Practical Summaries in Acute Care Archives – April 1, 2003

April 1, 2003

• Observation Safe in Low-Risk, Cocaine-Related Chest Pain

  In this prospective study, investigators evaluated the safety of a nine- to 12-hour observation period for patients with cocaine-associated chest pain who were at low-to-intermediate risk of cardiovascular events.

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• Should Trauma Intubations Be Performed in the Field?

  This study prospectively evaluated whether prehospital intubation improved outcome among adult patients with non-lethal traumatic brain injury.

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• Does High-Dose Continuous Albuterol Therapy Improve Outcome in the ED?

  This randomized, double-blinded trial compared the efficacy of albuterol delivered by continuous nebulization at 7.5 mg/hr (usual-dose therapy) and 15 mg/hr (high-dose therapy).

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• Special Feature: CDC Update - Smallpox and Vaccinia Vaccine Redux

  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is releasing a large number of doses of vaccinia to health departments across the United States to vaccinate health care workers and emergency responders against smallpox, a disease that in theory has been eradicated from the planet.

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• ECG Review: 1° AV Block in Lead V₁?

  The 12-lead ECG shown in the Figure was obtained from an 87-year-old man who was thought to be in sinus tachycardia with 1° AV block. Would you agree with this assessment of the rhythm?

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