Thyroid nodules.

Thyroid nodules are a common finding in the general population. They may present with symptoms of pressure in the neck or may be discovered during physical examination. Although the risk of cancer is small, it is the main reason for workup of these lesions.

Optimize your use of stress tests: a Q&A guide.

Order exercise stress testing without imaging for patients with a low to intermediate probability of coronary artery disease (CAD), unless preexisting electrocardiographic (EKG) changes would render such a test nondiagnostic. Order stress testing with imaging for patients with preexisting EKG changes and/or a high probability of CAD. Do not use stress testing to screen asymptomatic patients for CAD.

Intravenous nesiritide in acute heart failure.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of nesiritide on length of hospital stay, readmission rates, and charges compared with usual care for congestive heart failure (CHF). Using a structured retrospective chart review, we reviewed the records of 127 patients admitted with decompensated CHF, looking at length of stay on initial admission, readmission rates, total hospital days over 3 months, 3-month mortality, pharmacy and hospital charges for the initial admission, and total pharmacy and hospital charges over 3 months. Nesiritide had no effect on initial length of stay, readmission rates, or 3-month mortality.