Pediatric emergency care
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Pediatric emergency care · Sep 2017
Advanced Low-Cost Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Access Simulation: The Chicken Breast Model.
There is a growing body of literature that supports the use of ultrasound for vascular access. Advanced simulation has become a widely applied technique for training medical staff in vascular access. Nevertheless, advanced simulators are expensive and of limited usage. We describe both a step-wise systematic approach and an experimental cadaveric model of vascular access using a simple piece of chicken that can be easily used for trainees.
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Pediatric emergency care · Sep 2017
Case ReportsMethylphenidate Overdose Causing Secondary Polydipsia and Severe Hyponatremia in an 8-Year-Old Boy.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an increasingly common diagnosis of childhood that manifests with symptoms that affect cognitive, academic, behavioral, emotional, and social functioning. There are a multitude of pharmaceutical therapies to choose from when managing this condition, and though many studies on the safety and efficacy of these medications have been published, adverse effects still occur. ⋯ Though both lisdexamfetamine dimesylate and methylphenidate are widely used among pediatricians today for treatment of ADHD, reports of life-threatening water intoxication as a result of overdose is rare. Studies have reported that severe 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphtamine toxicity in adults is associated with syndrome of inappropriate diuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion, hyponatremia, and seizures, along with serotonin-induced transient elevation in antidiuretic hormone. Adult schizophrenics who receive psychostimulants have also been shown to develop polydipsia with hyponatremia. Although the use of psychostimulants in adult schizophrenic patients has been studied, literature on toxicity and effects in the pediatric psychiatric population is scarce. We would suggest that this patient's polydipsia and hyponatremia are most likely a result of his ingestion of a toxic dose of a long-acting agent known to cause secondary psychosis.
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Pediatric emergency care · Sep 2017
Case ReportsPoint-of-Care Ultrasound Diagnosis of Multiple Mandibular Fractures in an Adolescent Presenting to the Pediatric Emergency Department.
We present a case of an adolescent patient with multiple mandibular fractures diagnosed by point-of-care ultrasound in the pediatric emergency department. Sonographic findings consistent with fracture were identified in our patient, and early consultation expedited interdepartmental coordination and disposition. The role of ultrasound in identifying various traumatic orthopedic and maxillofacial injuries is discussed.
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Pediatric emergency care · Sep 2017
ReviewPediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in the Acute Setting.
Pediatric mild traumatic brain injuries, most of which are concussions, are an increasingly common reason for presentation to emergency departments. The diagnosis of concussion has increased dramatically over the past decade, necessitating the acute care provider to have up-to-date knowledge of the definition, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, physical examination findings, and acute management of pediatric concussion. This article also addresses populations most vulnerable to prolonged recovery from pediatric concussion and referral recommendations.
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Pediatric emergency care · Sep 2017
Improving Timeliness of β-Agonist and Corticosteroid Administration in Patients With Acute Wheezing.
Timely delivery of β-agonists and steroids to patients with acute recurrent wheezing is a key component of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommended emergency department (ED) asthma care. We conducted an ED improvement initiative to standardize asthma care and improve time to treatments. ⋯ By standardizing asthma care in our ED and redesigning care delivery processes, care variation decreased and significant improvements in timeliness of β-agonist and steroid administration occurred.