Browse Emergency Medicine General Articles by Topic

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Spinal Cord Compression

Diagnosis and management of acute spinal cord compression can be a challenge for the emergency physician. The clinical presentation can range from intermittent, subtle symptoms to acute loss of motor and/or sensory function. Prompt diagnosis and definitive intervention are crucial to preventing long-term neurologic deficit.

Stroke in Young Adults

Although stroke once was considered primarily a disease of older adults, recent epidemiological data underscore a rising incidence in younger populations worldwide. This article will define the scope of young adult stroke, discuss its epidemiology and pathophysiology, highlight the wide etiological spectrum, delve into clinical diagnostic steps, offer a practical framework for management, and conclude with a summary that emphasizes the persistent practice gap.

Evaluation and Management of Elbow Injuries in the Emergency Department

Elbow injuries continue to be a very common complaint that presents to the emergency department. These injuries involve a complex joint that includes many important structures, with injuries that vary greatly. It is important that emergency medicine clinicians remain prepared to evaluate, diagnose, and treat these various elbow injuries.

Airway Management in Trauma

Rapid assessment and management of the airway in trauma patients is critical, and timely, decisive, and skillful intervention often can make the difference between life and death. Every emergency medicine physician must have an escalating stepwise approach to securing even the most difficult airway. The authors comprehensively review the initial airway assessment, basic and advanced methods and techniques for establishing a definitive airway through endotracheal intubation and surgical airways, airway adjuncts, medications selection, and strategies to address specific factors that complicate airway management in trauma.