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Articles

Syncope: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis

Max Bayard, Fereshteh Gerayli, James Holt

Syncope is an abrupt, transient, and complete loss of consciousness caused by cerebral hypoperfusion. The condition is common, and evaluation focuses on history, physical examination (including orthostatic blood pressure measurements), and electrocardiographic results.

Pleural Effusion: Diagnostic Approach in Adults

Joy Shen-Wagner, Christine Gamble, Phyllis MacGilvray

Evaluation of pleural effusion focuses on differentiating exudates from transudates, analyzing fluids, and determining the need for thoracentesis or specialty consultation. Accurate and early diagnosis is critical, with delays potentially causing complications and increased...

Diagnosis and Management of Sodium Disorders: Hyponatremia and Hypernatremia

Nathaniel E. Miller, David Rushlow, Stephen K. Stacey

Sodium abnormalities are electrolyte disorders associated with significant morbidity and mortality. An understanding of the pathophysiologic basis of these conditions can be helpful in diagnosis and treatment.

Common Intestinal Parasites

Natasha Pyzocha, Amanda Cuda

Parasites are a source of significant illness worldwide, with more severe symptoms in children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. Intestinal parasites have a wide range of symptoms, and they should be suspected in those who present with diarrhea after seven days.

Managing Difficult Patient Encounters

Justin Bailey, Susan A. Martin, Angela Bangs

Family physicians commonly find themselves in difficult patient encounters that can result in patient and physician dissatisfaction. This article reviews physician and patient factors that can contribute to difficult encounters and the tools to help navigate them.

Editorials: Controversies in Family Medicine AFP Clinical Answers Medicine by the Numbers

Interventions for Treatment of Poststroke Depression

Kento Sonoda, Mako Wakabayashi

We assigned a color recommendation of yellow (unclear benefits) for the treatment of poststroke depression based on a high potential for bias, significant heterogeneity, and limited generalizability.

Cochrane for Clinicians U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Implementing AHRQ Effective Health Care Reviews Photo Quiz

Postpartum Breast Mass

Sarah Vengal, Bryce Ringwald

A 38-year-old woman presented with a painful mass in her breast.

STEPS FPIN's Clinical Inquiries

Effectiveness of ICS/LABA Compared With SABA as Relief Medications for Asthma

Amber Karamanis, Heather Bleacher, Kristen DeSanto

In mild asthma, as-needed ICS/LABA combinations should be used instead of as-needed SABAs without a maintenance inhaler because ICS/LABAs decrease the risk of severe exacerbations, increase the likelihood of having well-controlled asthma, and prolong the time to a first...

Diagnostic Tests Curbside Consultation

Medical Assessment After Self-Managed Abortion

Libby Wetterer, Christina Shenko, Linda Prine

The family physician’s medical assessment of a patient’s bleeding after self-managed abortion is identical regardless of whether the patient’s bleeding is spontaneous or induced. Assessment includes determining whether the bleeding is normal and whether the abortion is complete.

POEMs Practice Guidelines Letters to the Editor


Disclosure

All editors in a position to control content for this activity, AFP journal, are required to disclose any relevant financial relationships. View disclosures.


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