Pediatric emergency care
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Glass mercury thermometers were once used as the criterion standard for measuring core body temperature. Once broken, however, there is the dual hazard of broken glass and exposure to mercury. Previous studies have focused only on the mercury hazard rather than injuries related to thermometer glass. ⋯ Persistent use of glass mercury thermometers has resulted in pediatric injury especially in children younger than 4 years. We reported the different mechanisms of injury with the hope of eliminating its use and reinforcing the use of alternative thermometers.
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Pediatric emergency care · Oct 2009
Heelys injuries: a review of the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System data.
The purpose of this study was to describe the types and severity of Heelys-related injuries reported to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). Strategies for prevention of these injuries may be developed using this information. ⋯ Most injuries sustained from Heelys use are orthopedic injuries. However, a wide variety of other injuries occur with Heelys use. Children can sustain injuries serious enough to require hospital admission. Parents and children should be educated about the importance of protective gear use while "heeling."
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Pediatric emergency care · Oct 2009
Comparative StudyA comparison of parental and nursing assessments of level of illness or injury in a pediatric emergency department.
The 5-tier Emergency Severity Index (ESI) score is a well-accepted, validated triage tool with good interrater reliability. Parental perception of illness severity has not been compared to ESI score. ⋯ Close agreement exists between parent/guardian and nurse ESI scores, illustrating objectivity in parent/guardian assessments. This study provides a springboard for future studies regarding ED use after educating families on ED triage.
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Pediatric emergency care · Oct 2009
Adolescent input for designing an emergency department-based intervention about emergency contraception: results from an in-depth interview study.
To explore the attitudes of urban, minority adolescent girls about an emergency department (ED)-based intervention to address emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) use. ⋯ Urban, minority adolescent girls are generally supportive of learning about ECP during an ED visit. Preferences about the appropriateness of the intervention related to the type of patient complaint. Because multiple sources and delivery modalities were acceptable, future studies should determine whether tailoring the source and delivery modality to demographic characteristics enhances the uptake of the message.