All posts by Emily Lancia

R4 Journal Article

This noninferiority trial involved children aged 2 months to 10 years diagnosed with symptomatic UTI that exhibited clinical improvement after the first 5 days of antimicrobials. From there, they received either placebo (short-course group) or more antimicrobials (standard-course group). The standard-course group was associated with lower rates of treatment failure, asymptomatic bacteriuria, and positive urine culture after days 11-14. However, treatment failure rate was still low in the short-course group, and rates of UTI after day 11 to 14 were similar between groups, suggesting that differences in bacteriuria or positive urine culture did not contribute to subsequent UTI development. Children with fever at the time of diagnosis did not show a significant difference in treatment failure between study arms. Furthermore, most children whose therapy failed were afebrile and not at risk for kidney scarring. Given that approximately 67 children need to be treated with standard-course therapy to prevent 1 febrile UTI and that scarring occurs in approximately 1 in 7 children with febrile UTI, approximately 469 children would need to be treated to prevent 1 child from developing kidney scarring.

This trial has several strengths: a large, diverse population of children; enrollment of a sizeable proportion of children with fever at presentation (38%); use of stringent diagnostic criteria for UTI; enrollment of children treated with various antimicrobials;monitoring for targeted antimicrobial resistance in stool commensals; andmodest attrition. Limitations stem from slight imbalance between treatment groups in number of children excluded from the primary analysis, reduced power for subgroup analyses, assessment of emergence of antimicrobial resistance only for E coli and K pneumoniae strains, lack of detailed data on the societal costs and benefits of each treatment strategy, absence of data on adherence to the originally prescribed antimicrobials on days 1 to 5, lack of strain-level data on recovered uropathogens, and lack of data on outcomes, such as kidney scarring.

R4 Site Eval

My site visit with Professor Maida was an enriching group experience that deepened my understanding of pediatric care. One notable case was presented by my classmate Ian, involving a child with an inflammatory reaction to a new ear piercing. We discussed the protocol to remove the foreign body, but also discussed maintaining empathy to the potential for the child to be disappointed about removing the piercing, emphasizing a holistic approach to patient care. We also reviewed the management of asthma exacerbations, differentiating treatment steps based on severity. I enjoyed analyzing and presenting the journal article I chose about UTI treatment duration in kids. In summary, the group dynamic and detailed discussions significantly enhanced my clinical decision-making skills in pediatrics.

R4 Rotation Reflection

My five-week pediatrics rotation revealed the specialty to be a bit less varied in case-type than I had anticipated. Working in an outpatient office, I primarily saw routine well-child visits and mild acute illnesses such as allergic respiratory and gastrointestinal issues. I found that many of the topics I had learned about in the classroom were not apparent in this setting, but I’m not surprised by that given the office was not equipped to handle more acute cases. Comparing experiences with my classmates, it was interesting to realize as well how seasonally affected an office such as the one I worked in can be. For example, while I saw so many patients with allergy symptoms during the spring, my classmates who worked in the winter saw primarily respiratory infections. Perhaps the variety exists more within the seasonal changes that shift trends in chief complaint. Regardless, the repetition certainly enhanced my understanding of the pediatric primary care PA and allowed me to build confidence in my pediatric patient assessment.

Peds H+P

Identifying Data:

Patient Initials: JL

Age: 9Y 11M

Date & Time of Encounter: 4/30/24 at 2:14pm

Location of Encounter: Jamaica, Queens

Source of Information: Mother/Self

Reliability: Reliable

Chief Complaint: “Rash on nose” x 2 weeks

History of Present Illness:

9YOM bib mom concerned for rash on Pt’s nose x 1 week. She notes an erythematous, bumpy area on Pt’s external R nostril that began soon after he sustained a small laceration to the area from a branch at the park.  Pt says the area is warm and tender to touch, but denies unprovoked pain or itchiness. Mom reports that the Pt has continued to pick at the newer lesions on his face, and they have become more prominent since onset. They have not spread beyond his nose, they deny known rash or skin lesions elsewhere on the body. Denies fever, congestion, cough, eye pain/swelling/discharge, visual changes. Denies h/o similar symptoms. Denies known sick contacts. Mom says she has tried topical aloe vera to the area without relief or improvement.

Past Medical History:

Present illnesses – Denies

Past medical illnesses – Denies

Immunizations – Per CIR, Pt is UTD on all eligible vaccinations.

