Emergency Medicine - Adult and Pediatric
RSSArticles
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Evaluation and Management of Diplopia in the Emergency Department
Diplopia is an uncommon presenting complaint in the emergency department that can be associated with life- and vision-threatening diagnoses. Comprehensive management typically requires an interdisciplinary team, often including both ophthalmology and neurology. This article provides emergency physicians with an organized resource that they can quickly reference for guidance on the assessment, management, and disposition of diplopia patients.
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An Approach to Palliative Care in the Emergency Department
Emergency physicians play a critical role in recognizing the need for and initiating early palliative care interventions, often at the most pivotal moments in a patient’s illness. By addressing symptoms such as dyspnea, pain, nausea, and constipation early and effectively, and by guiding conversations around goals of care, emergency providers can greatly enhance the quality of life for patients with serious or terminal illnesses.
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Update on Emergency Department Sedation
Procedural sedation is an important and required skill for emergency medicine providers. Performing procedural sedation allows providers to safely perform multiple procedures, such as reductions, suturing, and cardioversion. Multiple agents can be used for procedural sedation and should be chosen based on desired length of sedation and comorbidities, as well as the physician’s level of comfort.
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Outpatient Management of Venous Thromboembolism Diagnosed in the ED
Venous thromboembolism, which includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is a common presentation in the emergency department. A systematic approach, incorporating the patient’s history, risk factors, physical examination findings, and validated risk stratification tools, can effectively guide diagnostic evaluation. Many patients with venous thromboembolism can be safely managed in the outpatient setting.
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Toxic Alcohols: Mechanisms, Presentation, Evaluation, and Management
It is critical to have a high index of suspicion for toxic alcohol toxicity to make an accurate and timely diagnosis. This, in turn, facilitates expeditious treatment that may prevent morbidity and mortality in these patients.
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Preparing for Avian Influenza
Although human-to-human transmission has not been observed for avian influenza in the United States at this time, and the situation is seen only as a possibility, it is important that all emergency care providers understand the virus and its potential implications for both practice and patients.
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Review of the AHA Hypertension Update for Emergency Physicians
Hypertension is one of the most common complaints among adult patients presenting to the emergency department. The American Heart Association (AHA) issues periodic guidelines and recommendations for the management of hypertension. This article will focus on the recent AHA scientific statement on the management of hypertension in the acute care setting.
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Mass Casualty Incidents
Mass casualty incidents are frightening and challenging for both victims and the healthcare professionals who must provide the highest level of care to the most individuals possible, often in uncertain environments. The authors review critical aspects of mass casualty incidents and the latest evidence regarding optimal care and management for patients and staff.
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Managing Pediatric Wounds
Wounds are a common and critical aspect of emergency medicine practice. Children pose unique challenges, which are comprehensively reviewed by the authors with strategies for optimal management.
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Tracheostomy Patients in the Emergency Department
Tracheostomies are prone to complications. Most complications are minor and can be readily treated. Serious and life-threatening complications require prompt recognition and expeditious management.