Emergency Medicine - Adult and Pediatric
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Watch Closely for Surge in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome Cases
The list of long-term health problems affecting patients after recovering from COVID-19 continues growing. One of these lesser-known conditions is postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Although treatments for POTS exist, the condition often is missed or misdiagnosed, leading to unnecessary suffering and anxiety for patients. However, given the condition’s recent visibility, frontline providers could gain a new understanding of POTS while also providing patients with a fast, accurate explanation for their symptoms. -
Healthcare Workers, Hospital Systems Clash Over Vaccine Mandates
While it may be hard to understand why a person at higher risk for contracting the virus might take issue with this requirement, the idea of mandating the vaccine as a condition of employment is simply too strong a push for some. However, a coalition of healthcare organizations is calling on all medical facilities to mandate the vaccines. -
EDs Boost COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts
Some emergency providers may view COVID-19 vaccinations as another task piled on an already-full plate. However, EDs are uniquely positioned to reach many underserved and high-risk populations that have yet to receive protection from COVID-19. -
Drugs of Abuse in Trauma Patients Part II: Central Nervous System Depressants
Drugs of abuse are commonly encountered in the trauma setting. Patient care may be affected by acute intoxication and chronic use of these substances. Central nervous system depressants can result in coma and respiratory depression in severe toxicity. The authors discuss common presentations, potential complications, and management of central nervous system depressants in the context of a trauma patient. -
Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Emergency Department
Autism spectrum disorder is a very individual diagnosis with individual needs, which generally can be best described by the patients themselves or an advocate who has presented with the patient. Patience, accommodation, and flexibility are key skills to the clinical care of patients with autism spectrum disorder. -
Throat Infections Part II: Deadly, Must-not-Miss, Pediatric Throat Infections
Although less frequent than the conditions discussed in part I, recognition of the critical, life-threatening throat infections is essential. Ill-appearing pediatric patients with a change in voice or stridor should prompt a rapid and thorough evaluation to ensure expedited management. This article reviews the critical, must-not-miss etiologies of a sore throat.
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Diagnostic Certainty Affects ED Patients’ Satisfaction
Just remaining mindful that patients are looking for certainty is important for emergency physicians. This does not mean ordering more tests or procedures; instead, take the time to explain any diagnostic uncertainty that may exist even after an ED evaluation. -
Google Translate for ED Discharge Instructions ‘Not Ready for Prime Time’
The accuracy of Google Translate is inconsistent among languages and should not be relied on by ED providers, according to a recent study. -
Artificial Intelligence Could Affect ED Provider’s Malpractice Risk
Inaccurate artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms could harm patients and result in liability exposure, the authors of a recently published paper argued. AI should be used as a tool, along with physical exam findings, narrative history, review of prior records, and clinical judgment. -
Sepsis Report Could Help ED Malpractice Defense
Of the many different guidelines on early sepsis care in the ED, some specific recommendations remain controversial. A recently released report addresses many of these issues.