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How does one physiologically explain ulnar neuropathies at the elbow that clinically localize to the wrist? Why do proximal sciatic neuropathies sometimes masquerade clinically as peroneal neuropathies at the knee? In this lucid, well-articulated review, Stewart thoroughly and evenhandedly comments on the literature going back to 1913, convincingly arguing that nerve fibers do not randomly intertwine as they progress distally in nerve bundles.
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Braun BI, et al. Preventing central venous catheter-associated primary bloodstream infections: Characteristics of practices among hospitals participating in the evaluation of processes and indicators in infection control (EPIC) study.
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New guidelines for the treatment of bacterial rhinosinusitis were published in the January supplement of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery by the Sinus and Allergy Health Partnership. The goal of the guidelines is to reduce the use of antibiotics for viral infections and to use the most appropriate antibiotic for bacterial infections.
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If an educational piece is important for teaching English-speaking patients, then it equally is important that non-English-speaking patients receive the piece as well, says Etta Short, MS, a health educator at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle.
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Translating patient education materials into foreign languages is costly, so it is important to select those that would benefit the most patients. Without criteria to evaluate each piece, it is difficult to determine which ones should be translated. To take the guesswork out of the process, the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle created a set of criteria.
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Medication errors associated with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps most often are caused by inadequate patient and staff education, misuse by well-intentioned family members, and improper patient selection, according to results of a recent survey by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices.
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Heart problems that cause sudden death in children often are uncovered following a tragedy. At that time, health care professionals look at other members of the family to see if there is a heredity disorder that resulted in the death.
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After well-child visits, three of the top five reasons parents take their children to pediatricians are for ear, nose, and throat problems such as ear infections, sinusitis, and tonsillitis. Parents need education on how to manage these common conditions in an era of resistant antibiotics.
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Public awareness of the symptoms of stroke has increased the frequency of emergency department visits by patients with this complex chief complaint. Often, subtle symptoms may or may not represent a cerebral infarct. This issue of ED Legal Letter will review the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of patients with both transient ischemic attack and cerebral vascular accidents. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment will prevent subsequent permanent disability and potential litigation.
