Emergency Medicine - Adult and Pediatric
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The Great Mimicker: Thyroid Emergencies
Thyroid disease is relatively common, but most often is a benign disease with little clinical significance in the emergency setting. However, even a small insult can disrupt this system and throw the regulation out of control, resulting in the secretion of too much or too little thyroid hormone. Both of these situations can result in the thyroid emergencies thyroid storm and myxedema coma.
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Emergency Management of Rabies Exposure
Rabies is an uncommon disease with a very high fatality rate. Recognition of a potential exposure and effective prophylaxis are critical in prevention of this devastating disease. The authors review recognition of suspicious bites/exposures, clinical presentation of rabies, and utilization of effective prevention strategies.
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Hospital-run Urgent Care Center Is Subject to EMTALA
ED staff need training to ensure compliance.
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ED Care Difficult to Defend if Patient Died Shortly After Discharge
Such cases are ‘every emergency physician’s greatest fear.’
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Don’t Blindside Consultants Legally: Be Up-front About Charting Practices
Prevent adversarial relationship during litigation.
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Med/Mal Suit Possible if EP’s Name Appears in Adverse Event Report
Federal investigators demand ‘anything and everything.’
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Hospitals Increasingly Held Liable for EPs’ Negligence
Plaintiffs might view an EP as another ‘deep pocket.’
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Report: 10% of ED Malpractice Claims Involve Medication Errors
Wrong drug orders and no drug orders are common reasons for lawsuits.
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Penetrating Chest Injury
Penetrating trauma of the chest can have severe and devastating consequences. Advances in ultrasound and treatment therapies have improved survival. A high degree of suspicion is indicated to identify the more subtle injuries associated with penetrating trauma to the chest.
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Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
Skin and soft tissue infections are encountered commonly in the emergency department, presenting as a range of disorders, from uncomplicated cellulitis, impetigo, folliculitis, erysipelas, and focal abscesses to necrotizing fasciitis.