Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
-
Emerg Med Australas · Oct 2018
ReviewReview article: Investigations and the pregnant woman in the emergency department - part 1: Laboratory investigations.
Accurate assessment of the pregnant patient in the ED depends on knowledge of physiological changes in pregnancy, and how these changes may impact on pathology tests, appearance on point-of-care ultrasound and electrocardiography. In addition the emergency physician needs to be cognisant of disorders that are unique to or more common in pregnancy. Part 1 of this review addresses potential deviations in laboratory investigation reference intervals resulting from physiological alterations in pregnancy, and the important causes of abnormal laboratory results in pregnancy. Part 2 will address the role of point-of-care ultrasound in pregnancy, physiological changes that may affect interpretation of point-of-care ultrasound, physiological changes in electrocardiography, and the safety of radiological procedures in the pregnant patient.
-
Emerg Med Australas · Oct 2018
ReviewReview article: Best practice management of closed hand and wrist injuries in the emergency department (part 5 of the musculoskeletal injuries rapid review series).
Acute hand and wrist injuries are a common presentation to the ED and are associated with large individual and societal costs. Appropriate management of these injuries in the ED is crucial given that optimal hand function is essential for daily activities and quality of life. This rapid review investigated best practice for the assessment and management of common closed hand and wrist injuries in the ED. ⋯ This rapid review provides clinicians who manage common closed fractures and soft tissue injuries of the hand and wrist in the ED, a summary of the best available evidence to enhance the quality of care for optimal patient outcomes. There is evidence to support taking a thorough history and physical examination with consideration of occupational and functional factors, restoring alignment and immobilising when necessary and referring onwards. Key points regarding the diagnosis and management of these injuries are provided.
-
Emerg Med Australas · Oct 2018
Observational StudyAccuracy of medication information sources compared to the best possible medication history for patients presenting to the emergency department.
To assess the accuracy of medication information sources available for adult patients presenting to the ED, compared to a best possible medication history (BPMH). ⋯ A combination of sources is essential to determine the BPMH. RCF charts provided the most accurate information. Other sources had two to four regular medication-related discrepancies per patient.
-
Emerg Med Australas · Oct 2018
Observational StudyIncidence and outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A New Zealand perspective.
To describe the incidence and outcomes from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in the New Zealand population served by the St John Ambulance Service. ⋯ This is the first study to describe the epidemiology and outcomes of OHCA in New Zealand. Our findings provide important baseline data to monitor temporal trends, investigate the impact of changes in the management of OHCA and demonstrate that there are opportunities for improvement across the system of care.