Pediatric emergency care
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Pediatric emergency care · Aug 1997
Miniature C-arm imaging: an in vitro study of detecting foreign bodies in the emergency department.
Recently, we have had clinical success detecting foreign bodies (FBs) using a mobile C-arm fluoroscopic device. This study tests its utility to detect FBs of differing densities in soft tissue. ⋯ This device accurately detects metal, gravel and glass. Radiolucent (wood) and semiradiopaque (plastic) FBs could not be located reliably. Clinical trials would define utility of this device in saving time, money and radiation exposure.
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Pediatric emergency care · Aug 1997
Comparative StudyEffect of a screening profile on the diagnosis of nonaccidental burns in children.
To determine if awareness of factors associated with burn abuse increases recognition and reporting by emergency physicians. ⋯ We conclude that the use of the checklist increased effective social service referral for burn abuse.
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Pediatric emergency care · Aug 1997
Comparative StudyA simple intervention for improving telephone contact of patients discharged from the emergency department.
To determine if emergency department (ED) follow-up contact rates can be improved by confirming a best contact telephone number with the patient prior to discharge. ⋯ A significant proportion of telephone numbers listed in the ED medical records are incorrect, but the frequency of inaccuracy may be institution-dependent. Confirming the patient's "best contact" number can significantly increase the successful contact of ED patients.
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Pediatric emergency care · Aug 1997
Comparative StudyIntraosseous and central venous blood acid-base relationship during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
The objectives of this study were: 1) to determine whether obtaining intraosseous (IO) blood samples was practical during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and 2) to compare the acid-base status (pH and partial pressure of CO2 (PCO2) of venous and IO blood during CPR. ⋯ Obtaining blood from the IO site is practical during CPR. The divergence in values as CPR progresses suggests that, during longer periods of CPR, IO blood may reflect local acidosis and yield lower PCO2 and higher pH values that CV blood. This finding may limit the usefulness of IO blood to judge acid base status as CPR progresses.
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Pediatric emergency care · Aug 1997
Using the hand to estimate the surface area of a burn in children.
Estimation of the surface area involved is vital to evaluation and treatment of burns. Common teaching suggests the palm approximates 1% of the total body surface area (TBSA). However, early century literature suggests the palmar surface of the entire hand approximates 1% of the TBSA. We sought to determine whether the palm or the entire palmar surface of the hand approximates 1% TBSA in children. ⋯ The entire palmar surface of a child's hand more closely approximates 1% TBSA, while the palm approximate 0.5% TBSA.