The Importance and Challenge of Meeting Pharmacology Continuing Education Requirements for Nurse Practitioners

As nurse practitioners (NPs), prescribing medications is a central part of our daily practice. To maintain high standards of patient care, continuing education in pharmacology is not just recommended but mandatory. However, staying up-to-date with the latest pharmacological guidelines and advancements presents its own set of challenges. Fortunately, new resources like Hippo Education’s Practical Pharmacology: An Outpatient Audio Course are...

By Katy Vogelaar, FNP-C on

November 11, 2024

When Little Lungs Meet a Big Problem: Mycoplasma Pneumoniae

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...

By Erin Pressley, PA-C on

November 07, 2024

Toe Walking in Toddlers

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. 

By Liza Mackintosh, MD on

November 05, 2024

Necessary or Nonsense: Screening for the Suicidal Patient

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,...

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

October 29, 2024

Potty Training: Practical Guidance for Clinicians

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.

By Micaela Bowers, MD on

October 23, 2024

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

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. 

By Karen Hovav, MD on

October 10, 2024

Acute Mountain Sickness

The headache felt like my skull was splitting in half.

By Geoff Comp, DO on

October 08, 2024

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

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.

By Katie Iverson, PA-C on

October 07, 2024

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

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? 

By Tiffany Proffitt, DO on

October 02, 2024

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

By Micaela Bowers, MD on

October 02, 2024

Pediatric Dental Health: Navigating Halloween’s Candy Craze

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...

By Katy Vogelaar, NP on

October 01, 2024

A Novel Approach to Prevent STIs: Doxycycline PEP

Bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis, are increasing across the United States. In June 2024, the CDC announced new recommendations for a novel approach to combat this rise by using doxycycline as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). You may be familiar with using PEP to prevent viral infections like HIV or pregnancy, but this represents a new public health strategy for bacterial infection...

By Kim Bambach, MD on

September 27, 2024