When Little Lungs Meet a Big Problem: Mycoplasma Pneumoniae

By Erin Pressley, PA-C
on November 07, 2024

Unfortunately, my son was part of the initial Mycoplasma pneumoniae outbreak that hit in the fall of 2023. We had just returned from a family cruise – bringing back more than just souvenirs. While most of my family tested positive for COVID post-cruise, my son kept testing negative. However, his cough and fever lingered just enough to keep my PA instincts and Mom Radar on high alert.

Let’s dive into reviewing a condition that has made an unwelcome comeback and caused quite a stir among our pediatric patients since 2023: Mycoplasma pneumoniae. 

Toe Walking in Toddlers

By Liza Mackintosh, MD
on November 05, 2024

Toe walking in toddlers is often seen as part of their learning process and, at times, even considered charming. Who doesn’t love a toddler ballerina on their tiptoes? It’s estimated that up to 5% of toddlers walk on their tippy toes, with some studies reporting rates as high as 24%. But as pediatricians, it’s our job to determine when toe walking is part of typical development and when it requires further investigation. 

Necessary or Nonsense: Screening for the Suicidal Patient

By Amber Sheeley, PA-C, and Matthew DeLaney, MD
on October 29, 2024

Suicide ranks as the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, claiming 48,183 lives in 2021 alone—equivalent to one life lost every 11 minutes. For us, as clinicians, suicide prevention starts in our emergency department, where at-risk individuals often seek help in the days or weeks leading up to a suicide attempt. Unfortunately, in the ED, the opportunity to screen for suicide risk can be overlooked due to high patient values, the assumption that mental health is for psychiatry, or because we see the same patient multiple times.  Still, screening for suicidal ideation (SI) in the ED, while challenging, can significantly improve patient outcomes and save lives.

Potty Training: Practical Guidance for Clinicians

By Micaela Bowers, MD
on October 23, 2024

Today, we tackle the topic of potty training, an important milestone in child development that often raises questions for parents. As clinicians, we're well-positioned to offer valuable guidance and support to families embarking on this journey. Let’s explore some practical tips to assist families in navigating toilet training with confidence.

The ABCs of Early Dyslexia Screening: what the AAP wants you to know

By Karen Hovav, MD
on October 10, 2024

Did you know you can screen for dyslexia as early as age four? Yes, you read that right. If your gut instinct is to say, “Ummm, that’s a reading disorder, and most four-year-olds don’t know how to read, so that makes no sense!” you’re not alone. 

Acute Mountain Sickness

By Geoff Comp, DO
on October 08, 2024

The headache felt like my skull was splitting in half.

Are the PANRE-LA Emergent Topic Questions Causing You Emerging Anxiety?

By Katie Iverson, PA-C
on October 07, 2024

On the PANRE-LA topic blueprint, NCCPA lists “Emergent Topics” as 2% of the exam. For many exam takers, these questions are causing headaches due to the lack of  clear guidance on what will be covered. NCCPA lists “Legal, Ethical, DEI” on the blueprint, but no one knows the exact questions, and the specifics can’t be shared. Let’s dive a bit deeper into these three topics to help ease your anxiety and prepare you for whatever might come up.

Fiber: Your Best Friend or Worst Enemy? A Quick Guide

By Tiffany Proffitt, DO
on October 02, 2024

We’ve all done it—given patients the standard advice to “increase your daily fiber intake” without a second thought. After all, it seems like a simple, harmless suggestion, right? But what does it actually mean to crank up the fiber, and when should you rethink the recommendation? 

Things I Do but Should I? – Supportive Care Recommendations for Croup

Pediatric Dental Health: Navigating Halloween’s Candy Craze

By Katy Vogelaar, NP
on October 01, 2024

Halloween – a time filled with costumes, fun, and, for kids, a seemingly endless supply of candy. While it’s an exciting season for children, it can be a challenge for nurse practitioners caring for pediatric patients. The increased sugar intake can lead to heightened risks of cavities and tooth decay. As nurse practitioners, it’s important not only to understand the dental concerns associated with Halloween but also to educate families on how to manage the candy craze without sacrificing oral health.