Climate change and climate crisis are major headliners in the news almost daily. Many providers may not recognize the impact climate changes have on primary care. Climate change is projected to result in 250,000 deaths annually from 2030 -2050, according to the World Health Organization. Through patient education the nurse practitioner can also empower a vulnerable population and subsequently reduce and eliminate health inequities aligning with Health People 2030. Nurse practitioners in primary care need to incorporate the appropriate questions encompassing employment and working conditions, as well as food, housing and energy security. This small inquiry into the patients’ lives can provide the nurse practitioner with a better understanding of the patient and how to manage the patient’s current medical conditions more effectively. For example, a patient with hypertension and insulin dependent diabetes living in a household without air conditioning and working outside may need medication adjustment, including eliminating the use of diuretics, as well as identification of sun or heat sensitive medications. This session will provide the nurse practitioner with the tools necessary to incorporate evidenced based care for patients with chronic and acute medical conditions experiencing the impact of the current climate change which can be considered a climate crisis.

Neutropenia triggers fear in health care providers and patients because the differential diagnosis includes malignancy of the bone marrow and it can cause fatal infections during myelosuppressive treatments such as in cases of anti-cancer therapies. But many health care providers are not familiar with a type of neutropenia called benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN) which is prevalent in groups that include Africans, African Americans, Arabs, Black Ethiopians and Yemenite Jews. People with BEN often belong to underserved communities in health care and when in good health, they are asymptomatic from their neutropenia. However, the lack of familiarity with BEN leads to delays in making a diagnosis and fuels reticence to continue treatments when people with BEN become severely neutropenic during neutropenia-inducing therapies. These delays can lead to suboptimal therapeutic treatments for patients with life-threatening health conditions. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are expert clinicians at the forefront of providing population-based care and their evidence-based knowledge is crucial for this patient population. This presentation will highlight the critical role that NPs play in removing barriers that people with BEN encounter in health care settings including when they are treated with neutropenia-inducing therapies.

It is estimated that roughly 30% of outpatient pediatric primary care visits are scheduled to address a skin condition or concern. For that reason, it is crucial for primary care providers to be competent and comfortable in recognizing and treating common pediatric skin conditions. This presentation will provide an overview of the most common pediatric skin conditions seen in primary care, how to effectively recognize and treat these conditions and when referral is indicated. Conditions covered will include molluscum, common warts, acne, atopic dermatitis and hair loss.

This presentation is designed to demonstrate how T2DM and obesity intersect through pathophysiology and treatment. ADA standards of care will be reviewed with an emphasis on the role of treating obesity. Current evidence of treatment diabetes and obesity will be reviewed with an emphasis on treating with similar treatment plans including intensive lifestyle treatments and pharmacology. Case studies will be utilized to demonstrate application of the science to an individual.

The purpose of this presentation is to familiarize pediatric primary care providers with the identification and management of common rheumatologic diseases. Providers will gain a better understanding of the initial presenting symptoms of the following diagnoses: • Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis • Reactive Arthritis • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus • Pain Amplification Syndromes • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome • Rheumatic Fever • IgA Vasculitis (Henoch Schoenlein Purpura) • Kawasaki Disease

This presentation will outline key strategies that promote early identification of behavioral and mental health concerns among children, teens and young adults. The presentation will offer evidence-based resources that are adaptable to primary and specialty care settings and suggest innovative approaches to addressing patient/family needs in effective and efficient manner, aiming to alleviate long-term health risks such as substance use disorder, self-harm, sleep disruption, suicide. The goal is to engage and empower the audience to use readily available resources to enhance surveillance and early intervention for behavioral and mental health conditions.

Infective endocarditis is defined by a focus on infection within the heart and is a feared disease by clinicians as the challenges posed by infection endocarditis (IE) are significant. With the increase in intravenous drug users, there is an increased incidence of infective endocarditis. Staphylococcus aureus, which has become the predominant causative organism in the developed world, leads to an aggressive form of the disease, often in vulnerable or elderly patient populations. With the rising increase in this disease, it is imperative that clinicians are able to recognize and treat these individuals. Learn about the types of and common causes of endocarditis, along with medical and surgical treatment measures and the latest relevant guidelines.

Mitral valve disease is one of the most prevalent valvular heart diseases in the world. Mitral regurgitation is the most common etiology of mitral valve disease, which affects up to 10% of the population. Nurse practitioners in a variety of clinical practice areas may encounter a patient with severe, chronic mitral regurgitation and they should be able to identify these patients. By providing evidence-based care for these patients, the quality and duration of their lives can be increased. This presentation will provide all nurse practitioners with the diagnostic skills and knowledge to successfully identify these patients. Mitral regurgitation treatment options will be reviewed, with a focus on less invasive therapy options. In addition, guideline-directed medication therapy will be discussed for those patients experiencing heart failure. Case studies will help integrate concepts into real-world scenarios and engage the audience.

This presentation will inform the Nurse Practitioner about the current and emerging infectious diseases in the U.S. and worldwide. This session will provide information on diagnosing and treating the current infectious diseases that should be on your radar.

