Point of Care Tools
Enhance Patient Care With Point of Care Tools and Clinical Practice Briefs
Developed as a handy reference for nurse practitioners (NPs) and patients, these point of care tools provide detailed information about specific health care concerns, offer current practice guidelines and include links to additional sources that can further support the delivery of high-quality care. To ensure convenient access in clinical settings, during house calls or when you are on the go, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) has also made these tools available through the AANP Mobile App!
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Point of Care Tools
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that has become increasingly more prevalent over the past 20 years. This toolkit provides primary care NPs with essential information on AS and emphasizes the importance of early referral, diagnosis and treatment to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
COVID Clarity Compass
The COVID Clarity Compass is designed to support NPs in quickly identifying, testing and treating patients during seasonal waves of COVID-19. By combining the latest surveillance data, risk stratification guidance and treatment pathways, the tool helps NPs act decisively at the point of care. Use it as your streamlined guide to stay current, reduce delays in treatment and improve outcomes for patients at greatest risk.
This activity is supported by an education grant from Pfizer. AANP is an independent, non-profit organization representing healthcare providers and does not endorse or promote any specific commercial entities, products, services, or treatments.
Irritable Bowel SyndromeIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder and recently has been redefined as a disorder of gut–brain interaction. The symptoms of IBS can be mild to severe and vary from person to person. This resource tool provides information about IBS, including the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment. It also provides tips on managing the symptoms of IBS to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Meningococcal Disease and Vaccines
Meningococcal disease — a life-threatening infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis — demands our attention. It strikes swiftly and leaves devastation in its wake, but we have powerful tools at our disposal: MenACWY and MenB vaccines, and now a new pentavalent vaccine that covers serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y. This resource tool provides information about meningococcal disease, including the symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment. It also provides resource links and handouts for providers and patients.
This educational activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from GSK.
Migraine
Migraine is a highly prevalent, debilitating disease affecting 12% of the global population — including 1 in 5 women, 1 in 6 men and 1 in 11 children. Despite its substantial burdens and widespread impact, fewer than 5% of those who suffer from migraine have seen a health care provider, received an accurate diagnosis and obtained appropriate care. This resource tool is intended to aid the clinician in recognizing the signs and symptoms of migraine, and in understanding the urgent need for accurate diagnosis and appropriate care in migraine management. It also guides the learner through the nuances of migraine management, including CGRP-targeting therapies.
This activity is supported by an independent grant from Pfizer.
Opioid Use Disorder
The opioid epidemic continues to surge across the U.S., so AANP developed an opioid use disorder (OUD) point of care tool as a reference guide for NPs to easily access as needed. The guide provides information regarding the disease state, symptoms and treatments of this chronic, relapsing disease of the brain. Supported by Indivior, Inc.
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)
This tool provides invaluable information for clinicians on TD, from recognition through management. In addition, it includes practical strategies to optimizing care and features several video examples and links to supplemental resources. This clinical tool aims to improve clinicians’ familiarity with the signs and symptoms of TD, their competence when applying practical assessment strategies and their ability to use management strategies that reduce the impact of TD.
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Clinical Practice Briefs
Benzodiazepine (BZD) Prescribing and Monitoring
Clinical Guidelines for the Prescribing and Monitoring of Benzodiazepines
BZDs are clinically indicated for the management of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, short-term management of insomnia, initial treatment of status epilepticus, pre-anesthesia, agitation, and delirium tremens in acute alcohol withdrawal. They are some of the most widely used medications, with an estimated 92 million prescriptions dispensed from pharmacies, with alprazolam, clonazepam, and lorazepam being the most distributed. This practice brief provides a guideline summary and considerations for the prescribing and monitoring of benzodiazepines.
BZD Withdrawals
Clinical Management of Withdrawal from Benzodiazepine and Hypnotic Medications
BZDs and hypnotics are some of the most widely used medications. In 2019, the FDA estimated that 92 million BZD prescriptions were dispensed, with women having higher rates of prescriptions than men. This practice brief provides a guideline summary, considerations and billing code considerations when managing the withdrawal from benzodiazepine and hypnotic medications.
Cardiology
American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Guideline on Lifestyle Management to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk — 2013
The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) recently released several guidelines to prevent cardiovascular diseases and improve the management of these diseases.
American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology/Heart Rhythm Society Guideline for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
These 2014 recommendations from the AHA, ACC and Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) explore atrial fibrillation (AF), a supraventricular tachycardia characterized by uncoordinated atrial activation and ineffective contraction.
Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke
In 2019, the AHA released an up-to-date, comprehensive set of guidelines for clinicians caring for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The updated guidelines provide high-quality, evidence-based recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of AIS and the subsequent management of hospitalized patients, including the initiation of secondary prevention measures.
Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults
High blood pressure is the most prevalent and modifiable risk factor for the development of many cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, dementia, chronic kidney disease, as well as increasing all-cause mortality for cardiovascular disease. The 2025 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation and management of high blood pressure in adults includes several key new points and recommendations relevant to NP practice.
