Emergency Medicine - Adult and Pediatric
RSSArticles
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Sickle Cell Emergencies
This article provides an overview of the most frequently encountered complications associated with sickle cell disease seen in the emergency department. It will discuss recent guidelines and novel approaches to the treatment of entities such as acute chest syndrome, vaso-occlusive crisis, and stroke, as well as new treatments on the horizon.
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Chest Pain in Young Adults
Chest pain is one of the most common reasons that patients present to the emergency department. The underlying disease processes can range from benign to life-threatening. The purpose of this article is to discuss the diagnosis, treatment, and management of the common causes of chest pain that can present in a young adult.
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Infectious Meningitis: A Focused Review
The effectiveness of the current vaccine schedule has led to a significant decline in the incidence of bacterial meningitis. Delays in recognition and antibiotic administration result in increased morbidity and mortality; therefore, clinicians must maintain a high degree of vigilance for the subtle findings of meningitis, particularly in infants. Current standards for selective imaging, diagnostic testing, and empiric antibiotics are discussed.
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Disappointing Stroke Outcome? Patient ‘Likely to Blame EP’
A look at several common issues concerning ED malpractice claims involving stroke patients.
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Hospitals Face Liability if Impaired EP Becomes Malpractice Defendant
Experts discuss some ways plaintiff’s attorneys keep the hospital in the litigation against the EP and offer tips for reducing risks.
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Tissue Plasminogen Activator Decision Remains Legal Landmine for EDs
Most lawsuits involving tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) allege the EP failed to give the drug, or that the drug wasn’t given quickly enough. In reality, a minority of stroke patients receive tPA. Almost all are outside the treatment window or don’t meet the criteria for another reason.
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Lack of Discussion With Supervising EP Key Focus of PA Lawsuits
"An emergency physician who has agreed to supervise a PA may be sued, even when she never saw the patient, never reviewed the record, and does not remember the patient," one expert warns.
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Case Law Expanding ED’s Legal Exposure if Discharged Psychiatric Patient Commits Violence
Healthcare providers’ liability exposure for potentially violent ED patients could be expanding nationally.
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Court Applies EMTALA to Hospital’s Urgent/Walk-in Care Center
A Rhode Island federal court determined that under the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act regulations, a walk-in urgent care center was a “dedicated emergency department” because it held itself out “as a place that provides care for emergency medical conditions on an urgent basis without requiring a previously scheduled appointment.”
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Mammalian Bites
Bites, whether dog, cat, or human, are a common reason for emergency department visits.This article reviews the complexities of different types of bites ED providers may encounter and issues regarding closure and antibiotic prophylaxis, in addition to vaccination concerns.