This session will provide information regarding the identification of women and men at risk for fracture based on bone densitometry and their 10-year fracture risk using the FRAX calculation. Pharmacologic therapies will be reviewed including patient selection for first line therapies and therapies for patients at extremely high risk and drug risks and benefits. Current controversies will be discussed including long-term use of bisphosphonates, adverse events including osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and atypical subtrochanteric femur fractures and drug holidays. New concerns about discontinuation of rank ligand inhibitors and the rapid increase in vertebral fractures will be discussed. Treatment of patients at high risk due to therapy such as aromatase inhibitors and androgen deprivation therapy will be presented. Case studies will be used to provide real clinical scenarios.

Climate change is warming our world, causing heat waves or extreme heat and leading to heat illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat also affects the onset of new medical conditions, the progression of preexisting chronic conditions, and persons on certain medications. Some populations such as children, the elderly, and persons of low socioeconomic status are more vulnerable than others to heat illness. Nurse Practitioners can play a pivotal role in understanding how climate change can result in heat illness, in advancing practice to prevent and protect against these heat-related health impacts, and in advocating for heat-related health-protective policies and legislation, especially for vulnerable populations.

The maxim, "when you hear hoofbeats, think of horses, not zebras" was coined by Dr. Theodore Woodward in the 1940s and since then continues to be commonly referenced when diagnostic mysteries present themselves in our clinics or hospitals. This presentation will provide the nurse practitioner with skills to differentiate between rare and common diagnosis through three case studies. Medical decision-making and biases will also be reviewed, providing the nurse practitioner with improved understanding of the cognitive processes that form clinical judgement. This interactive presentation will leave the participants with a new insight into their diagnostic skills, medical decision-making process, and will encourage everyone to look for zebras without losing sight of the horses!

This presentation will demystify the publication process for the new author/researcher using the policies and procedures of the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners as exemplars. Participants will gain confidence in writing for publication while attaining specific knowledge of the publication process used by the JAANP

Adverse outcomes of addiction, unintentional overdose, and death resulting from inappropriate prescribing, abuse, and misuse of opioids have emerged as major public health problems. The importance of widespread and effective pain management education in combating the opioid crisis cannot be overstated. Clinicians face inconsistent pain management practices and lack of aligned pain management guidelines. It is critical that NPs are knowledgeable about the risks associated with opioid analgesics as they pertain to their patients as well as from a public health perspective.

An overview of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Testosterone Deficiency (TD), including the risk factors, causes, quality of life impact, diagnosis and treatment. Treatment will review medical therapy and surgical option overview.

This presentation examines the most current epidemiologic data on HIV infection in the United States, including an overview of persons at highest risk, the most recent data on incidence and prevalence (including geographic, sex, ethnic, and transmission variations), and the impacts of recent advances in prevention on HIV infection rates globally. Evidence-based content will be provided regarding 1) Safe prescribing of oral and injectable FDA-approved pharmacologic agents used for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP); 2) Appropriate long- and short-term PrEP treatment plans, including the 2-1-1 method for PrEP; 3) Proper implementation of CDC algorithms for preventing HIV through post-exposure prophylaxis using pharmacologic methods; 4) Clinical interpretation of CD4 counts and HIV RNA levels (viral load) and the significance of getting patients to an undetectable viral load to eliminate their risk of sexual transmission; and 5) The responsibility of nurse practitioners in leading future scholarship and clinical practice initiatives aimed at preventing HIV infection and reducing health disparities in vulnerable populations.

This presentation will cover one of the most important aspects of menopause-related to Health Care issues: The Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause (VSM). The prevalence of menopause is about 50 million cases annually in the US and approximately 80% of those women experience some form of vasomotor symptoms. Basic concepts such as the physiology and signs and symptoms of menopause will be briefly explained. Among the various signs and symptoms of menopause, the special emphasis of this presentation will be on the vasomotor symptoms. The assessment and plan of care for vasomotor symptoms will be discussed in detail. Pharmacological management of VSM will be examined, including contraindications for the use of certain types of medications. Contemporary and non-traditional agents for the management of VSM will be outlined at length. The presentation also will touch base on the latest developments in the treatment of VSM.

Diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are two prevalent conditions that often co-exist, and each is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Diabetes is the leading cause of CKD. This presentation will discuss the pharmacological and lifestyle management of adults with diabetes and CKD. Approaches to improve cardio-renal outcomes beyond glycemic control will also be addressed. More specifically, this session will focus on the management of the T2DM patient with an emphasis on cardio-renal pharmacological management. After a review of the multiple complex pathophysiological abnormalities of T2DM, various cardio-renal medication options will be explored with case application. The value of this presentation will be to explore the “sea of options” and to determine the best therapeutic approach for individual patients. The goal of this presentation is to advance T2DM cardiorenal therapy with confidence since getting to the goal can be difficult.

Well-appearing infants (8 to 60 days old) presenting to the Emergency Department often create a conundrum when searching for the “sick” needle in the “well” haystack. Over the last several decades, prediction models (e.g. Rochester, Mayo, PECARN) attempted to differentiate between low verses high-risk infants; however, with new evidence the emphasis now relies on identifying invasive bacterial illness (ILI). It has become evident after a certain time threshold, not all infants are likely to benefit from lumbar puncture or blood cultures. Many of these risk stratification tools developed to help guide clinical practice lack the ability to reflect the present-day changes in bacteriology, advancement of diagnostic testing and emerging technologies. The purpose of this presentation is to critically evaluate the 2021 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Guidelines for the Evaluation and Management of Febrile Infants for an evidence-based approach and implementation into clinical practice. This presentation will review key action statements by the AAP, exclusions to the 2021 guidelines, and standards of care for the evaluation and management of febrile infants in the following age groups: 8 to 21-days, 22 to 28-days, and 29 to 60-days of age.

