Emergency Medicine - Adult and Pediatric
RSSArticles
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Untwisting the Myths: A Medicolegal Review of Testicular Torsion
Testicular torsion (TT) is a urologic emergency with potentially devastating consequences and costs for providers and patients alike. With an annual incidence of approximately 4.5 per 100,000 males aged 1-25 years, TT is an uncommon medical condition, yet is the third most common cause of medical malpractice suit in this demographic. Because of varying presentations and physical exam findings, along with diagnostic imaging subject to individual interpretation, ED providers may miss this time-sensitive diagnosis.
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Advanced Management of Opioid Overdose in the Emergency Department
This article aims to provide acute care providers with advanced techniques in the management of opioid overdoses, including the use of naloxone, the opioid receptor antagonist, as well as harm reduction management strategies aimed at long-term risk mitigation in this vulnerable population.
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Ultrasound-guided Nerve Blocks in the Emergency Department
Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks offer effective and safe alternatives to systemic analgesics to manage pain in the ED. This article reviews the literature supporting the use of ultrasound-guided nerve blocks in the ED and describes how to perform some of the most basic nerve blocks.
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Orofacial, Eye, and Ear Trauma
Facial trauma is uncommon in children. However, the unique features of these injuries, as well as the assessment and management considerations to minimize radiation exposure and ensure optimal cosmetic outcome, require an awareness of the diagnostic and therapeutic approach in pediatric patients. The authors provide an overview of orofacial, eye, and ear trauma in children.
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Hemorrhage Control: Advances in Trauma Care
Massive hemorrhage is a devastating scenario. Early identification is essential to allow for prompt, potentially lifesaving interventions with the goal of rapid control of exsanguination.
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Four Thrombocytopenic Emergencies
Thrombocytopenia is encountered commonly in the emergency department. In most instances, the emergency physician will not be able to determine the definitive diagnosis, but it is important that the initial evaluation be started in a timely manner and that appropriate specialists be consulted from the emergency department.
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Overtesting for Medical Clearance Not Only Wasteful, It’s Also Dangerous
Still, many psychiatric facilities won’t accept patients transferred from an ED until extensive testing is complete.
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Study: Constant ED Interruptions Source of Med/Mal Exposure
EPs were interrupted 12.5 times every hour on average, according to a recent study. EPs rejected or delayed interruptions less than 2% of the time.
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Settlement Likely for Missed Diagnosis Case, Even if ED Chart Shows It’s ‘Reasonable’
Defensible cases are settled sometimes because the plaintiff is sympathetic or because the dollar value of damages is high.
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Did EP Override Safety Prompt for No Apparent Reason? It’s a Hurdle for Defense
Emergency physicians routinely override safety prompts in clinical decision support systems for very good reasons. However, a skilled plaintiff attorney can depict it as a rogue physician’s negligence.