of hormonal contraception by providing anticipatory guidance about common side effects, giving comprehensive information about available contraceptive choices, honoring patients’ preferences, and eliminating office-related barriers.
Because an increasing percentage of patients are surviving to intensive care unit (ICU) discharge and require follow-up in the outpatient setting, family physicians should be prepared to provide ongoing care and screening for common post-ICU complications. Patients should be screened for physical and psychological complications, such as weakness, cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder, and treated when indicated.
CME credit for this article will be available when it is published in print.
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