Testosterone therapy is increasingly recognized as an important intervention for men with testosterone deficiency, which can have significant implications for their overall health and well-being. Primary care physicians play a vital role in managing testosterone therapy, ensuring appropriate patient selection, monitoring, and follow-up. This presentation aims to address the three key objectives mentioned above, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the role of primary care in managing testosterone therapy in men's health. By discussing the current guidelines, evidence-based practices, potential benefits, risks, and challenges, this presentation will equip primary care providers with the necessary knowledge and tools to confidently and effectively navigate testosterone therapy in their practice.

Patients with ear, nose, and throat (ENT) complaints may present with a wide range of symptoms from mild to severe. Conditions such as pharyngitis, sinusitis, otitis media, and otitis externa are commonly encountered in the clinical setting. Management requires accurate identification, testing, and treatment based on the causative organism. Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment may lead to delayed care and potential harm, especially in vulnerable populations. It is important to use evidence-based guidelines to guide medical decision-making and treatment, including appropriate referral when needed to facilitate improved patient outcomes.

Red-eye conditions are a common presenting complaint in family practice and urgent/emergency settings. The participant will be able to identify red eye conditions that require urgent referral to reduce impaired or loss of vision and serious bacteria/viral infections of the eye.

Glioblastoma is the most common, and most aggressive, of all primary brain cancers. Symptoms can be subtle, and the diagnosis and prognosis are devastating. Work up entails imaging, specialty evaluation and eventual pathologic diagnosis via biopsy or open surgery. Ensuring there is a broad understanding and close relationships among all involved in the care of these patients (primary care, neurosurgery, oncology, radiation oncology, rehabilitation) is crucial in order to provide these patients with the best care.

Case based presentation of common anorectal STIS: gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, HSV, condyloma/HPV. How to recognize, diagnose, and treat accordingly. How to recognize and treat more common anorectal disease: hemorrhoids and anal fissures. How to perform an excellent DARE (digital ano rectal exam).

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a disease process that can affect the patient's functional capacity and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. It is the most common genetic cardiovascular condition and can present across the lifespan regardless of age, race, or gender. Individuals with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may be asymptomatic. Sudden cardiac death during periods of exercise or increased physical activity is often the first symptom of this condition. Clinical decision-making for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is complex. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a progressive condition and can lead to the development of heart failure. Early identification of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is important to improve symptom management and patient outcomes. Knowledge of the various types of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy will enable the NP to provide evidence-based patient care for symptom management and indication for specialist referral for advanced therapeutic treatments. This presentation will include case studies with variable clinical presentations and evidence-based management strategies.

Cervical cancer prevention has changed significantly in recent years with less frequent screening and with the addition of HPV testing as a stand-alone test along with the previous option for co-testing with both a Pap and HPV test. This session will review the appropriate use of Pap testing, the rationale for HPV testing along with the Pap (co-testing) in women 30 and older and the use of HPV testing as a primary screen (stand-alone test) in women 25 and older by two of the FDA approved HPV tests. There will be a discussion of the new American Cancer Society Guidelines for screening and a review of the new 2019 ASCCP Risk-Based Management Consensus Guidelines for management of abnormal screening and subsequent follow-up with case studies. These guidelines are a shift from results-based to risk-based management relative to the risk of an existing CIN 3 (pre-cancer).

This 60-minute presentation will explore the current U.S. trends of sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. and among the vulnerable populations of LGBTQ individuals. Participants will examine evidence of antimicrobial resistance and the current pharmacologic regimens recommended for the treatment of STIs. Participants will also contribute to the presented case-study management and evaluate the care provided.

An update on potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB) and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prescribing for the Advanced Practice Provider. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are one of the most common prescribed medications, it is estimated that that over 100 million prescriptions for PPIs are filled annually. In 2023 PCABs, a new class of therapy had been approved. Up-to-date knowledge regarding acid blocker therapy remains essential in clinical practice. As an advanced practice provider, it is imperative to understand this new class of therapy and current data about PCAB/PPI safety so as to appropriately educate our patients.

This session uses a case-based approach to provide a comprehensive look at cardiovascular issues in children. Topics that will be covered include congenital heart disease, transplantation, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, heart failure and dysrhythmias. Innovations in the management of congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy and the latest developments in cardiac device therapy.

Many children and adolescents with disordered eating patterns may demonstrate orthopaedic manifestations that require consultation by an orthopaedic and/or sports medicine specialist. This didactic session will discuss the most commonly seen orthopaedic conditions that children/adolescents with eating disorder present with in a busy suburban pediatric and adolescent orthopaedic/sports medicine clinic. Topics will include fractures, overuse conditions, soft tissue trauma, and the female athlete triad. Session will discuss presentation, treatment modalities, return to activity protocols, and anticipated healing/resolution scenarios.

