Emergency Medicine Topics
RSSArticles
-
Issues Relevant to Treating Patients with Anxiety Disorders in the Emergency Department
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health problem worldwide. As practicing emergency physicians know, anxiety is common in emergency department patients. -
Stimulant-Based Drugs of Abuse in the Trauma Patient
Substance abuse is a major healthcare issue with effects on all aspects of patient care, including trauma. A large percentage of trauma patients have a positive drug screen, and acute and chronic abuse have impacts both on the acute and long-term management of these patients. This report is the first of a two-part series and focuses on stimulants and substances with sympathomimetic properties, with particular attention to the impact on the trauma patient.
-
Update on Adult Vaccinations in the ED with a Focus on SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19
Emergency departments have a unique role in public health. They care for a disproportionate number of patients who lack access to care in other venues. Emergency departments also can play a role in decreasing vaccine hesitancy, providing information to patients on the vaccine, answering their questions, and correcting misinformation when it is present. -
Management of Pediatric Shock
Pediatric shock carries a high morbidity and mortality, making early recognition key. Recently, pediatric critical care and resuscitation has been the focus of emergency department care improvement.
-
Nonpenetrating Ocular Trauma Part I: Severe Vision Threats
This article will focus on nonpenetrating eye injuries that are severe threats to vision.
-
Blunt Abdominal Trauma
Blunt abdominal trauma is commonly encountered in any acute care center. Prompt recognition, assessment, diagnostic evaluation, and disposition are critical aspects that must be a part of every clinician’s expertise.
-
Epistaxis: Evaluation and Management in Patients Taking Antiplatelet Drugs
Although the complaint of epistaxis may be perceived as less severe when compared to other emergency department complaints, it still poses a challenge requiring expertise in its acute management.
-
Palliative Care Integrated into Critical Care Settings, Including EDs
Although palliative care is integral to providing quality care, in the ED the focus tends to be on aggressive and life-saving measures. More education and training is needed to make ED providers more comfortable with integrating palliative care there.
-
‘Blatant Wrongdoing’: Wrongful Prolongation of Life Cases Surge
An expert witness who has testified in multiple wrongful prolongation of life cases and has advised health systems on how to avoid these cases shares helpful advice in the Q&A.
-
Hospitals Sued for Wrongful Prolongation of Life: Ethicists Offer Unique Expertise
The point of the litigation is it is a medical error to provide too much treatment, just as it is to provide too little treatment. If it is clear patients did not want it, then clinicians should not provide it.