Screening tests and results – Last annual physical with CMP and CBC on 6/6/23 without abnormal findings. Vision 20/20 OU uncorrected. Last dental appointment 1/2024.

Past Surgical History:

None

Medications: 

None

Allergies:

NKDA, denies known food or environmental allergies

Family History:

Father: alive 37 yrs, healthy

Mother: alive 31 yrs, healthy

Family medical history unknown.

Pt has no siblings.

Social History:

JL is a 9YOM who lives at home w/ his mother and father. There are no other members of the home.

Habits – N/A

Travel – None

Diet – Mom says PT eats an omnivorous diet rich in most fruits and vegetables.

Exercise – Mom says PT plays sports seasonally, but is otherwise sedentary.

Sleep – 9-10 hours a night uninterrupted 

Safety measures – Pt travels primarily by bus

Review of Systems:

General: Denies fever, chills, fatigue, loss of appetite.

Skin, hair, nails: Reports an area of rough, erythematous skin with multiple raised lesions on external R nostril. Denies pruritus, swelling, erythema, or rash elsewhere on body. 

Head: Denies headache, head trauma, dizziness.

Eyes: Denies swelling, pruritus, warmth, and erythema. 

Ears: Denies pruritus, pain, discharge, or hearing loss.

Nose/Sinuses: Describes rash on R nostril as described above. Denies discharge, congestion, epistaxis, anosmia.

Mouth and throat: Denies sore throat, voice changes, dental pain.

Neck: Denies localized swelling, pain, or decreased range of motion.

Respiratory: Denies cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing.

Cardiovascular system: Denies chest pain, palpitations.

Gastrointestinal system: Denies loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, dysphagia, abdominal pain, diarrhea.

Genitourinary: Denies urinary frequency, urgency, dysuria.

Musculoskeletal System: Denies deformity, swelling, pain.

Peripheral Vascular System: Denies peripheral edema, color change. 

Nervous System: Denies sensory disturbances, weakness, 

Psychiatric: Mom reports Pt is generally in good spirits. Denies h/o psychiatric care.

Physical

General:  9YOM who appears his stated age, appears well-groomed and dressed appropriately for the weather. Pt maintains eye contact and answers questions appropriately without signs of acute distress.

Vital Signs:

Temperature: 97.9F

O2 Sat: 100% RA

Height: 51”

Weight: 76 lbs.

BMI: 20.54

Respiratory Rate: 18

Heart Rate: 84bpm

Hair, Head, and Face:

Head is normocephalic, atraumatic. Facial features are symmetrical with no signs of drooping or swelling.

Skin, and Nails: 

The skin is warm and moist. Non-icteric with no swelling or signs of ecchymosis. No rash or lesions on torso, back, or extremities.

Eyes:

Symmetrical OU. PERRLA,  EOMs intact with no nystagmus or lid lag. Visual fields full OU. 

No strabismus, exophthalmos or ptosis.  Sclera white, cornea clear, conjunctiva pink. No discharge.

Ear:

Ears are symmetrical and appropriate in size. No lesions, masses, trauma, or FBs on external ears. TMs pearly white with intact light reflex AU. No foreign bodies, discharge, effusions, perforations, or erythema AU. 

Nose and Sinus: 

Singular erythematous 1.5×1.5 cm area containing multiple honey-colored vesicles and pustules on lateral aspect of external R nostril. The nose is otherwise symmetrical without masses, deformities, trauma. Nasal mucosa is pink and moist. 

Mouth and Pharynx: 

The lips are pink with no blisters, fissures, or cyanosis. Tongue and buccal mucosa are pink and moist without swelling. Oropharynx without swelling, erythema, cobblestoning. Tonsils present without swelling, erythema, or exudates. 

Neck, Thyroid, and Lymph Nodes:

The trachea is midline without masses or scars. No anterior cervical lymphadenopathy on palpation.  

Cardiac:

Regular rate and rhythm, S1 and S2 present on auscultation. No murmurs, gallops, rubs, S3, or S4.

Thorax and Lung: 

Lung sounds CTA in all lobes B/L. No adventitious sounds.

Assessment: 

9YOM presents with yellow-crusted erythematous plaques localized to the external right nostril. 

