Rural Midwestern Primary Care Nurse Practitioners’ Transition to Practice

Transition to practice experiences for new primary care nurse practitioners (NPs) is of interest, particularly considering the lack of requirements and options for formal training programs. The purpose of this article is to describe new primary care NPs’ experience and perceived needs of transitioning to practice. New Nebraska NPs were surveyed. The main findings include increased confidence and perceived preparedness after 3 months of practice, as well as challenges and helpful supportive services for transitioning to practice. Additional information on the transition to practice experience was provided and supports developing a formal program.     

A Mock Telephone Triage Experience for Nurse Practitioner Students

The ability to manage patient telephone calls competently and confidently is an important skill for nurse practitioners (NPs). A curriculum intervention was implemented in a pediatric NP program to promote this skill. Thirty-nine NP students participated in a mock telephone triage experience to determine whether triage, involving student/faculty mock parent telephone calls, would increase the student’s confidence and competence. A Likert scale pre/post questionnaire surveying perceived confidence, competence, and readiness to practice revealed an increase in students’ confidence in decision making, assessing the patient, and making a diagnosis over the phone.     

Managing the Breast Cancer Survivor in Primary Care

Early detection and improved treatments for breast cancer are increasing survival rates, thereby growing the number of survivors to almost 4 million in the United States. Continuing care after treatment is frequently provided in primary care. Evidence-based care includes a history review, physical examination, and imaging for recurrence and new cancers, along with health maintenance and health promotion. Additionally, survivors often experience long-term side effects from their disease and/or treatment, affecting health and quality of life. This article provides a synopsis of breast cancer treatment-related side effects and current evidence-based guidelines to assist the primary care provider caring for survivors.     

Phacoemulsification,Intraocular Lens Implantation,Goniosynechialysis, and Pseudo-Pupilloplasty for Refractory Acute Primary Angle Closure with Atonic Dilated Pupil

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of prompt phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, visco-goniosynechialysis, combined with pseudo-pupilloplasty for refractory acute primary angle closure (APAC) with atonic dilated pupil and to describe a feasible method of pupilloplasty.MethodsA consecutive series of refractory APAC patients who had atonic dilated pupil and undergone prompt phacoemulsification combined with pseudo-pupilloplasty at our center were retrospectively analyzed. Pseudo-pupilloplasty referred to a method of pupilloplasty which included 4.5-mm capsulorhexis, postoperative opacification of anterior capsule residue, and ultimate pseudo-pupil formation. Preoperative and postoperative measurements included intraocular pressure (IOP), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and anterior chamber depth (ACD). Intraoperative and postoperative complications were documented. The process of pseudo-pupil formation was also observed.ResultsA total of 20 eyes of 19 APAC patients were followed up for 19.7 ± 9.8 months. IOP was lowered from preoperative 44.0 ± 9.8 mmHg to 15.5 ± 2.6 mmHg at final visit (t = 11.945, P < 0.001). ACD was deepened from preoperative 1.77 ± 0.21 mm to 3.40 ± 0.20 mm at final visit (t = –27.711, P < 0.001). Twelve of 20 eyes had residual angle synechiae, whereas only 3 eyes needed anti-glaucoma medications. No severe complication was observed. All eyes had pseudo-pupil gradually formed within 3 months, accompanied with the gradual improvement of BCVA from preoperative 1.18 ± 0.55 to 0.58 ± 0.22, 0.26 ± 0.09, 0.11 ± 0.09, and 0.11 ± 0.09 at postoperative day 1, month 1, month 3, and last visit.ConclusionsPrompt phacoemulsification-goniosynechialysis is effective and safe for refractory APAC with atonic dilated pupil. Pseudo-pupilloplasty is a feasible procedure for pupil reconstruction.     

A Case of Refractory Childhood Glaucoma Secondary to Weill-Marchesani Syndrome: Management with Combined CO2 Laser-Assisted Sclerectomy Surgery and Trabeculectomy

A 2-year-old girl was diagnosed as Weill-Marchesani syndrome with typical systemic features of short stature, short and stubby hands and feet, language disorders and mental retardation. He developed bilateral angle closure glaucoma, ectopia lentis and suffered visual loss from the ocular features of Weill-Marchesani syndrome. The child was successfully treated by combined CO₂ laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery and trabeculectomy.