Emergency Medicine - Adult and Pediatric
RSSArticles
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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. -
Patient Complaints Can Reveal Surprising ED Safety Concerns
Do ED patients complain because they are seeking some type of compensation, or is it really about wanting to be heard? It can be difficult to hear negative feedback, but complaint data are a good way to identify failures in the diagnostic process, according to a recent analysis. -
Researchers Make the Case for STD Screening in Pediatric EDs
Considering the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in adolescents and young adults, should pediatric EDs screen for STDs when these patients present to the ED? From a cost-effectiveness standpoint, the answer is yes, according to a team of researchers who examined this issue recently. -
With STDs at an All-Time High, Advocates Push Expedited Partner Therapy
While STD clinics and primary care clinicians detect and treat many of these cases, there is no question EDs play an outsize role in caring for patients with STDs, particularly among disadvantaged populations. However, evidence suggests many EDs are not using all the tools at their disposal to facilitate treatment and curb transmission.