Clinical Pearls, November 2004

The Power of Your Pad
Do not underestimate the use of your prescription pad. Writing a prescription for daily exercise, healthful eating habits, and even daily prayer or meditation can greatly increase compliance. Patients often take the written word more seriously than a verbal recommendation.
Shaylyn Murphy, PA-C, The Dalles, Ore

A Nose for Skin Tests
When giving a skin test to a child, draw a happy face (using washable markers) with only the eyes and mouth filled in. Give the injection where the nose should be. Tell the child to watch the "nose" for two days and they will see it disappear.
Vivian Young, FNP, Madera, Calif

Easy Lesion Diagnosis
An easy way to determine whether a skin lesion will blanch is by pressing a microscope slide over it. This procedure allows for unobscured observation of the entire lesion, thus providing an accurate and quick diagnostic sign.
Jane Hurtig, RN, NP-C , AOCN, Nashville, Tenn