Emergency Medicine - Adult and Pediatric
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Reduce Risks for Patients in Observation Unit
Observation units provide additional time to stabilize, treat, and develop rapport with an ED patient with a potentially serious condition. On the other hand, if observation units are used as a way to avoid admission, EDs may be exposed to additional legal risks.
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EMTALA Misconceptions for ED Patients in Observation Status
Once an ED patient is in observation status, providers might assume their EMTALA obligations are over. This is not the case. Observation is an outpatient status, even if exactly the same care is provided as inpatient status. As such, observation is merely an extension of ED care.
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New National Agency Could Provide More Accountability When Medical Errors Occur
Patient advocates imagine a group like the National Transportation Safety Board, but for healthcare — an entity that provides another layer of accountability when medical errors occur.
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Not If, But When: Preparing a Proper Defense After Medication Mistakes
ED nurses should not hesitate to contact a defense attorney if a patient is harmed by a medication error. The interest of the hospital often is different from the healthcare provider. Do not assume the hospital will provide a defense for taking a shortcut. More likely, administrators will testify protocols were put into place, and place blame on the ED nurse for taking the shortcut.
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Medication Overrides Pose Much Higher Level of Risk
Automated dispensing cabinets allow ED medications to be stored and issued electronically at the point of care, leading to a reduction in time from prescribing to medication administration, which is particularly advantageous in the ED setting.
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Healthcare Leaders Discuss How to Elevate Safety Science
As if dealing with a raging pandemic was not enough punishment, frontline caregivers now worry any mistake could land them in jail. This, after a former nurse at Vanderbilt Medical Center was recently charged and convicted in connection with a medical error that led to the death of a patient.
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Mimics of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)
It is important for emergency medicine physicians to have an understanding of the differential diagnosis of ST-segment elevation.
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Waning Pandemic May Mean Less Interest in Advance Care Planning
National Healthcare Decisions Day is a time for Americans to document wishes for end-of-life care.
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How to Handle Rabies
Rabies is a rare, but devastating, disease. It is crucial for acute care providers to identify exposures and institute timely and appropriate treatment.
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Toxic Alcohols: Mechanisms, Presentation, Evaluation, and Management
Exposure to toxic alcohols can lead to serious morbidity and mortality; thus, awareness of these substances, their clinical presentation, and treatment options is critical to prevent poor outcomes.