Management of Patients With Return of Spontaneous Circulation after Cardiac Arrest
Advances in caring for patients with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after cardiac arrest resulted in recent updates to post-cardiac arrest care guidelines by the American Heart Association and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine. These guidelines provide updated multi-disciplinary evidence-based recommendations to optimize survival and functional status. Each guideline offers essential insight into different aspects of post-resuscitation care, and this brief reflects an amalgamation of these guidelines. The interventions described in this practice brief are recommendations for care after ROSC and apply to both OHCA and IHCA scenarios.
Management of Patients With Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage
The American Heart Association (AHA) last updated clinical practice guidelines on managing ICH in 2015. Since then, novel treatment strategies have advanced the standard of care in every aspect of ICH management. These updated guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for evaluating and treating ICH and for the subsequent management of the hospitalized patient, including the initiation of secondary prevention measures. The ICH guidelines reflect best practices for patients with spontaneous ICH only, and patients with hemorrhagic CVA of other etiology (e.g., epidural hematoma or subarachnoid hemorrhage) are managed per the disease-specific guidelines.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Perioperative Management of CPAP in Inpatient and Outpatient Settings
CPAP therapy is commonly used in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Effective perioperative management of CPAP is crucial to minimize complications and ensure optimal patient outcomes in both inpatient and outpatient settings. This “Clinical Guideline Brief” was created for the members of AANP by the AANP Practice Committee to provide an update on the recommendations for Perioperative Management of CPAP in Inpatient and Outpatient Settings.
Corticosteroids in Sepsis
Use of Corticosteroids in Sepsis, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Corticosteroids are commonly used in the treatment of sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), each of which represents significant critical illnesses with high mortality rates. However, the implementation of corticosteroid therapy varies widely across clinical settings due to differences in interpretation of existing evidence. In response to new research, the Society of Critical Care Medicine has updated its clinical guidelines to provide more consistent, evidence-based recommendations for using corticosteroids in these conditions.
Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat
Allergic Rhinitis Clinical Practice Guideline
The purpose of the guideline, developed by the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, is to discuss quality improvement for all clinicians and to promote accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Genetics
Genetic Counseling and Testing by Advanced Practice Providers
In an online search through the National Guideline Clearinghouse, only two general non-disease-specific guidelines out of more than 100 different clinical guidelines address genetic counseling and testing.
Health Promotion and Wellness
Clinical Practice Guideline for Diagnostic Testing for Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common problem that affects a person’s breathing by impairing airflow into the lungs during sleep. The block in airflow (obstruction) is usually caused by the collapse of the soft tissues in the back of the throat (upper airway) and tongue during sleep.
Practice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Two updated practice guidelines come from American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) offers recommendations for assessing and treating children and adolescents (at or younger than 17 years of age) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is a group of neurodevelopment disorders defined by continuing behaviors noted in early childhood.
Primary Prevention of Diabetes in Adults
The American Diabetes Association and American Association of Clinical Endocrinology have developed guidelines for the prevention and delay of diabetes that encompasses risk factor identification, screening strategies, and actionable guidance to improve the overall health in individuals with or at risk for the development of Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.
Sleep Disorder Management Diagnostic Treatment Guidelines Summary
AIM Specialty Health® (AIM) issued updated guidelines on polysomnography and home sleep testing in 2019. AIM promotes safe, cost-effective and appropriate specialty services. Guidelines are devised based on grading of evidence.
Vaccine Hesitancy
This practice brief guides clinicians with suggestions and models to engage with patients and families who are hesitant to receive recommended vaccines.
Infectious Disease
Clostridium Difficile Infections 2025 Update
This practice brief provides an update on clostridium difficile infections (CDI), a type of health care-associated infection that is increasing and is almost as common as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), along with the Society of Healthcare Epidemiologists of America (SHEA) guidelines, were updated in 2021.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
This practice brief provides guidance for clinicians and the current vaccination recommendations for COVID-19 — a disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. It can be very contagious and spreads quickly. COVID-19 vaccines help develop protection from the virus that cause COVID-19. While vaccinated people sometimes get infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, vaccines significantly lower the risk of getting very sick, being hospitalized or dying from COVID-19.
Implementing Isolation Procedures in Patients with COVID-19 Disease in Community Settings
In March of 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its isolation directives for patients with COVID-19 disease. This practice brief provides guidance for clinicians regarding implementation of isolation procedures in patients with COVID-19 disease in community settings (including schools and prisons), but do not apply to healthcare settings.
Management of Post-COVID-19 Conditions
Access the latest guidance for the management of multiple post-COVID conditions, as well as references to the full Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.
HIV
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention — Injectable
Access the latest guidance to support the successful implementation of injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of HIV infection in high-risk populations.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention — Oral
Obtain information about CDC guidelines related to the implementation of PrEP to prevent HIV infection in high-risk populations.
Measles
Measles: Recommendations for Assessment, Treatment and Prevention
The CDC provides guidance for health care providers on the assessment, treatment and prevention of measles in Measles for Healthcare Professionals.
Mpox
Access the latest recommendations to help guide clinicians regarding Mpox epidemiology, recognition, diagnosis and treatment.
