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The fifth vital sign, pulse oximetry, routinely is used in every emergency department throughout the country to determine the baseline oxygenation of a patient in respiratory distress, to assess a patients response to therapeutic decisions, and to monitor a child during a conscious sedation or resuscitation. It is important to understand how the device functions and the limitations of this routinely used technology.
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There have been multiple advances in evaluation and management of kidney stones in recent years. This article will provide the emergency physician with an understanding essential for timely diagnosis, management, and disposition of kidney stones in the ED.
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As a major cause of traumatic death and disability, head injuries require timely diagnosis and management. Because survivors of serious head injuries often have varying degrees of permanent disability, head injury litigation is not uncommon. Furthermore, epidural hematomas may present subtly and progress rapidly toward serious brain injury and death.
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Recent epidemiologic studies indicate that nearly 4% of Americans are afflicted with food allergies. The spectrum of food allergy ranges from atopic dermatitis or other cutaneous manifestations hours after eating the problem food, to life-threatening events occurring shortly after ingestion. As well, some individuals experience allergic symptoms only if the food is eaten before physical stimuli such as vigorous physical exercise.
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