The Effect of a Single-Dose Aminoglycoside With a Beta-Lactam for the Treatment of Gram-Negative Bacteremia.

Aminoglycosides possess activity against aerobic gram-negative organisms and are often used in combination with beta-lactam antibiotics. Previous studies evaluating combination therapy in gram-negative bacteremia have not shown clear benefits, however antimicrobial resistance was not prevalent in these studies. Our objective is to elucidate potential benefits of adding a single dose of an aminoglycoside to a beta-lactam in patients with gram-negative bacteremia.

The Additive Value of Pelvic Examinations to History in Predicting Sexually Transmitted Infections for Young Female Patients With Suspected Cervicitis or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.

Study Objective: We evaluate the additive value of pelvic examinations in predicting sexually transmitted infection for young female patients with suspected cervicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease in a pediatric emergency department (ED).

Methods: This was a prospective observational study of female patients aged 14 to 20 years who presented to an urban academic pediatric ED with a complaint of vaginal discharge or lower abdominal pain. Enrolled patients provided a urine sample for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas testing, which served as the criterion standard for diagnosis.

Ultrasound to Detect Pressure-related Deep Tissue Injuries in Adults Admitted via the Emergency Department: A Prospective, Descriptive, Pilot Study.

Stage 4 pressure ulcers (PUs) start with tissue death at the level of the bone, also known as deep tissue injury (DTI). Studies have shown the appearance of DTI on the skin is delayed for several days after the original pressure-related injury to the deep soft tissues. Studies also suggest DTI can be seen using ultrasound (US) technology.

Enhanced communication performance improvement and patient satisfaction in an endoscopy/ambulatory surgery unit.

A nursing incentive directed toward enhanced communication, performance improvement, patient safety, and patient satisfaction was initiated by the staff nurses in an endoscopy unit of a 714-bed specialized teaching hospital. Data were collected from approximately 1,800 ambulatory patients using a hands-off communication tool. The population was evenly divided between males and females.

Balint's syndrome arising from bilateral posterior cortical atrophy or infarction: rehabilitation strategies and their limitation.

Balint's syndrome is characterized by faulty visual scanning, dysmetria secondary to a visual perceptual deficit, and an inability to recognize more than one object at a time. We report three cases of Balint's syndrome and the individualized rehabilitation they received. One patient developed symptoms of Balint's syndrome caused by bilateral occipitoparietal infarcts.