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Despite the tremendous benefits of athletic participation, there are inherent risks to any athletic endeavor, whether the activity is organized or spontaneous. Additionally, because there are more children and adolescents participating in sports, there are, due to sheer numbers, more injuries.
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Trauma patients frequently present to the emergency department for evaluation. Early identification of injuries, a thorough diagnostic evaluation, and timely management improve outcomes. Understandably, high-risk patients with the potential for decompensation on missed injuries mandate a thorough and comprehensive evaluation. This article identifies and reviews areas where diagnostic errors may occur.
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Many ED physicians do not get blood alcohol levels on intoxicated patients because levels do not correlate well with the patient's mental status or competence, while others say this practice is legally risky. So should blood alcohol levels be obtained?
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Imagine being held legally responsible for everything that goes wrong during your shift—whether you were involved or not. Under the "captain of the ship" legal doctrine, could this be a legal reality? Not likely, according to experts in emergency medicine litigation.
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If a patient is physically violent, your ED's process may involve the use of restraints and contacting security. But the appropriate action to take may be less clear if a patient seems flirtatious, exposes him or herself intentionally, or makes sexually provocative remarks.
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In what context would a court determine that a patient was not on equal footing with a provider or institution and, therefore, in a position of weakness regarding his/her ability to effectively bargain?