DDx: 

  1. Impetigo
  2. Erysipelas
  3. Molluscum
  4. Tinea
  5. Verrucae Vulgaris

Plan:

  1. Skin Pustules of R nare
    1. Mupirocin Ointment to R nostril 2x a day for 5 days
    2. Wash hands before and after application and otherwise avoid contact with the affected area

R3 Reflection

This rotation showed me that OBGYN is more multifaceted of a specialty than I had thought it to be. The variety in caseload and settings exceeded my expectations. Spending two weeks in the outpatient clinic, I saw a variety of health maintenance visits and acute complaints from both pregnant and non-pregnant patients. During my two weeks on the labor and delivery floor, I triaged patients, helped with vaginal deliveries, and got OR experience assisting in cesarean sections and sterilization procedures. During my gynecology week, I saw many post-partum patients and ED consults, and again got to participate in the OR. I was not expecting so many different opportunities! This rotation also facilitated my understanding of the OB/GYN healthcare team. I now know the difference between midwives and OB/GYN NPs, which I did not previously. I worked closely with the labor and delivery nurses and now understand the role to be more specialized than I had previously thought. I also have a better understanding of the roles of the OB-GYN PA and the OB-GYN doctor, and how their roles fit into the careteam on a larger scale. I think much about this rotation surprised me, and I enjoyed it very much!

Site Visit Summary

My site visit with Professor Melendez was the first Site Visit that I’ve completed as an individual rather than in a group. This brought a new dynamic with new benefits and challenges that I enjoyed adapting to. Particularly, I appreciated getting to participate in a dialogue where I had to explain my clinical decision-making. I think the individual attention allowed for more specific guiding questions to be asked to me, and I found that to be very valuable. Specifically, during my first site evaluation, we had an interesting discourse requiring when a vaginitis panel would or would not be appropriate to perform. Patients often endorse having vaginal discharge, but that oftentimes may be a non-pathological physiologic change. Still, it would be in best practice to perform a vaginitis panel whenever discharge is reported and documented in the HPI. Discussing thorough documentation and treatment plans is a very important part of my clinical education, so this was very valuable!

R3 Journal Article

Differing Approaches to Pain Management for Intrauterine Device Insertion and Maintenance: A Scoping Review

Rahman M, King C, Saikaly R, et al. Differing Approaches to Pain Management for Intrauterine Device Insertion and Maintenance: A Scoping Review. Cureus. 2024;16(3):e55785. Published 2024 Mar 8. doi:10.7759/cureus.55785

Pain control and anxiety management during intrauterine device (IUD) insertion should be a highly prioritized aspect standard of care during the procedural treatment plan. In fact, pain perceived by females during intrauterine device insertion often limits the use of this effective contraceptive method. However, there is said to be a gap in the literature regarding official procedures for pain management during IUD implantation. This recently published systematic review sought to analyze pain control options during IUD insertion. Regarding pharmacological methods, local agents were significantly more effective in controlling pain than systemic agents including intramuscular naproxen, diclofenac, ketorolac, and prophylactic oral ibuprofen, none of which produced effective pain relief. This suggests that it is important to have a drug act directly in the vagina and on the cervix to manage pain during IUD insertion. Specifically, lidocaine administration via paracervical block appears to be most effective option and should be utilized more frequently by clinicians performing IUD insertion procedures.

R3 H+P

History

Identifying Data:

ID: 30yof

Address: Brooklyn, NY

Date & Time of Encounter: 3/19/24, 9:10am

Location: Woodhull OB/GYN Clinic

Source of Information: Self

Source of Referral: PCP

Chief Complaint: “I haven’t had a pap smear in many years”

History of Present Illness:

30YOF G3P3003 presents to establish gynecological care, with referral from PCP. Pt estimates she has not received health maintenance gyn care for about 8 years, which is when she estimates her last Pap smear was. Denies h/o abnormal pap results. States she is currently sexually active with only her husband. They do not use any contraception, which Pt declines interest in using. Reports LMP 3/5/24. Pt had HIV and HepB screens at Woodhull earlier this year. Results show HepB non-immune status, and Pt would like to begin vaccine series today. Denies h/o STDs, agrees to GC/CT and syphilis testing in-office today. Pt reports mild vaginal pruritus and increased discharge beginning about 4 days ago, notes that she is in the middle of her menstrual cycle so she believes symptoms may be 2/2 ovulation. Denies foul odor, colored or thick discharge, vaginal lesions, or pelvic pain. Pt notes her maternal grandmother died from “vaginal cancer,” denies family h/o other cancers, including breast.

Past Medical History:

Present chronic illnesses – Denies 

Past medical illnesses – Denies 

Childhood illnesses – Denies 

Immunizations – Pt is not vaccinated against HepB, agrees to begin vaccine series today. Vaccines are otherwise up to date, including annual COVID-19 and annual influenza vaccines.