This presentation is designed for nurse practitioners who desire to travel to a different country to serve. This program will primarily address short-term service trips. Understanding the planning, implementation and evaluation process is important for a well-done trip. This program will help explore some of the following questions: “Where should we go?” “How will we get there? “and “What will we do once we arrive?” Considering lodging, emergencies and fun activities are other topics that must be well thought out. Understanding the importance of cultural implications and social determinants of health and local illnesses must be anticipated before traveling. Knowing the supplies and medications needed while serving is another area to estimate before leaving the United States. Many aspects should be considered before traveling abroad to assure safety, meaningfulness and fun while caring for patients in countries other than our own.

It is estimated that 1.6 million in the U.S. identify as transgender. Transgender stigma limits access to resources in healthcare, persistently affecting the physical and mental health of transgender people. The goal of this lecture is to provide the tools for health care providers to better serve their transgender patients. As a foundation, the terms and concepts associated with gender will be outlined. Next, the specific risk factors that contribute to poor health outcomes in transgender patients will be explored. Common primary care and mental health care conditions in this population will be expounded. Finally, the benefits and risks of hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery will be discussed.

Systemic medication may cause side effects in the eye, causing mild symptoms or vision-threatening maculopathies. This presentation will explain the ocular side effects of commonly used systemic medications and new monoclonal antibodies to treat various health conditions, including checkpoint inhibitors.

It is estimated that 5.6 million American women have symptoms consistent with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome, with reported delays in diagnosis of three to seven years. The pathophysiology related to ulcerative and non-ulcerative subtypes, prevalence, symptom burden and differential diagnoses of IC/BPS will be examined. Evidence-based pharmacological therapies will be discussed, as well as the need for an interdisciplinary team approach to management.

Oncologic emergencies can present in a wide variety of acute care settings. These emergencies can be caused from the cancer itself, a paraneoplastic syndrome, or from treatment of cancer. This session explores the etiologies and treatment of metabolic and structural oncological emergent medical conditions. Learners will apply this information to complex oncology patients with comorbid conditions across the spectrum of acute care. Discussions include a wide variety of topics that encompass multiple body systems including neurological, metabolic, cardiovascular, hematological, pulmonary and gastrointestinal. This presentation outlines evidence-based practice recommendations to maximize the quality of care. Additional information will be provided about evolving complications associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy, both common immunotherapies for cancer care.

Interleukin and Janus Kina's inhibitors provide new treatment modalities for dermatoses and cutaneous diseases. These medications are highly efficacious, but their management can be complex. This presentation will enhance the NPs knowledge of the key components in working with patients taking these drugs.

Creating an inclusive and safe place for the LGBTQIA+ community is imperative for clinicians caring for the population. There are unique challenges and inherent discrimination that many LGBTQIA+ patients face in healthcare and as such tend to avoid seeking health care until absolutely necessary. Research demonstrates the positive impact of safe spaces can have on how LGBTQIA+ patients access care and how it helps to increase engagement in their health. Decreasing disparities in health care will contribute to achieving health equity for this diverse population of patients.

This session will discuss the top 10 tips and tricks that will keep you out of trouble in managing pediatric patients with orthopedic conditions. The session will discuss the most common presentations and pitfalls that pediatirc patients with fractures and acute injuries present to the clinic and ER with, and methods in addressing these cases and how to safely manage this patient population.

The aim of this case-based presentation is to provide the audience with an overview of oncologic emergencies that can occur in both the outpatient and inpatient setting. Oncologic emergencies that will be covered are neutropenic fever, hypercalcemia, tumor lysis syndrome, superior vena cava syndrome, hyperleukocytosis, SIADH, cord compression and immune mediated adverse events.

Considering the high mortality rate and intense suffering related to anorexia and bulimia, early detection and aggressive treatment are critical. However, these illnesses are not easy to identify because those affected often have difficulty reporting their behaviors, can present with a normal BMI, and may report symptoms that mimic other conditions. Additionally, most primary and specialty care providers do not receive adequate opportunities for training related to these complex and often overwhelming illnesses. This presentation will provide realistic strategies for recognizing and managing the physical complications of anorexia and bulimia. Screening and assessment will be addressed, including the evaluation of labs and EKGs. This presentation will also address the potentially fatal fluid and electrolyte shifts related to refeeding syndrome and pseudo-Bartter syndrome. GI complications will be emphasized because, while eating disorders profoundly affect nearly every body system, GI symptoms are particularly rampant. Full recovery is possible with appropriate treatment and long-term multidisciplinary support. Hence, the roles of vital treatment team members will be discussed, as well as the level of communication necessary to be successful in treating the patient holistically.

This presentation will introduce immunologic principles of solid-organ transplantation and medication regimens used for maintenance immunosuppressive therapy and to treat transplant rejection. The role of the primary care provider in preventative health care, management of chronic conditions and comorbidities, and recognition of post-transplant complications in the solid-organ transplant recipient will be discussed. Participants will develop differential diagnoses for transplant recipient presentations in the primary care setting.

New coding rules introduced in January 2024 influence the way that Nurse Practitioners bill patient visits. It is essential that Nurse Practitioners are familiar with the new guidelines so that they can optimize reimbursement. "Incident to" and "Split/Shared billing rules will be reviewed as well as their impact on Nurse Practitioners' practice.

