Turkish journal of emergency medicine
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In this study, we aimed to determine the causes of overcrowding in the Emergency Department (ED) and make recommendations to help reduce length of stay (LOS) of patients in the ED. ⋯ Similar to EDs in other parts of the world, prolonged length of stay in the ED, delayed laboratory and imaging tests, delay of consultants, and lack of sufficient inpatient beds are the most important causes of overcrowding in the ED. Some drastic measures must be taken to minimize errors and increase satisfaction ratio.
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Blood ketone (beta-hydroxybutyrate) measurements are suggested instead of urine ketone (acetoacetate) measurements in the diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis. Urine ketone examination is difficult and time consuming, and may result in an incorrect interpretation. Studies performed in emergency departments on blood ketones are limited. Our objective is to compare urine ketones and capillary blood ketones in patients whose serum glucose levels were ≥150 mg/dl. ⋯ In patients admitted to the emergency department with a blood glucose level of 150 mg/dL or higher, performing a capillary blood ketone measurement instead of a urine ketone measurement was a better predictor of ketonemia.