Mike Weinstock, MD and Mizuho Spangler, DO discuss fingernail pathologies, management of paronychia and risks for aggressive antibiotic usage in outpatient settings.

PEARLS:

• Fingertip lesions can be isolated injuries or evidence of more serious, systemic processes.

• Radiographs of fingertips are useful if there is a concern for a retained foreign body, underlying fracture or deep-space infection like osteomyelitis.

• It is important to remember that nothing we do in medicine, including writing prescriptions and admitting patients to the hospital, is without risk, and we need to consider these risks in determining the right course of action for our patients.

More information on this topic can be found on the Hippo Education blog here.

A patient you’re caring for, but don’t know very well, dies in the hospital. You feel awkward about writing a condolence letter since there isn’t much of a relationship with the family. Should you write one? Will it bring up unpleasant memories for the family? Eric Lamotte and Susan Merel explore these questions and more (as well as brief how to guide) in this Primary Care RAP short.