Ultrasound evaluation of peripheral intravenous catheter thrombus formation associated with intravenous flucloxacillin administration: A prospective observational pilot study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to sonographically evaluate whether intravenous (IV) flucloxacillin administration was associated with an increased risk of peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) thrombus formation.

Methods: This observational study included participants enrolled as a convenience sample from a larger prospective study of patients with cellulitis receiving IV antibiotics in the emergency department. Point-of-care ultrasound was used to evaluate the PIVCs for thrombus formation after insertion and at specified timepoints after IV administration of antibiotic or saline solution through to discharge.

Point-of-care ultrasound to diagnose acute cholecystitis in the emergency department: A scoping review.

Introduction/purpose: Ultrasound is the first-line imaging modality for suspected acute cholecystitis. This can be radiology-performed ultrasound or point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). POCUS can potentially streamline patient assessment in the emergency department (ED).

A survey of paediatric difficult peripheral intravenous access in the emergency department and use of point-of-care ultrasound.

Introduction/purpose: Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion can be challenging in children, with point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) known to increase success rates. The objective of this study was to survey how emergency department (ED) clinicians identify and escalate paediatric patients with difficult intravenous access (DIVA), specifically the use of POCUS.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in an Australian academic mixed ED that surveyed resident medical officers (RMOs), registrars, consultants and senior paediatric nurses.

The impact of dementia on rehabilitation outcomes following hip fracture.

Objective: To compare clinical outcomes between patients for whom their participation in inpatient rehabilitation was and was not impacted by dementia through matching patients reporting dementia (dementia group) with those not reporting dementia (non-dementia group).

Methods: Prospectively collected data held by the Australasian Rehabilitation Outcome Centre (AROC) were analyzed for patients aged 65 years or older receiving inpatient rehabilitation in public hospitals in Australia following a hip fracture and discharged between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2019. Patients reported as having dementia impacting their rehabilitation program were matched to patients not reporting dementia based on age, admission motor Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score, and accommodation prior to rehabilitation.

Point-of-care ultrasound-assisted diagnosis of gastric vessel rupture in a young man presenting with chest pain: A cautionary tale.

We report a young male patient who presented with chest and shoulder tip pain with spontaneous intraperitoneal haemorrhage (haemoperitoneum) due to gastric vessel rupture. Point-of-care ultrasound detected abdominal free fluid, which led to a CT scan of the abdomen and reached the diagnosis. Intra-abdominal bleeding can present as referred chest or shoulder tip pain, as more commonly seen in females with pelvic pathologies.

Point-of-care ultrasound-guided pericapsular nerve group block for superior pubic ramus fracture in the emergency department: A case report.

Pelvic fragility fractures, such as pubic ramus fractures, are a common and painful condition in the elderly population. Despite this, there are few regional anaesthesia options available to effectively relieve pain in these fracture types and avoid potential side effects from opioid administration. This case report describes an elderly patient with a superior ramus fracture, who received effective pain relief with motor sparing, using a standard-volume point-of-care ultrasound-guided pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block performed in the emergency department.

Describing the learning curve of novices for the diagnosis of paediatric distal forearm fractures using point-of-care ultrasound.

Purpose: The learning curve of nurse practitioners (NPs) to accurately diagnose paediatric distal forearm fractures using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) was investigated.

Methods: Each NP's learning curve was calculated as cumulative diagnostic accuracy against a number of scans performed. The curve's plateau represented the attainment of competency.

Identifying and Transmitting the Culture of Emergency Medicine Through Simulation.

Background: Simulation is commonly used in medical education. It offers the opportunity for participants to apply theoretical knowledge and practice nontechnical skills. We aimed to examine how simulation may also help to identify emergency medicine culture and serve as a tool to transmit values, beliefs, and practices to medical learners.

Point-of-care echocardiography - A road to future or a step backwards.

Echocardiography (Echo) has a myriad of clinical applications. Traditionally, it was performed and interpreted by cardiologist but the scope of its applications has lead physicians of other specialities to learn this useful skill. One of the newer and expanding scope of echocardiography is point-of-care (POC) echocardiography.