Each year, the American Diabetes Association publishes an update of their recommendations regarding the use of diabetes medications. The recommendations are based on the latest research. There have been many recent changes in the past 1-2 years. Most of the over 37 million patients with diabetes in the United States do not see an endocrinologist, and many see a Nurse Practitioner. There are now more than 100 diabetes medications and 13 diabetes drug classes on the market, making it difficult for the Nurse Practitioner to know where to start and how to adjust. This lecture will discuss how the different diabetes medication classes work and the new recommendations for initiating, titrating, and combining diabetes medication classes with a patient-centered approach to achieve glycemic targets.

Acute thyroid and adrenal emergencies are the MOST common non-diabetes endocrinopathies encountered in acute care. They are deadly, frequently misdiagnosed, and typically present first in primary and urgent care. Failure to quickly identify and treat these disorders can lead to high mortality (and litigation). This session, led by an endocrine expert (and occasional legal consultant) will provide attendees with foundational information about the pathogenesis and risks for thyroid storm, myxedema coma, acute adrenal insufficiency, and hypercortisolism. Using actual cases, tips to help more readily identify and diagnose these conditions and initiate priority interventions (before and tandem to endocrine referrals) will be presented. Let’s save these patients—and your professional license!

21% of U.S. adults have chronic pain and 8% have high-impact chronic pain. New cases of chronic pain occur more often among U.S. adults than new cases of several other common chronic conditions. Individuals with severe pain have worse health, use more health care, and have more disability than those with less severe pain. Many chronic pain sufferers rely on opioids to manage their pain and contribute to the opioid addiction crisis. There are many pharmacologic approaches that can be used to treat chronic pain. Additionally, a growing body of evidence suggests that complementary approaches, such as acupuncture, hypnosis, massage, spinal manipulation, and yoga, may be useful to manage pain. This presentation will explore the background of chronic pain and the non-opioid pharmacological and integrative alternatives available to treat it.

This session provides advanced practice nurses with current evidence and guidelines on antibiotic use, diagnosis and treatment of infection, and multi-drug resistant bacteria/Health Care-acquired infections. The primary population focus is adult-gerontology in the acute care setting and the presentation will include the most recent evidence on Health Care-associated infections as well as community-acquired. We will review current evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of serious infections, including CAUTI, CLABSI, VAP, HAP/CAP, necrotizing and severe soft tissue infections, and c. difficile infection management. Antibiotic selection, length of treatment, and principles of antibiotic stewardship will be integrated throughout the content. We will review pharmacology of various antibiotic classes and discuss newly available options for treatment.

Autonomic dysfunction (AD), or dysautonomia, is a widely misunderstood and underdiagnosed condition. Because of AD’s heterogeneous presentation and subjectivity of symptoms, misdiagnosis and provider bias are common in the conditions that fall under the umbrella of dysautonomia. AD extends from birth to death with a wide range of various systemic involvement and severity. Without specific diagnostic markers or in-office testing, this can make for a very challenging diagnosis and difficult to identify in the primary care setting. Nurse practitioners (NP) should have the tools necessary to help guide them through identifying and managing these conditions and when referrals to specialists are needed. Increasing the NP’s awareness of subjective and objective findings associated with AD will lead to not only a more confident diagnosis but also foster a trusting relationship between patient and provider and provide the hope that many AD patients need.

In 2019, 1,189,700 people aged 13 and older had HIV in the United States, with 40% having a mental health disorder. This engaging presentation will explore the need for the integration of mental health in HIV primary care by using a variety of interactive means. Firstly, it will explore the premise for HIV care in primary care settings and the mental health/substance use comorbidities that exist in the HIV-infected population. It will also delve into the importance of providing mental health care to HIV-infected patients to improve patient and community outcomes. Furthermore, it will explain the integrated HIV care model that incorporates mental health care in HIV primary care settings. Finally, it will highlight the benefits, successes, and opportunities of a community health clinic that provides greater integration of HIV and mental health care.

The patient experiencing dizziness often presents with diagnostic dilemmas for the nurse practitioner. The differentials for these complaints are broad, and care must be taken to arrive at the best diagnosis to solve the problem. This session will provide helpful information for the NP to understand the patient’s experience, evaluate the differentials for diagnosis and appropriate treatment, and refer appropriately to the specialist best suited to collaborate in the patient’s care.

This presentation will offer an evidence-based discussion evaluating why diabetes is such a difficult chronic condition to manage from the health-care provider perspective. The presentation will begin with statistics outlining the state of the problem and emphasizing the need for person-centered and individualized treatment approaches. The main discussion will include 8 reasons why patients with diabetes do not meet treatment targets and specific methods for addressing each concern. These reasons include psychosocial stressors/mental health, barriers to accessing care, clinician inertia, hypoglycemia, provider/staff implicit bias, incorrect selection of medications or technology, incorrect type of diabetes diagnosed, and lack of diabetes education. Each of these reasons will include an evidence-based discussion with specific strategies for addressing them at the practice, provider, and patient levels. The discussion will conclude with case studies to highlight specific points of interest.

This presentation will provide a review and update on empiric "bugs and drugs" commonly encountered in emergency care. A brief review of the classes of medications and their common side effects and interactions will be reviewed. Using a body system approach, the current recommendations for appropriate empiric agents will be reviewed including HEENT, CAP, SSSTI, STI, and UTI. Systemic problems such as sepsis and viral infections including influenza, CoV-19, and zoster will also be discussed. The importance of antimicrobial stewardship will be addressed throughout.

