Emergency Medicine Topics
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Substance Abuse and Suicidal Ideation Commonly Coexist in ED Patients
Appropriate discharge planning, including tracking patients and measuring outcomes of follow-up tactics, is a key aspect of the emergency management of this population.
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Vascular Complications Common Allegation in Lawsuits Against ED Nurses
It is unclear whether the claims involved IV infiltration, thrombophlebitis, pain caused by multiple sticks, or inadvertent arterial placement. Prevention efforts might include procedural training, integration of ultrasound in IV placement, or escalation of patients with difficult access to providers who specialize in IV access.
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Artificial Intelligence Coming to EDs to Improve Stroke Diagnosis
Strokes, especially posterior circulation events, are associated with significant diagnostic error in the ED. Machine learning models can be designed to capture subtle signs and assist providers in catching cases that might otherwise go undetected.
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New ED-Specific Trigger Tool Identifies Most Important Adverse Events
The patient safety movement emphasizes the need to focus on detecting harm — ideally, preventable harm — rather than just errors. Instead of remaining hidden, adverse events should be identified and shared.
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Must-Have Documentation if ‘Low-Risk’ Chest Pain Patient Is Discharged from ED
Documenting an assessment with a validated scoring system and ensuring the timing of troponins is appropriate can reduce risk.
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Pediatric Psych Visits Surging in EDs, Along with Medical Malpractice Risks
Before pediatric psychiatric patients are discharged from the ED, carefully document the visit and create a follow-up plan with a primary care physician or mental health professional. For patients presenting with suicidal ideation, a social worker or mental health clinician should develop a safety plan.
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An Anatomical Review of Trauma to the Mouth and Throat
Trauma to the mouth and throat is very common. Fortunately, the majority of the injuries are minor, but early and timely recognition of critical, potentially devastating injuries is essential. The authors provide a thorough review highlighting critical injuries and their management.
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AMA Prepares for COVID-19 Vaccine with Coding Updates
There are codes unique to two possible vaccines and other unique codes concerning administration of those vaccines.
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Analysis: Nurses at High Risk of Contracting COVID-19
Investigators emphasized the need for rigorous infection control practices in healthcare settings as well as mitigation efforts aimed at reducing transmission of the virus in the community.
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Poll: Many Emergency Physicians Avoid Mental Health Treatment
Already at high risk of suffering from burnout and PTSD, emergency physicians are straining to care for patients with COVID-19. However, recent evidence suggests many of these providers are reluctant to seek the mental healthcare they need, creating adverse circumstances for themselves, their colleagues, and maybe even their patients.