Emergency Medicine - Adult and Pediatric
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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
The term pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) describes a compilation of infections that arise from an ascending infection of the vagina or cervix to the upper genital tract, which is comprised of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. These infections include, either alone or in combination, tubo-ovarian abscess, salpingitis, endometritis, and peritonitis. This article provides an evidence-based review of diagnostic and treatment recommendations for PID.
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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Emergency Medicine
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) is a treatment modality that can be used in the emergent management of a number of life-threatening conditions. This article will review the mechanisms, indications, and future directions of HBO2 specific to the field of emergency medicine.
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Pediatric Abdominal Ultrasound: A Comprehensive Guide to Making the Diagnosis — Part I
Ultrasound is rapidly evolving as the ideal imaging modality for many common pediatric complaints. This two-part series reviews the select applications of ultrasound, reviewing the basic techniques, indications, and limitations for each exam.
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Significant Legal Exposure for Hospital if Patient Assaulted in ED
Seldom does a person go from a state of calm to physical violence without warning. Are staffers trained to recognize when an aggressive patient’s behaviors are escalating?
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‘Divide and Conquer’ Is Plaintiff’s Strategy With ED Co-defendants
When both ED nurses and EPs are named in a malpractice suit, a unified defense is the goal.
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Does Reassessment Before Discharge Reveal Abnormal Vitals? Documentation Is Key
Dozens of times each shift, EPs determine the appropriate disposition for patients. A well-documented, appropriate reassessment can reduce legal risks and should include proof that the EP spoke to and examined the patient, as well as repetition of pertinent portions of the physical exam.
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Can Rarely Used ‘Empty Chair’ Strategy Help ED Defense?
The “empty chair” strategy comes into play when there is a potential unnamed defendant with possible exposure. Using the empty chair defense, a named defendant would argue the liability of the unnamed defendant.
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‘Patient Dumping’ Still Happens 30 Years After EMTALA; EDs Face Significant Exposure
Have you ever heard the question, “What would you do if an ED patient behaved in an unruly manner?” If an investigator from CMS asked one of your ED’s security guards this question, would the response reveal non-compliance with federal law?
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New Concepts of Ultrasound in the Emergency Department: Focused Cardiac Ultrasound in Cardiac Arrest
Ultrasound is an integral aspect of caring for patients in the emergency department, and real-time use of this imaging modality at the bedside allows practitioners a hands-on approach to the clinical evaluation of patients. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has particular benefit in the critically ill patient for whom rapid information for decision-making is essential. Given this benefit, there is clear application for POCUS in the patient in cardiac arrest.
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The Evaluation of the Dizzy Patient
Dizziness is a common complaint among emergency department patients. Emergency providers need to differentiate benign from serious causes.