Emergency medicine clinics of North America
-
Physiologic data obtained from infants and children in shock indicate that there is a high frequency of abnormalities that can only be discovered with pulmonary artery catheters. Cardiogenic shock is a low-output, high-resistance condition, and septic shock is a relatively high-output, low-resistance condition. The use of pulmonary artery catheter data demonstrates that optimal therapeutic goals can be estimated and basic pathophysiologic abnormalities can be discovered.
-
For trauma resuscitation, the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma recommends at least two large-bore intravenous lines for rapid fluid administration. Access to venous circulation may be difficult and challenging in emergency situations. The physician should be accomplished in numerous intravenous access techniques. Knowledge of flow characteristics for intravenous catheters will aid in the appropriate choice of equipment for successful emergency resuscitation.
-
Establishment of airway patency is a crucial procedure necessary for every emergency physician. Because no one method of airway management is appropriate for every emergency, emergency physicians must be skilled in several different types and familiar with the various equipment needed for each.
-
Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. · Feb 1986
ReviewCoagulation studies: prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, bleeding time.
Three coagulation tests available in the emergency department are described in this article. Methods, results, and implications in the bleeding patient are reviewed.
-
Although the clinical manifestations of an abnormal serum sodium concentration are uncommon, imbalances in sodium and water occur frequently. The major indications for the determination of the serum sodium are those situations in which the signs and symptoms of hyponatremia or hypernatremia are likely. ⋯ Laboratory tests should primarily be used to confirm clinical suspicions. The majority of disorders in which imbalances in sodium and water occur can be diagnosed on clinical grounds, irrespective of the serum sodium concentration.