Providers are charged with responsibility to maintain their own health and wellness; however, well-being is multifactorial and the construct lacks clarity. In the current state of health care, burnout is on the rise with increasing demands for clinical productivity and strained system resources. The health care industry has recognized wellness's patient safety and financial impact, recently applying research and resources to identify sustainable solutions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNecrotizing fasciitis is a life-threatening infection that can be rapidly fatal. Early identification and emergent surgical management are essential to minimize morbidity and mortality. This case report describes a 25-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with a three-day history of worsening left lower dental infection and new-onset neck pain and swelling.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSuperior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a potentially fatal condition that can be difficult to diagnose for emergency medicine physicians due to its rarity and vague gastrointestinal symptom presentation. Patients arriving at the emergency department (ED) with this condition may encounter delays in proper supportive care and treatment. We present the case of a 21-year-old female who was seen in the ED for nausea, non-bloody vomiting, and rapid weight loss.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIt is generally recognized that lives are saved by administering high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to patients in cardiac arrest. A focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) examination is an effective and non-invasive method for detecting rare complications of CPR, such as hemorrhage from abdominal visceral injury. We report the case of a 56-year-old female suffering from intra-abdominal hemorrhage caused by a liver laceration following CPR.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: A review of our child abuse evaluation system demonstrated a lack of standardization leading to low reporting levels. The purpose of this quality improvement initiative was to develop a standard child abuse screening tool; an education program increasing awareness to child abuse; and to measure the impact of the screening tool in reporting.
Methods: A screening tool was developed and implemented for all trauma patients < 15 years of age; staff was educated; and a child protection team (CPT) was established.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of death in multisystem trauma patients; the importance of VTE prevention is well recognized. Presently, standard dose enoxaparin (30 mg BID) is used as chemical prophylaxis, regardless of weight or physiologic status. However, evidence suggests decreased bioavailability of enoxaparin in critically ill patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFStump appendicitis is a rare but serious postoperative complication of an appendectomy. In the emergency department, diagnosticians are likely to rule out appendicitis when a surgical history of an appendectomy is reported. We describe 2 patients in this case series who presented to the emergency department with right lower quadrant abdominal pain and a history of previous appendectomy.
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