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Promoting Patient Health Through 2016
On the corner of my home computer is a small piece of paper cut from an old copy of Investor’s Business Daily (IBD). It contains IBD’s 10 Secrets to Success. In every issue is a “Top 10” list of items their experts encourage investors to review. But the advice is not specifically investment related; it is, in fact, investor related. The items listed below are keys to individual investor behaviors that, in sum, lead to success.
I keep that paper there to remind me of the value of continuous quality improvement. It’s a visual reminder of the value of working constantly to upgrade knowledge, skills, and abilities in a topic area. It reminds me of the value of naming the challenge, identifying steps in a difficult process, and ultimately finding the oft-untapped potential of renewed effort. All are key messages for those of us in the business of personal training. Changing human behavior and thought processes is critical for clinical success, yet we don’t yet have surefire ways to successfully manage the change.
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Q: What is the difference between Clostridium difficile (C diff) toxin and antigen? What are the recommendations on treatment?
DeEsta Howard
Nim Henson Geriatric Center
Jackson, Kentucky
A: C diff can produce toxins that attack the lining of the intestine. The toxins destroy cells and produce patches (plaques) of inflammatory cells and decaying cellular debris inside the colon and cause watery diarrhea.
Testing is often a combination of the following two assessments:
• Antigen detection for C diff: These are rapid tests (under one hour) that detect the presence of C diff antigen by latex agglutination or immunochromatographic assays. Because results of antigen testing alone are nonspecific, antigen assays have been employed in combination with tests for toxin detection, polymerase chain reaction, or toxigenic culture in two-step testing algorithms.
• C diff toxin: The toxin degrades at room temperature and may be undetectable within two hours after collection of a stool specimen. False-negative results occur when specimens are not promptly tested or are kept refrigerated until testing can be done.
Antibiotics can be used for treatment. For mild to moderate infection, metronidazole (Flagyl) is taken by mouth. Metronidazole is not FDA-approved for C diff infection but has been shown to be effective in mild to moderate infection. Side effects of metronidazole include nausea and a bitter taste in the mouth. For more severe and recurrent cases, vancomycin (Vancocin), also taken by mouth, may be prescribed. Another oral antibiotic, fidaxomicin (Dificid), has been approved to treat C diff.
Recommended sites for further reading include the Mayo Clinic and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Note: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For questions regarding specific medical conditions, seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care provider.
— Rosemary Laird, MD, MHSA, AGSF, is a geriatrician, executive medical director of senior services for Florida Hospital at Winter Park, and past president of the Florida Geriatrics Society. She is a coauthor of Take Your Oxygen First: Protecting Your Health and Happiness While Caring for a Loved One With Memory Loss. |
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Eatwell
Eatwell, a seven-piece tableware set with 20 unique features specifically designed to meet the needs of those with physical, motor, and cognitive impairments, features bright primary colors. Angled bases on bowls and cups allow contents to naturally fall to one side, making them easier to scoop and drink, while wide-base drinkware is difficult to topple. Spoons are ergonomically designed with curvature that aligns with the contours of the bowls. To prevent spill damage, an apron, bib, or napkin can be tucked into flaps at the edge of the tray. Learn more »
Olea Sensor Networks
Olea Sensor Networks has debuted the OS-3008 with OleaSense software analytics for remote health monitoring applications. The wireless device can extract vital signs information and transmit data via Bluetooth. The design, smaller than a business card, can be embedded in a setback or on a bed, or worn around the neck. Learn more »
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