Thyroid ultrasound is used to identify and characterize thyroid nodules, and is not part of the routine evaluation of abnormal
thyroid function tests (over- or underactive thyroid function) unless the patient also has a large goiter or a lumpy thyroid.
Incidentally discovered thyroid nodules are common. Overzealous use of ultrasound will frequently identify nodules, which
are unrelated to the abnormal thyroid function, and may divert the clinical evaluation to assess the nodules, rather than ...
Once target control is achieved and the results of self-monitoring become quite predictable, there is little gained in most
individuals from repeatedly confirming this state. There are many exceptions, such as acute illness, when new medications
are added, when weight fluctuates significantly, when A1c targets drift off course and in individuals who need monitoring
to maintain targets. Self-monitoring is beneficial as long as one is learning and adjusting therapy based on the result of ...
Both adults and children commonly present to the emergency department with symptoms of a middle ear infection, or acute otitis media (AOM). The symptoms of AOM include fever, earache, discharge from ear, and/or decreased hearing. Evidence suggests that adults and children with uncomplicated AOM do not need antibiotics. Treatment should focus on analgesia and the use of antibiotics should be limited to complicated or severe cases. A watch and wait approach (analgesia and observation for 48 to 72 ...
Decisions to transfuse should be based on assessment of an individual patient including their underlying cause of anemia. There is high quality evidence that demonstrates a lack of benefit and, in some cases, harm to patients transfused to achieve an arbitrary transfusion threshold. If necessary, transfuse only the minimum number of units required instead of a liberal transfusion strategy. Risks of red blood cell transfusions include allergy, fever, infections, volume overload and hemolysis.
The diagnosis of lymphoma requires specimens with intact cellular architecture for accurate histopathologic and immunophenotypic classification. FNA is associated with a low sensitivity and potentially results in delays in lymphoma diagnosis. Although excisional biopsy is the gold standard for lymphoma diagnosis, depending on the lymph node location, excisional biopsy may be associated with complications and the need for general anesthesia. At a minimum, an imagingguided core biopsy should be ...