Chest
-
Indwelling arterial catheters (IACs) are used extensively in the ICU for hemodynamic monitoring and for blood gas analysis. IAC use also poses potentially serious risks, including bloodstream infections and vascular complications. The purpose of this study was to assess whether IAC use was associated with mortality in patients who are mechanically ventilated and do not require vasopressor support. ⋯ In hemodynamically stable patients who are mechanically ventilated, the presence of an IAC is not associated with a difference in 28-day mortality. Validation in other datasets, as well as further analyses in other subgroups, is warranted.
-
As lung cancer screening with low-dose CT scanning is implemented, an increasing number of people will be diagnosed with pulmonary nodules. Primary care clinicians care for the vast majority of these patients, but their experiences with communication and managing distress in this population are not well understood. ⋯ PCPs often lack systemic resources to optimize patient-centered approaches when discussing incidental pulmonary nodules with patients. With the advent of lung cancer screening, pulmonologists can assist primary care colleagues by providing accurate information to counsel patients and assisting in managing conversations about the risk of cancer. Pulmonologists should support efforts to implement reliable systems to ensure adherence to follow-up.