The Nurse Practitioner

In the final half of 2024, the US FDA approved several new drugs that have relevance for those practicing in primary care. This article highlights the following new medications: donanemab-azbt (Kisunla), nalmefene injection (Zurnai), epinephrine nasal spray (neffy), palopegteriparatide (Yorvipath), xanomeline and trospium chloride (Cobenfy), and sulopenem etzadroxil/probenecid (Orlynvah). Additionally, this article highlights the recent approval of obstructive sleep apnea as a new indication for tirzepatide (Zepbound) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as a new indication for dupilumab (Dupixent).

This overview provides a brief review of the 2023 American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, American College of Clinical Pharmacy, American Society for Preventive Cardiology, National Lipid Association, and Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association guideline for the management of patients with chronic coronary disease. Clinical recommendations with a focus on a team-based approach, lifestyle modification, risk stratification, diagnostic testing, and pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management are discussed.

Background: Patient satisfaction scores (PSSs) aim to enhance patient experiences and outcomes. Healthcare administration has incentivized higher scores on these subjective assessments for individual providers through compensation. This quantitative pilot study aims to investigate whether linking PSSs with provider compensation influences medical decision-making. Methods: A 14-item survey was disseminated to providers working in urgent care. Results: All survey respondents affirmed that PSSs were utilized by their employer, and 85% agreed they were tied to compensation. Seventy percent of respondents changed their initial treatment plan, and 65% changed how they interacted with patients based on feedback from their PSS. Only 15% agreed that the use of PSSs has improved their medical care. Conclusion: Use of PSSs may have a negative impact on healthcare providers' medical decision-making.

More than 200 people die daily in the US from a drug overdose. Advanced practice registered nurses play an instrumental role in the opioid crisis by conducting a comprehensive assessment, understanding guidelines for use of prescription opioids, utilizing alternatives to opioids for pain, identifying possible signs of opioid misuse, managing patients with opioid use disorder, and seeking relevant knowledge and training.