Update to Readers

Hello everyone,

First off, thank you all for your ongoing support. Writing each of these articles has helped me navigate through the process of becoming the PA I am today. I hope that these articles continue to inspire you and give you hope that you can achieve your dreams if you are willing to work for them. I haven't been as active in the past few months and there is a reason for that - I'm working on big things. I don't want to spoil it all just yet, but keep an eye out for future glimpses at some special work I've got brewing in the pipeline.

As I pursue these projects, I would still like to continue writing articles on the PA profession and update the articles that mean the most to all of you, but with a full time job and learning my new role this is quite challenging. If there are any of you out there who would like to assist me in this process, please comment below leaving your email. I will contact a few of you and ask for your resume and why you'd like to be a part of this project.

My hope is that together we can create the best resource for pre-PA and PA students to go for free information - something that is both current and user friendly. If you have any ideas as to how to improve my blog, I'm open to suggestions.

Thank you once again for reading and I sincerely look forward to writing more posts in the future and jumpstarting my social media accounts to stay in touch with each of you.

All my best,

Paul

Knee Ligaments Review

Knee Ligaments Review

• Ottawa knee rules are less sensitive in children; use Pittsburgh rules to determine whether or not to obtain radiographs
• MRI is 95% and 90% accurate in identifying ACL tears and meniscal injuries, respectively
• Pain with varus or valgus stress is more suggestive of ligament damage than a meniscus tear
• The MCL is the primary static stabilizer against valgus stress at the knee
• The LCL is the primary static stabilizer against varus stress at the knee
• The ACL is the primary static stabilizer of the knee against anterior translation of the tibia with respect to the femur
• The PCL is the primary static stabilizer of the knee against posterior translation of the tibia with respect to the femur
• WB, NWB = weight bearing or non weight bearing
• Ligament injuries are graded as follows:
• Grade 1: stretching of the ligament with no detectable instability
• Grade 2: further stretching of the ligament with detectable instability, but with the fibers in continuity
• Grade 3: complete disruption of the ligament.

Asthma

Asthma

Pulmonology makes up 12% of the PANCE and between 10-15% of the End of Rotation Examinations. This means that topics like Asthma, which are found on every topic blueprint, are likely to pop up. This makes it essential for you to know the ins-and-outs of asthma treatment plans, including triggers, signs and symptoms, diagnostic studies, severity index, and stepwise therapy.  

Before we begin, I want to point you in the right direction. Check out the guidelines by the NIH and the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), which most PA schools teach.

1. Asthma Quick Care Reference
2. Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma
3. Asthma Action Plan (English) (Spanish)
4. Asthma and Physical Activity in the School
5. Parent Handout for a Child with Asthma
6. Managing Asthma: A Handout for Schools

And don't forget, for more practice questions, visit TrueLearn.com/DoseOfPA

Now onto the basics of Asthma...