Practical Summaries in Acute Care Archives – September 1, 2003
September 1, 2003
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Ottawa Ankle Rules Applied to Children with Mixed Results
The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the Ottawa Ankle Rules in children younger than 18 years presenting to a pediatric ED. -
Burst Steroid Therapy for COPD Exacerbations
This prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial looked at the use of prednisone 40 mg daily for 10 days vs. placebo in 147 patients presenting to any of 10 emergency departments who were well enough to be discharged after treatment for exacerbation of their chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. -
Imaging in Low Back Pain: Is X-ray or Rapid MRI Better?
This randomized, controlled trial compared rapid magnetic resonance imaging with plain radiographs as the initial diagnostic imaging test in patients with low back pain. -
Special Feature - Hyperkalemia: Electrocardiographic Recognition and Initial Therapeutic Considerations
Hyperkalemia is an electrolyte disorder with life-threatening potential. The spectrum of clinical presentation is wide, ranging from asymptomatic laboratory discovery to cardiac arrest. -
ECG Review: Pulmonary Pattern and What Else?
The ECG in the Figure was obtained from a 78-year-old man with long-standing pulmonary disease and new-onset heart failure. Based on the low voltage in leads V1, V2, V3, the rightward frontal plane axis, incomplete right bundle-branch block, and persistent precordial S waves, the computer interpreted the overall pattern as consistent with pulmonary disease. What else should be added to your interpretation? -
Trauma Reports Supplement - Non-accidental Injury: Recognizing Child Abuse in the Pediatric Trauma Patient
The recognition of non-accidental injury is critical for a pediatric trauma patient. In the year 2000, almost 3 million reports of child abuse were made to social service agencies. Forty-four percent of the fatalities were children younger than 1 year of age. Not only are these statistics alarming, but they point out the need for emergency department and trauma physicians and nurses to recognize non-accidental injury and aggressively protect the children who seek our medical expertise and protection.