Practical Summaries in Acute Care Archives – May 1, 2005
May 1, 2005
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Further Developments in Community-Associated MRSA
Although community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been described since the mid 1990s, this is the first study to look prospectively at the prevalence of MRSA among emergency department patients with skin and soft-tissue infections.Recombinant Factor VIIa Shows Promise in Selected Patients with ICH
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), while relatively rare, is the least treatable form of stroke and the one with the highest associated mortality.Bedside Ultrasound Increases Success Rate of Bladder Catheterization in Children
Infants suspected to have urinary tract infections and who are not toilet-trained must undergo urinary catheterization or suprapubic aspiration to obtain an adequate specimen for urinalysis and culture.Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Severe CAP
This provocative study by Confalonieri and colleagues adds to accumulating evidence that corticosteroids may have a role in management of critically ill patients.Antiretroviral Prophylaxis After Nonoccupational Exposure to HIV
The Centers for Disease Control published its first recommendations for management of exposure to human immunodeficiency virus in the occupational setting in 1990, at a time when the only available antiretroviral was zidvudine. Since then, a great deal of information has become available.ECG Review: Painful Heart Block
The simultaneously recorded lead II and lead MCL1 rhythm strip shown in the Figure was obtained from a middle-aged man in severe pain from a musculoskeletal disorder. He was not having chest pain, and had no known history of cardiovascular disease. He had an episode of vomiting shortly before this tracing was recorded. Is there evidence of heart block? If so, what type? What might you specifically look for on additional telemetry tracings to confirm your diagnosis of the arrhythmia?