March 15, 2012

All patients should be screened for tobacco use, and each smoker's motivation to quit assessed at every visit. Physician counseling and motivational interventions can help promote smoking cessation. Pharmacologic agents, including nicotine-replacement therapies, bupropion, and…

Clinical judgment guides the decision-making process when evaluating and treating suicidal patients. Once intent has been established, management includes ensuring patient safety and medical stabilization; activating support networks; and initiating therapy for psychiatric…

Thrombocytopenia may be caused by decreased platelet production, increased platelet consumption, or sequestration. It is often discovered incidentally after obtaining a complete blood count at an office visit. Treatment is based on the underlying etiology, with severe cases…

The etiology of anorectal conditions is determined by history and physical examination. Common benign conditions include pruritus ani, pain, masses, fistulas, and bleeding. Treatment options range from conservative to surgical. Red flags that suggest malignancy should be…

United States Making Little Progress in Increasing Adult Vaccination Rates | RAND Report Identifies Obstacles to Boosting Adult Vaccination Rates | Enhanced Version of TransforMED Helps Physicians Gauge PCMH Progress | HHS to Delay Implementation of ICD-10 Codes; No New Date…

Adolescents are generally healthy, but they commonly present with high-risk behaviors that are often missed by physicians. Without confidentiality, teenagers may avoid seeking services for sensitive health care needs.

How does rivaroxaban compare with warfarin for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation? This study concluded that rivaroxaban is noninferior to warfarin. However, noninferiority trials do not meet the same rigorous design and statistical format of…

Fluoxetine (Prozac) and orlistat (Xenical) produce modest short-term weight loss, but their long-term benefits are unclear and their safety is uncertain.

What are the effects of treatments for uncomplicated infections in men, nonpregnant, and pregnant women? What are the effects of treatments for disseminated gonococcal infection? What are the effects of dual treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia infections?

Photo Quiz presents readers with a clinical challenge based on a photograph or other image.

Breast cancer–related death can be reduced through effective screening, which typically includes imaging, clinical examination, and self-examination or awareness. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends using all three techniques to screen for breast…

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Quitting smoking can improve your health, but it can be hard. There are nicotine replacement therapies, medicines, and counseling that can make it easier. Talk to your doctor about which option is best for you.

Get help immediately by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK [8255]) or going to your doctor or a hospital. It is important to move weapons (for example, kitchen knives) and dangerous medicines, including prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines…

A platelet (also called a thrombocyte) is a cell in the blood. Platelets help your blood to clot after an injury, like when you fall and scrape your knee. These clots help you stop bleeding.