Background The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a common noninvasive test used to determine if there is occlusive disease of the peripheral vasculature. It uses the brachial arterial systolic blood pressure as the control, assuming it to be nonocclusive, and compares…
Background The adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test is a relatively noninvasive laboratory assessment that involves the administration of a medication followed by the collection of blood samples. ACTH is a naturally occurring hormone released from the pituitary gland that stimulates…
Background An abdominal ultrasound is a test that utilizes pulsed high-frequency sound waves (2–5 MHz) to create images of the abdominal organs without ionizing radiation. It creates real-time two-dimensional images of the various abdominal organs that can be displayed in…
An anesthesiologist takes care of patients in the periods immediately before, during, and immediately after surgery, which are known as the preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative periods, respectively. In the perioperative period, the goals of an anesthesiologist can be broadly broken…
Background Achieving glycemic control is imperative for patients with diabetes undergoing tests and procedures, many of which require dietary restrictions. For these patients, mismanagement of diabetes medications during fasting periods can have dangerous consequences including hypo- or hyperglycemia. This chapter…
General Considerations for Periprocedural Anticoagulation When evaluating a patient on anticoagulation during the periprocedural period, it is important to review the bleeding risk, both for the procedure and the individual patient, and the thromboembolic risk of the patient. The bleeding…
This book embarks on medical tests and procedures and how they interface with pharmacologic interventions. In general, testing can include: ■ The questions asked of patients with chief concerns at their histories ■ Physical exam maneuvers performed on the patient…
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1 What is palliative care? A specialized medical care approach for people with serious illness that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient…
1 What changes in organ function occur in advanced age? See Table 18.1 . Table 18.1 Changes in Organ Systems With Aging and Their Consequences System Aging-Related Change Consequence of this Change Skin Xerosis (dry skin) Frequent, diffuse pruritus Cardiovascular…