-
-
Utilization of computed tomography (CT) scans has increased markedly in the past decades. It is estimated that more than 75 million scans are performed annually in the United States, compared to only 3 million in 1980.
-
-
A very anxious-looking man told triage nurses At St. Johns Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis, MO, that he had a history of psychiatric disorders. Right away, he was placed in an appropriate room, asked to change into paper scrubs, and all his belongings were placed in a plastic bag.
-
A chronic alcoholic with high blood pressure came to an inner city ED sometimes several times a day, always with the complaint of chest pain. After an initial assessment at triage, a quick check by the physician, a dose of his blood pressure medication and a box lunch, he would typically be on his way.
-
A 40-year-old man landed in a small stream after a motor vehicle accident and arrives fully dressed and bleeding from the head. Emergency medical services (EMS) tells you the patient was lying on the ground when they found him. Would you ask the question, "How can this patient lose heat?"
-
At Tufts Medical Center in Boston, the ED's protocol encourages any member of the ED staff a technician, nurse, or physician to perform an EKG whenever they find a patient presenting with angina or anginal equivalents.
-
-
Young children are at greater risk for dosage mistakes, as they often receive medications available in multiple formulations and concentrations, warns Jennifer McNamara, RN, an ED nurse at Children's Hospital Boston.
-
If you noticed increased lethargy and confusion in your patient, would you suspect an airway problem?