In this fast-paced hour, we will discuss the physiological definition of Chronic Coronary Disease (CCD) and outline principles for treatment, including shared decision-making, social determinants of health, and team-based care. The patient population in the spotlight includes patients who present for ambulatory care with angina, heart failure, or acute coronary syndromes. We will discuss the decision-making framework, principles of diagnostic evaluation, symptom relief, quality of life, and reduction of risk of progression for further atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)

This presentation will discuss how hematological malignancies are diagnosed. It will discuss what tests are ordered to assist in diagnosis, the diagnostic criteria for common hematological malignancies, and the interpretation of pathology reports. There will be case studies to assist.

An overview of selected new FDA drug approvals from 2023 and 2024

This informative presentation will review anatomy and assessment of the Neck while integrating common and life threatening causes of neck disorders. Whether in an office, urgent care or emergency department this interactive conversation will remind us of the simplicity and potential complexity of exploring differential diagnoses in case-based presentations of neck pain. Management of these presentations with pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic methods will be interpreted.

The incidence of thyroiditis has risen dramatically as an untoward response to COVID-19 infections and vaccinations. Even prior to this surge, thyroiditis (especially post-partum thyroiditis) has been the MOST COMMON endocrinopathy found in premenopausal women. Yet, there continues to be a delay in identifying, diagnosing, and treating these disorders, leading to unnecessary anguish, as well as acute and long term morbidity (with a significant hit on CV and mental health). Using REAL case studies, this session will explore the pathogenesis and risks for post-partum, infectious (Subacute) and Hashimotos thyroiditis, and offer endocrinology tips to help more readily identify, diagnosis, and treat these troublesome thyroid disorders.

Cardiometabolic syndrome is a combination of metabolic dysfunctions mainly characterized by insulin resistance, impaired fasting glucose, dyslipidemia, hypertension and central adiposity. The World Health Organization recognizes cardiometabolic syndrome as a disease entity. The pathophysiology of the link between cardiometabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk is complex and multifactorial. Understanding the mechanisms of cardiometabolic syndrome can help practitioners identify and treat the increased cardiovascular risk these patients face. This presentation will focus on describing cardiometabolic syndrome and identifying the patient’s cardiovascular risk, as well as exploring any current treatments available to help decrease this risk.

Obesity is a chronic, progressive, relapsing disease that is treatable. Pharmacotherapy is one of the four pillars of comprehensive obesity treatment and may increase adherence to the other three pillars of nutritional therapy, physical activity, and behavior modification. Despite their safety and efficacy, only 1.3% of those eligible receive a prescription for FDA-approved anti-obesity medications. This presentation will help you unlearn any outdated or biased beliefs about these medications and learn the latest science on how you can use them safely and effectively. Real-life clinical scenarios will help you learn how to select, initiate, titrate, and monitor these medications. Tips and strategies for personalized medication selection based on complications, co-existing conditions, symptoms, patient preference, cost, and insurance coverage will be provided.

This presentation will cover one of the most overlooked topics in primary care for women in their menopausal age: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). The prevalence and occurrence of GSM among menopausal women will be discussed in detail. Precise discussion about the etiological factors leading to GSM during menopause will be offered. The signs and symptoms and clinical course of GSM will be presented in detail. The correlation between menopause and GSM will be analyzed. Additionally, patient hesitation in discussing GSM related health issues because of factors such as cultural beliefs, religious and social influences and GSM will be examined. A well-defined, individualized, and easy to follow plan of care including pharmacological management of GSM will be outlined. Furthermore, the complexities of hormone therapy, its indications, and cautionary steps will be examined.

The session will explore common presentations for shoulder complaints in the adult population. Diagnosis ranging from overuse to fracture/ dislocation will be discussed. Common provocative shoulder testing for assessment will be reviewed. Use of videos and graphics will be used to enhance the learning experience.

Rheumatologic conditions often go unrecognized and undiagnosed in pediatric patients due to a lack of awareness of these conditions in this population, along with subtle or common symptoms that are not recognized as a chronic disease. It is important for NPs who care for children to have an understanding of the most common pediatric rheumatologic conditions when to include them in the differential diagnosis, and how to proceed with evaluation and management from the medical home. This presentation will share a review of pediatric rheumatologic diseases, assessment and diagnostic evaluation (including patient case studies), and recommendations for appropriate referrals and care coordination in primary care.

The CDC-sponsored Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices annually updates the adult and pediatric immunization schedules based on the best available evidence. The changes to the schedules can be confusing and difficult to keep up with. The session will review the changes using a case study format to review the updates across the lifespan and for high-risk populations. Resources on how to keep up with the changes and how to approach vaccine-hesitant individuals will be identified.

Cancer is the second cause of death in the US, second only to heart disease. Cancer screening provides an opportunity to detect and diagnose cancers at an early stage, enabling early treatment or omission of screening can result in delayed cancer detection, treatment and a poorer prognosis. All NPs need to be knowledgeable of the common cancers, the tools for detection, treatment as well as strategies to promote primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.

The needs of the LGBTQIA+ patient are not all the same. Each population within this acronym have their own unique and distinctive needs. NPs need to understand how to speak the language of this population of patients as well as effectively address the health care disparities that exist within this population of patients.

