Emergency
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Efficacy of Vitamin C Infusion on Outcomes in Sepsis-Induced ARDS
In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, intravenous vitamin C infusion did not influence a change in the modified Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score from the time of infusion to four days compared to placebo.
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Longer Antibiotic Courses for Pneumonia Do Not Improve Outcomes, But Cause More Adverse Effects
Two-thirds of general medicine patients with pneumonia received excess antibiotic therapy, with 93.2% of the unnecessary duration occurring after hospital discharge. Excess antibiotic therapy did not improve mortality or morbidity outcomes, although each additional antibiotic day was associated with 3% increased odds of antibiotic-associated adverse drug events.
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Antimicrobial Stewardship in Critical Care
Antimicrobial stewardship is the responsibility of everyone involved in the care of critically ill and hospitalized patients. This review discusses some of the key principles and practices of successful antimicrobial stewardship programs, particularly as they relate to critical care.
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Deadly Pediatric Rashes
Rash is a common complaint in the emergency department (ED). Often, the pediatric rash is a benign, self-limiting condition that requires no intervention; however, there are occasions when rashes are true emergencies. Identifying these rare occasions is critical for the pediatric patient. This issue reviews and discusses some of the most common pediatric dermatologic emergencies and the ED approach to identification, diagnosis, and immediate evidence-based management of these conditions. -
Any Discrepancy in ED Chart Hurts All Med/Mal Defendants
With multiple providers documenting in the ED medical record, there are bound to be some discrepancies from time to time. However, the chart must reflect that discrepancies were recognized and considered by the ED provider.
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Damage Caps Can Lead to Unintended Consequences for ED Malpractice
Damage caps render many cases economically unfeasible for plaintiffs’ counsel to pursue. Nonetheless, many ED providers still fear losing what may be an otherwise baseless malpractice claim. Tort reform is a safeguard against these scenarios, but the view looks different from the plaintiff’s perspective.
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Most Common Allegation in PE/DVT Malpractice Claims? Failure to Diagnose and Treat
Learn about the essential documentation that can prevent problems.
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ED Patients Taken Off Monitors, Alarms Ignored: Med/Mal Suit Likely
Any patient with symptoms worrisome enough to require cardiac monitoring reasonably expects that somebody is paying close attention. The same is true of patients who need frequent blood pressure monitoring, or those with signs and symptoms of sepsis. However, in some cases, patients deteriorate without anyone realizing.
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ED Med/Mal Claims Can Become Licensing Board Actions Quickly
To avoid issues with state licensing boards in the event of malpractice litigation, one expert suggests EPs check whether their professional liability insurance covers representation for a board action.
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EPs Named in Med/Mal Lawsuits Receive Higher Patient Experience Scores