Assessing decision-making capacity
When patients refuse treatments or procedures against medical advice, a four-step interview process can help you assess their decision-making capacity.
Managing delirium and agitation
Delirium and agitation can be triggered by a number of underlying issues. Understanding what causes a patient's neurocognitive disorder will help with the management and treatment of this condition.
Classifying left-sided heart failure
Which is more difficult to diagnose, HFpEF or HFrEF? Learn how to differentiate between diastolic and systolic heart failure.
Treating stage C HFrEF
Learn more about how ACE inhibitors, ARBs, heart failure-specific beta-blockers, diuretics, and aldosterone antagonists can be used to treat stage C HFrEF.
Using IV medications in acute decompensated heart failure
You have a patient who just presented to the ER with heart failure. Your first job is to assess their congestion and their perfusion status so you know how to proceed. Learn more about when you should use IV loop diuretics or vasodilators, and when positive inotropes should be employed.
Assessing perfusion and congestion in heart failure patients
Perfusion and congestion should be quickly assessed in heart failure patients in order to guide treatment. Learn when you should use IV vasodilators and diuretics, and to identify when positive inotropes are indicated.
Prescribing NOACs in atrial fibrillation (AF)
As of 2019, novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are preferred over warfarin for the treatment of nonvalvular AF. Learn more about selecting the appropriate anticoagulant for your atrial fibrillation patients.
The four pillars of atrial fibrillation (AF) management
Rate control, rhythm control, and anticoagulation have traditionally been the three pillars of AF management. Learn about the addition of a fourth pillar and what this means for your atrial fibrillation patients.
Choosing a rate control medication for atrial fibrillation (AF)
New onset AF generally involves slowing the ventricular rate, restoring sinus rhythm, and then maintaining a normal heart rate. Learn more about the first step of rate control using medications.
Using HAS-BLED scoring to assess bleeding risk
There is a need to balance stroke prevention and bleeding risk when prescribing anticoagulants. Learn more about which elements of a patient's history increase their HAS-BLED score and therefore their bleeding risk.