An estimated 20% of adults will have some form of venous disease in their lives, making this a common complaint for many PCPs. Varicose veins can lead to irreversible complications if not identified and treated appropriately, including lymphedema, VTEs, and venous ulcers. Learn how to properly identify these patients and how to best manage their care. Learn about deep and superficial venous anatomy, ordering and interpreting duplex ultrasound reports, and surgical and non-surgical management of this common disease. We will cover best practice guidelines for the pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of VTEs in the outpatient setting. This presentation's goal is to highlight the importance of early identification of venous disease, and prescribing the appropriate treatment, in order to minimize complications from this common problem.

Pain management is a frequent aspect of managing patients in emergency care settings. This can sometimes be complicated by the patient's medical history, including allergies or the presence of substance abuse, as well as legal requirements. This presentation will provide a review of pain management, including multimodal options. Current practice guidelines and options related to the management of opioid use disorder will be introduced. By the end of the presentation, emergency nurse practitioners will have an increased awareness of pain management options.

This presentation will examine current evidence of inequitable health outcomes in the United States, the illumination of outcome disparities during the pandemic, and the subsequent call for nurses to innovate change and mitigate disparities. Aligning with, and innovating beyond, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, Medicine’s The Future of Nursing 2020-2030 report, we must dedicate resources, time, and energy to advance health equity. We can improve health outcomes through nurse-led, interdisciplinary models of care. The presenter will detail three specific examples of these models. First, participants will learn about the benefits of care delivery at a school-based health center. Second, participants will learn about mitigating social drivers of health at an interdisciplinary medical respite for people experiencing homelessness at the time of hospital discharge. Lastly, participants will learn the value of partnering with local government to advance population health at a Community Nursing Center. The presenter is the executive director at two of the three sites, and partner at the third. Outcomes that demonstrate the advancement of health equity will be shared. Nurse-led models of care are important because they promote patient-centered care, reduce health disparities, and have the potential to improve health outcomes and reduce health care costs.

Combating Commonalities Amongst Various Autoimmune Disorders Is More than Just A Prescription! Shayna has been treating patients with autoimmune disorders for DECADES! Suffering from autoimmune disorders as the patient and treating them as the practitioner, Shayna Melissa can bring both perspectives to this presentation. Many autoimmune symptoms are vague, often misdiagnosed, and thus not treated correctly. So, first, we need to recognize the signs and symptoms, then which tests to order so that we can accurately diagnose. Only after an accurate diagnosis can we correctly treat the patients. Once we realize that there's more to treatment than just a prescription, we can truly help patients optimize their wellness. This class will teach you common symptoms that are often autoimmune-related yet misdiagnosed as well as diagnoses that most people don't even realize are autoimmune-related. Laboratory and diagnostic tests will be recommended. Common adverse drug reactions and precautions will be listed for medications that are often prescribed for autoimmune disorders. During this session, we will discuss triggers that exacerbate flare-ups/symptoms, including foods, drinks and even medications as well as healthier alternative options.

This conference presentation proposes to inform nurse practitioners about the crucial relationship between pre-pregnancy cardiovascular health, adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO), and the subsequent risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. The background highlights the alarming statistics of cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of maternal deaths, with a notable decline in pre-pregnancy cardiovascular health from 2011-2019. The proposal emphasizes the direct association between poor cardiovascular health and pregnancy complications, including APOs such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, and pre-term birth. NPI - With 10-20% of pregnancies affected by APOs, the presentation suggests a focus on optimizing cardiovascular health during the postpartum period, considered the 'fourth trimester.' This phase, extending up to one year postpartum, is identified as a crucial window of opportunity to engage high-risk mothers in cardiovascular health optimization. The lack of interventions studied during this period is addressed, advocating for the implementation of multi-level transitional clinics. These clinics aim to provide supportive care for women, bridging them to primary or specialty care and assessing the effectiveness of emerging interventions. The innovation lies in the use of transitional clinics to fill gaps in care for women with pregnancies complicated by APOs during the postpartum year. The proposed strategy aims to improve postpartum maternal cardiometabolic health, recognizing the 'fourth trimester' as a critical period for intervention and support.

This presentation will review diagnostic criteria, clinical findings, and implications of cardiorenal syndrome. Therapeutic interventions will be discussed and applied through case studies.

Evaluation and management of both classic and atypical presentations of GERD including clinical cases, use of endoscopy, advanced pH testing, pharmacologic therapy and when to refer to GI.

This presentation provides practical application and benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) in the primary care setting, emphasizing its role in enhancing diabetes management. The presentation provides a detailed introduction to CGM technology, discussing the different types of devices, their mechanisms, and how they provide continuous glucose data aiming to familiarize primary care providers with the technical aspects and functionalities of CGM systems.

We will explore the clinical advantages of CGM, including improved glycemic control, decreased incidence of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, and better overall diabetes management outcomes. The presentation will focus on integrating CGM into daily practice including case studies demonstrating real-world application, challenges, and solutions in implementing CGM for diverse patient populations in primary care. The cases will provide insights into troubleshooting common issues, engaging patients in their care, and utilizing CGM data for treatment planning. The cases will discuss strategies for educating patients on the use of CGM, ensuring adherence, and interpreting the data to make informed clinical decisions.

This session will focus on assessing risk and worsening heart failure and will include pharmacologic management strategies during episodes of acute decompensated heart failure to both avoid admission and prevent readmission to the hospital.

