A Free Diver with Hemoptysis and Chest Pain.

[Full article available at http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal-2019-02.asp].

Severe Hyperkalemia: Can the Electrocardiogram Risk Stratify for Short-term Adverse Events?

Introduction: The electrocardiogram (ECG) is often used to identify which hyperkalemic patients are at risk for adverse events. However, there is a paucity of evidence to support this practice. This study analyzes the association between specific hyperkalemic ECG abnormalities and the development of short-term adverse events in patients with severe hyperkalemia.

Reducing hip fractures in the elderly.

Clinical Question: Is there evidence that hip protectors and vitamin D with calcium supplementation reduce hip fractures in the elderly?

Results: The results are that vitamin D and calcium supplementation reduce incidence of hip fractures. Hip protectors provide some benefit in reducing hip fractures in elderly patients in residential facilities.

Implementation: Primary care providers should assess patients for the risk of hip fracture and consider using hip protectors and nutritional supplementation in selected individuals to prevent fractures.