Communication in the operating room (OR) is not only necessary to ensure that cases run smoothly, but also to ensure that patients are kept safe. The two primary goals of an OR nurse are to ensure that surgeons have all the necessary equipment to perform surgery and to ensure patient safety during these procedures. This can only occur when communication is present and effective. Where does communication start? When the surgeon schedules a surgery, they must communicate with t

There has been enough emphasis on adequate water consumption and staying hydrated, but the causes and effects of overhydration are not well understood, often remaining undiscussed. Out of health consciousness, the habit of sipping water at regular intervals has become a new norm. While it is essential for maintaining vital functions and overall health, it is crucial to understand the requirements of the body and drink as and when needed. Normal Water Regulation Mechanism Wate

By: Jessica Chhoy What is it?: White coat hypertension is a condition where a patient's blood pressure is higher than normal in healthcare settings, but is normal at home. Illustration of patient anxious from healthcare provider Why is it a Concern?: An inaccurate blood pressure reading can lead to a patient receiving medication that is not necessary. Taking unnecessary medications can lead to many side effects and the potential of damaging certain organs. Specifically, a pat

Recent information from studies linking paracetamol/acetaminophen (Tylenol) use in pregnancy to autism disorders have popularised on the internet massively in August/September 2025, which has caused nationwide concern about mothers taking these painkillers when they are expected to have a baby. The information surrounding this comes from studies that are observational cohort studies, reporting statistical association between paracetamol exposure in pregnancy and increased ris

Paracetamol (acetaminophen), reduces fever and relieves mild to moderate pain. It is a widely available over-the-counter drug sold under various brand names, including Tylenol and Panadol.   Because pregnant women often face limits on what medications are considered “safe,” paracetamol is typically recommended as the first-line option when something is needed. However, over the past years, there has been increasing scientific scrutiny about whether paracetamol might carry ri

What is Intermittent Fasting? Is it true that intermittent fasting can cause the growth of cancer? Well to start off, what even is intermittent fasting? Intermittent fasting focuses not on what you eat, but when you eat. With intermittent fasting, you only eat during a scheduled period of your day, whether it be for 1 hour of the day, or a larger chunk such as four. Intermittent fasting is often used for weight loss and works by protracting the period when your body has burne

We've all watched a TV scene where a character has a seizure. They fall to the ground, shaking violently. A crowd gathers, and the hero shouts for someone to call 911, STAT!  Understanding Seizures Far from looking like a moment on your favorite medical drama, seizures take many forms, and they don’t always mean you need to call an ambulance. A seizure happens when a person's brain experiences a sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity. This can affect their movement, sen

The Focus on Access In 2013, about 270 million Americans—roughly 85.5% of the population—had health insurance through public or private plans. That left approximately 46 million people without coverage. By 2016, following the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the number of insured Americans rose to nearly 289 million (91.4%), reducing the uninsured population to about 27 million. Fast forward to 2023, and over 40 million people had enrolled in ACA-related insur

Sana, a 28-year-old marketing executive, felt a mild headache after a long day at work. Without thinking much, she grabbed an OTC painkiller from the corner store. ‘It’s just a headache,’ she thought. But over the next few days, she started experiencing stomach cramps, dizziness, and fatigue that interfered with her meetings and workouts. “I didn’t think an OTC pill could do this,” she admitted. She isn’t alone. Millions of people treat OTC medications as harmless quick fixe

A torch in the dark for people with treatment-resistant depression? Introduction You have probably heard of the drug ketamine.  For many people, there is a stigma around this word.  Things that may come to mind include partying and substance abuse.  However, did you know that a form of ketamine is frequently used as an alternative method of addressing treatment-resistant depression?   What is treatment-resistant depression? Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) occurs when at

First day on the unit. I met the nurse manager, Jocelyn. The accent is the giveaway. Filipina. First generation. We knuckle-bump (the unofficial post-COVID handshake). Same scrubs, different journeys. What I Thought It Was About At first, I made it about the accent. In my head, I said: They came here first-gen. They passed the NCLEX with English as a second language. They fought for every inch. They rose fast. And now they manage us. And sometimes, it felt like those wins cam

Legionella infections often fly under the radar, but outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease can be deadly. Legionella infections, including Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever, are rising in 2025. Learn how these bacteria spread, symptoms to watch for, prevention strategies, and treatment options. What Is Legionella? How It Spreads and Where It Thrives Legionella is a genus of bacteria naturally found in freshwater environments, including lakes and streams. Infection typicall

Robotic Surgery and AI Recently the presence of artificial intelligence has become widespread, and one may wonder what robotic surgery actually entails. As with most AI it can be used as an adjunct for medical professionals. Although the surgical robots do contain some adaptive AI, all surgical robots currently only provide assistance to the surgeon performing the procedure. They do not perform anything independently. History of Robotic Surgery The idea of robotic surgery cam

Serious adverse event narratives: background and definitions Before defining case narrative, it is important to explain the concept of Individual Case Safety Report (ICSR); this well-known pharmacovigilance report captures information about adverse events and product problems that are reported to public health, patient safety/quality improvement organizations or regulatory agencies. The ICSR message supports reporting from a variety of sources such as consumers, hospitals, co

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