Our prospective study, showing initial concerns about limiting the learning environment in transitioning to 24/7 in-house attending coverage did not result in diminished perceptions of the educational experience for our fellows but revealed an expected decrease in fellow autonomy. The study indirectly facilitated open discussions about methods to preserve fellow education and warranted autonomy in our PCTU; however, continued efforts are needed to achieve the optimal balance between supervised training and the transition to autonomous practice.
The approach to clinical conundrums by an expert clinician is revealed through the presentation of an actual patient's case in an approach typical of a morning report. Similarly to patient care, sequential pieces of information are provided to the clinician, who is unfamiliar with the case. The focus is on the thought processes of both the clinical team caring for the patient and the discussant. A 3-month-old otherwise healthy, immunized female presented to clinic with 2 days of intermittent lowgrade fevers (maximum, 100º F), decreased oral intake, and sleepiness. Her pediatrician noted a faint, maculopapular rash on her trunk and extremities with mild conjunctival injection bilaterally that appeared that day, according to her mother. The infant otherwise appeared alert, well-hydrated, and without respiratory distress. She had no history of sick contacts or recent travel. She was prescribed amoxicillin for empiric treatment of a possible bacterial sinusitis or pharyngitis, despite a negative rapid strep antigen test.At this age, multiple conditions can cause rashes. Given that this is early in the course of illness, without focal symptoms but with low-grade fevers, the initial differential diagnosis is broad and would include infectious, rheumatologic, and hematologic-oncologic etiologies, although the latter would be less likely. While the patient's mother reports decreased oral intake, the fact that the patient is alert and appears hydrated is encouraging, suggesting time to observe and see if other symptoms present that may assist in elucidating the cause. The history of increased sleepiness warrants further investigation of meningeal signs, which would point to a central nervous system infection.While streptococcal infection is possible, it would be uncommon at this age. The patient would have a higher fever and focal infection, and the rash does not appear consistent unless it was described as "sandpaper" in feel and appearance. A negative rapid strep test, while not sensitive, further supports this impression. A low-grade fever and rash would be consistent with a viral syndrome and, given the conjunctival injection, adenovirus, cytomegalovirus, rhinovirus, and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) are possibilities. Without ocular discharge, bacterial conjunctivitis would be unlikely. Another consideration would be Kawasaki disease, though it would be too early to diagnose this condition since at least 5 days of fever are required. Next steps include a detailed physical examination, looking for other focal signs such as swelling or desquamation of hands and feet, lymphadenopathy, strawberry tongue, and mucositis. Rather than empirically starting antibiotics, it would be more reasonable to observe her with close outpatient follow-up. The patient's family should be instructed to monitor for additional and/or worsening symptoms, further decreased oral intake, signs of dehydration, or changes in alertness.At home, the patient completed 5 doses of amoxicillin but continued to be febrile (maximum, 102.6º F). She was taken to...
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