Diagnostic accuracy and temporal impact of ultrasound in patients with dyspnea admitted to the emergency department.

Objective: Few studies have prospectively evaluated the diagnostic accuracy and temporal impact of ultrasound in the emergency department (ED) in a randomized manner. In this study, we aimed to perform a randomized, standard therapy controlled evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy and temporal impact of a standardized ultrasound strategy, versus standard care, in patients presenting to the ED with acute dyspnea.

Methods: The patients underwent a standardized ultrasound examination that was blinded to the team caring for the patient.

Informing the Revolution: A Needs Assessment of Ultrasound Knowledge and Skills Among Graduating Physician Assistant Students.

Purpose: We performed a needs assessment to understand how existing physician assistant (PA) program curricula and clinical training affect students' ultrasound knowledge, skills, and competence and prepare students for performing ultrasound techniques in clinical practice.

Methods: Students graduating from a PA program completed a 23-item questionnaire examining their ultrasound training experiences, their self-assessment of competency, and their demographics. Students also completed a 15-item ultrasound knowledge assessment.

Nitrates as a Treatment of Acute Heart Failure.

The purpose of this article is to review the clinical efficacy and safety of nitrates in acute heart failure (AHF) by examining various trials on nitrates in AHF. Management of AHF can be challenging due to the lack of objective clinical evidence guiding optimal management. There have been many articles suggesting that, despite a benefit, nitrates are underused in clinical practice.