Sepsis and Septic Shock
In 2001, The Surviving Sepsis Campaign (a multidisciplinary collaboration between the Society of Critical Care Medicine, the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine, and the International Sepsis Forum) released regularly updated guidelines for clinicians caring for patients with sepsis and septic shock. The most recent iteration of these guidelines was released in late 2021 and is summarized in this practice brief.
Nephrology
Diabetic Kidney Disease
This practice brief provides an overview and guidelines for clinicians caring for patients living with diabetes to assist with monitoring and lessen the risk for progression toward diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The guidelines discussed in this brief are written by the international organization, Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO), which develops and implements evidence-based clinical practice guidelines in kidney disease.
Obesity and Weight Management
Pharmacological Management of Obesity: Obesity Management Association (OMA) 2020 Obesity Algorithm
The OMA 2020 Obesity Algorithm discusses the management of obesity and includes pharmacologic guidance as an adjunct in the foundational treatment of obesity: diet, activity and behavioral interventions.
Oncology and Hematology
Breast Cancer Screening Summary Guideline – 2024
This guideline summary reviews three breast cancer screening guidelines. These being the American Cancer Society (ACS), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines Summary
This brief provides guidance for clinicians regarding the implementation of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, based on the 2021 USPSTF guidelines for asymptomatic individuals with average risk.
Pain Management
Guidelines for Prescribing Opioid Medications
The CDC has provided updated recommendations on safe opioid prescribing for non-cancer pain. An overview of evidence-based practices, incorporating the current CDC recommendations for safe opioid prescribing, are provided in this practice brief.
Opioids for Chronic, Non-cancer Pain: A Position Paper of the American Academy of Neurology
AAN has reviewed the literature and issued a position paper regarding long-term use of opioids in the treatment of non-cancer pain. This review summarizes the position paper as it has direct application for advanced nursing practice.
Practice Guideline Update: Acute Treatment of Migraine in Children and Adolescents
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) provides multidisciplinary clinical practice guidelines based on evidence-based practice, including these on counseling, diagnosis, evaluation, management and treatment for acute migraine in children and adolescents.
Practice Guideline Update: Preventive Treatment of Migraine in Children and Adolescents
AAN provides multidisciplinary clinical practice guidelines based on evidence-based practice, including these best practices on counseling, diagnosis, evaluation, management and treatment for preventive migraine in children and adolescents.
Primary Care Management of Headaches in Adults
Toward Optimized Practice (TOP) of Alberta, Canada, provides multidisciplinary clinical practice guidelines that are based on evidence-based practice.
Pancreatitis
Management of Acute Pancreatitis in the Hospitalized Patient
This clinical brief contains updated guidelines focusing on the management of acute pancreatitis. These guidelines are based on new clinical evidence and developments from several clinical trials and management updates from multiple organizations, including the American College of Gastroenterology, the International Association of Pancreatology and the Korean Pancreatobiliary Association.
Psych and Mental Health
Primary Care Diagnosis and Management of Adults With Depression
The Michigan Quality Improvement Consortium compiled the 2022 updated guideline. The recommendations were drawn from a synthesis of published studies, existing protocols, and national guidelines. The recommendations provide NPs with a convenient, day-to-day practical guide on assessing, diagnosing, and managing depression in the primary care setting.
Pulmonary and Respiratory
Diagnosis, Management and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease — 2024 Global Initiative
The original Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) was released in 2001 and was revised extensively in 2011. Since then, the report has been updated almost yearly. The 2024 report follows the same model as previous reports. The model maintains that assessment of COPD is based on the patient’s degree of symptoms; an estimate of future exacerbations; severity of the disease, based on spirometry; and comorbidities. Health care professionals may use the GOLD report as a model for the implementation of treatment programs designed to improve the health care of patients with COPD.
Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI)
RSI in Critically Ill Adults
Airway management is a complex clinical skill that requires clinicians to be familiar with laryngoscopy devices, medications used during intubation, and the management of patients and ventilators post-intubation. Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is a common strategy for airway management involving the rapid administration of a sedative-hypnotic agent and a neuromuscular-blocking agent (NMBA), followed by the immediate placement of the endotracheal tube (ETT). RSI reduces the risk of aspiration in at-risk patients and optimizes intubation conditions to decrease the occurrence of airway-related complications. Several considerations and techniques regarding RSI have led to significant variations in practice. Consequently, the Society for Critical Care Medicine published guidelines offering evidence-based recommendations for RSI practices to optimize patient outcomes. This Practice Brief is limited to considerations of RSI—awake intubations, difficult airway management, post-intubation medication concerns, and ventilator management strategies are not addressed here.
Substance Use Disorder
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
This clinical brief provides updated guidelines on managing alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the outpatient setting, with a focus on evidence-based interventions to support recovery and prevent relapse. Guidelines are informed by clinical evidence from organizations including the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Substance abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Women's Health
Menopausal Symptoms: Comparative Effectiveness of Therapies
The Agency for Quality Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) published a report from 2015 comparing the effectiveness of therapies for menopausal symptoms.