Screening tests and results – Last PAP smear ~2018, reports normal results. Pt has never undergone mammography or colonoscopy.

Obstetric History: G3P3003, 2xNSVD and 1xCS. LMP: 03/05/2024.

Past Surgical History:

Cesarean Section – age 28, Woodhull Hospital, Brooklyn, NY. No complications.

Denies past injuries or transfusions.

Medications:

Denies use of medications.

Vitamins and Supplement – Daily Women’s Multivitamin, unknown content, unknown dosage, once a day, last dose yesterday AM.

Allergies:

NKDA

Denies environmental or food allergies.

Family History:

Maternal grandmother – Deceased at 74 from “vaginal cancer”

Mother – 59, alive and well

Sister – 25, alive and well

Son – 7, alive and well

Daughter – 4, alive and well

Daughter – 2, alive and well

Social History:

PT has been married to her husband for 8 years. They live together with their three children.

She works part-time at a grocery store.

She denies drinking any alcohol, smoking cigarettes/cigars, or using illicit drugs. 

She reports a mostly sedentary lifestyle, she is not active aside from walking to and from local locations. 

She is currently sexually active with only her husband. Denies history of sexually transmitted diseases. Will undergo STD testing during today’s visit.

Review of Systems:

General – Denies recent weight loss or gain, fever, or recent illness.

Skin – Reports mild vaginal pruritus. Denies vaginal skin changes/lesions.

Breast – Denies tenderness, nipple discharge, dermatological changes, or vascular changes.

Gastrointestinal system – Denies change in appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or blood in stool.

Genitourinary system – Denies urinary frequency or urgency, dysuria, or flank pain.

Menstrual/Obstetrical – G3P3003. LMP 3/5/24. Reports regular menstrual cycle. Reports last Gyn exam was ~8 years ago. 

Psychiatric – Denies anxiety or depressed mood. Denies psychiatric history.

Physical

Vital Signs:    

Wt: 256

Ht: 68

BMI: 38.9

Temp: 98F, oral

Pulse: 63 bpm, regular rate and rhythm 

Resp: 22 rpm, unlabored

Sp02: 100% on room air

BP: 118/84, seated L arm

General: 

Well-nourished and well-groomed Hispanic female that looks her stated age. Attentive and conversational. 

Skin:

Warm & moist, good turgor. Nonicteric.

Lips:

Pink, moist, no cyanosis or lesions. 

Lungs:

Respirations unlabored with no paradoxical respirations or use of accessory muscles noted. Chest expansion symmetrical. 

Abdomen:

Abdomen flat and symmetric with well-healed midline transverse surgical scar on lower abdomen.  

Pelvic/Bi-Manual:

Vulva grossly intact, no lesions noted. Vagina with normal physiologic discharge, no masses, no odors noted. Cervix without lesions, no CMT. Uterus palpable, non-tender, no gross asymmetry noted. Adnexa nontender, non-palpable.

Assessment

30YOF with a healthy GYN assessment. Pap + STD testing pending, and Pt to begin HepB vaccine series today. 

Notable differentials:

  1. Pt reports increased vaginal pruritus and clear discharge this week. Gyn exam is normal. Some possible differentials include:
    1. Physiologic leukorrhea
      1. Pt is mid-cycle and likely ovulating. Pt reports some increased whitish/clear discharge with no odor, confirmed on gyn exam. This is consistent with physiologic discharge, which I am very confident is what this Pt is experiencing.
    2. Contact dermatitis
      1. The perineal area can be sensitive to new soaps, fabrics, or other products it contacts, especially because vaginal pH and flora is sensitive. Mild itching and even increased vaginal discharge might be an inflammatory reaction to an irritating contact. There was no skin irritation on exam and PT did not mention any new products, so this is less likely.
    3. Bacterial vaginosis
      1. BV can also present with copious whitish/clear discharge, but usually with an abnormal odor and a more substantial amount than the patient reports, so BV is low on my differential, but important to include.

Problem List and Plan

  1. Encounter for Gynecological Health Maintenance
    1. Pap smear
    2. GC/CT testing
    3. Vaginitis Panel
    4. Syphilis testing
    5. RTC in 1 year for annual wellness exam
  2. HepB Non-Immune status
    1. Administer Vaccine #1 of Engerix-B/Recombivax HB vaccine series
    2. RTC 1 month for Vaccine #2