Browse Emergency Articles by Topic

Falls in the Elderly

Falls in patients older than 65 years of age are an increasingly common presentation in U.S. emergency departments, and intricate knowledge and confidence in the evaluation and management of these patients is vital.

Penetrating Torso Trauma

Penetrating trauma is a common presenting complaint with the potential for devastating consequences. The diagnostic and therapeutic management of penetrating injuries to the chest and abdomen has undergone substantial evolution. The authors discuss the advances in the care of patients with penetrating chest and abdominal trauma.

Pitfalls in Treating Hand Emergencies

Traumatic and nontraumatic conditions involving the hand are among the more common clinical events seen in emergency departments. This article reviews the pitfalls that clinicians who encounter acute hand conditions must navigate successfully.

Efficacy of Vitamin C Infusion on Outcomes in Sepsis-Induced ARDS

In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, intravenous vitamin C infusion did not influence a change in the modified Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score from the time of infusion to four days compared to placebo.

Longer Antibiotic Courses for Pneumonia Do Not Improve Outcomes, But Cause More Adverse Effects

Two-thirds of general medicine patients with pneumonia received excess antibiotic therapy, with 93.2% of the unnecessary duration occurring after hospital discharge. Excess antibiotic therapy did not improve mortality or morbidity outcomes, although each additional antibiotic day was associated with 3% increased odds of antibiotic-associated adverse drug events.

Antimicrobial Stewardship in Critical Care

Antimicrobial stewardship is the responsibility of everyone involved in the care of critically ill and hospitalized patients. This review discusses some of the key principles and practices of successful antimicrobial stewardship programs, particularly as they relate to critical care.

Deadly Pediatric Rashes

Rash is a common complaint in the emergency department (ED). Often, the pediatric rash is a benign, self-limiting condition that requires no intervention; however, there are occasions when rashes are true emergencies. Identifying these rare occasions is critical for the pediatric patient. This issue reviews and discusses some of the most common pediatric dermatologic emergencies and the ED approach to identification, diagnosis, and immediate evidence-based management of these conditions.

Any Discrepancy in ED Chart Hurts All Med/Mal Defendants

With multiple providers documenting in the ED medical record, there are bound to be some discrepancies from time to time. However, the chart must reflect that discrepancies were recognized and considered by the ED provider.

Damage Caps Can Lead to Unintended Consequences for ED Malpractice

Damage caps render many cases economically unfeasible for plaintiffs’ counsel to pursue. Nonetheless, many ED providers still fear losing what may be an otherwise baseless malpractice claim. Tort reform is a safeguard against these scenarios, but the view looks different from the plaintiff’s perspective.

Most Common Allegation in PE/DVT Malpractice Claims? Failure to Diagnose and Treat

Learn about the essential documentation that can prevent problems.