This presentation will discuss case studies encountered by nurse practitioners in ophthalmology clinics, including symptoms, signs, management, and the role of nurse practitioners in ophthalmology.

Patients often present to primary care with complaints related to the ears, nose, and throat. This presentation will review pathophysiology, evaluation, and management of common conditions such as allergic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, hearing loss, dysphonia, and neck mass.

Given the recent whirlwind surrounding the need for quick technology uptake (telehealth) over the past 3 years by providers and patients alike for healthcare due to the SARS CoV 2 pandemic, we are witnessing a further technology push to receive prompt treatment.
Now, post pandemic, that technology, artificial intelligence (AI), is being labeled as a “must have” for healthcare systems to integrate within the patient visit. A plethora of patient data, from smart medical wearables, medical testing and patient charts need to be analyzed, synthesized and benchmarked against current evidence-based treatment guidelines to look for patterns/trends in optimizing healthcare treatment and also assist with disease prevention. This can be done much more expediently with the use of AI when combined with telehealth to help patients receive a diagnosis quickly, presentation of treatment options and recover sooner if not with better cost efficiency.
This presentation will discuss the use of telehealth services and the integration of AI tools, benefits and limitations of AI usage, business case for its use and potential NP opportunities related to use of AI in Telehealth

For many years, adipose tissue was thought to be fat globules stored at various locations in the body, inert and without function. Research over the past two decades has led to our current understanding of adipose tissue as a distinct endocrine organ that contributes to metabolic and immune health when functioning normally. When excess adipose tissue is stored ectopically (adjacent to visceral organs as opposed to the normal subcutaneous location), then the viscera begin to function abnormally which contributes to development of cardio-metabolic, hepatic, renal, and/or vascular disease. In this presentation, normal adipose tissue will be discussed, including type, location, and function. Further discussion will focus on the ramifications of ectopic, diseased adipose tissue. Clinical implications and future challenges will be presented as well as future research.

In our current complex healthcare system, clinicians often fail to explore the vital role of caregiver perspectives in documenting the health journey of patients with Serious Illnesses. It is essential that we understand the caregiver's narrative and recognize the unique Insights they bring to patient documentation. Caregiver-driven documentation enhances holistic healthcare approaches. The importance of documenting a patient's changing health status is especially crucial in determining hospice eligibility.

Eye Movement, Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidenced-based therapy that should be considered in treating patients with a trauma history who present with multiple issues. Presentation will review training requirements, steps in the EMDR process as well as integration into a psychiatric NP practice.

Workplace violence is an all too common occurrence in emergency departments and behavioral health settings. However, violence against healthcare workers extends beyond these work environments. To mitigate this threat and improve safety in our workplaces, advanced practice nurses must gain a global understanding of sources and triggers of violence, early detection skills, effective management options and best practices for physical action when necessary. All nurses must be sensitive to the impact that workplace violence has on work life and the emotional and behavioral health of coworkers. It is also crucial that nurses be well versed when discussing workplace violence with law enforcement authorities, hospital and department administration, and legislators. The intent of this presentation is to increase knowledge and understanding of the risks of workplace violence in healthcare settings, offer best practices for mitigating violence, and recommended options for care following a violent event.

Function of AANP

Mental health problems continue to rise each year for children and adolescents. So many factors can affect mental health for the pediatric population such as exposures at home, forms of discipline, whether or not needs are being met, society/income level, victim of bullying or abuse, and drug exposure. Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death among ages 15-24 in the United States. In the last 10 years, 43% of the suicide attempts in ages 5-18 were among children aged 5-11. Advanced practice nurses (APNs) in all settings play a vital role in detecting those children and adolescents at risk for suicide. Unfortunately, most APNs do not feel prepared from their education to communicate with and provide proper care to a suicidal pediatric patient. A 2020 study showed 70% of providers felt they needed additional training to properly help a suicidal patient. Screening tools should be a routine part of practice for APNs to screen for depression, anxiety, and suicide. Early detection and treatment of depression and anxiety can decrease a patient’s risk for suicidal behaviors in the future. Also, a well-developed safety plan implemented in the early stages of depression can save a person’s life.

A significant role of the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) is to make complex medication-prescribing decisions. Beyond symptoms, indications, and diagnoses, there are upstream and downstream considerations when making these decisions. This presentation will be a high-level view of some of the significant challenges of prescribing. Resources and tools will be provided to guide prescribing decisions that optimize patient outcomes while also being cognizant of economic, environmental, and population considerations.

While estimated to occur in 14% to 22% within the general population, most pituitary adenomas go undiagnosed. Typically, these tumors were found incidentally on imaging modalities obtained for other reasons. The insidious nature of these tumors, smaller size, confusing clinical picture and hormonal presentation, as well as their incidental appearance, can lead to delays in diagnosis and referral to endocrine, ophthalmology and neurosurgery. This session will offer expert tips to help heighten awareness to the presence of symptomatic pituitary disease, such as prolactin, ACTH, growth hormone, or TSH-secreting tumors, large adenomas with mass effects or sudden pituitary apoplexy. Participants will learn how to assess for relevant clinical biomarkers of a pituitary tumor, identify related hormone excess or deficiency, and order appropriate diagnostic studies. Don’t let a missed diagnosis hit your patients between the eyes!