Pediatric emergency care
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Pediatric emergency care · Aug 2010
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyTriage assessment in pediatric emergency departments: a national survey.
Because of the varying physiological and developmental stages in children, the taking of vital signs and other assessments at triage in an emergency department (ED) can be challenging. The purpose of this study was to examine current triage practices in pediatric EDs in the United States. ⋯ Despite the important decisions made based on triage assessment in a pediatric ED, there is wide variability in the parameters assessed and the methodology used. Additional research should focus on the validity and reliability of each assessment to determine the best practices.
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Pediatric emergency care · Aug 2010
Comparative StudyCentral venous access via external jugular vein in children.
To determine the success rate and complications of using the external jugular (EJ) vein for central venous access in pediatric patients. ⋯ The EJ vein is a viable site for central venous access with a low complication rate in pediatric patients.
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Pediatric emergency care · Aug 2010
Case ReportsHenoch-schönlein purpura complicated by reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome.
We report a 7-year-old girl with Henoch-Schönlein purpura who developed hypertensive encephalopathy. She showed a sudden onset of neurological symptoms, including hypertension, convulsions, disturbance of consciousness, and cortical blindness. ⋯ Reports of this syndrome in patients with Henoch-Schönlein purpura are very rare. However, if symptoms suggest central nervous system involvement, neuroimaging should be done for rapid diagnosis, and immediate treatment should be provided to avoid sequelae.
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Pediatric emergency care · Aug 2010
Case ReportsSpontaneous pneumomediastinum: a report of 2 cases.
We report 2 cases of spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) with clinical presentations similar to pericarditis, including positional chest pain, tachycardia, a precordial rub, and electrocardiographic changes. Chest radiography is the most commonly used imaging modality for diagnosis, but the findings may be subtle. ⋯ Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is self-limiting, and the risk of recurrence is negligible. These cases serve to illustrate the need to include spontaneous pneumomediastinum in the differential diagnosis of pericarditis.
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Pediatric emergency care · Aug 2010
Comparative StudyImproving pretransport care of pediatric emergency patients: an assessment of referring hospital care.
Before effective educational interventions can be implemented to improve health care, a needs assessment is essential to determine areas best targeted for improvement. The purpose of this study was to assess the educational needs of referring community hospitals with regard to the pretransport care of pediatric patients. ⋯ Using a simple survey, we identified opportunities for improvement in the management of pediatric emergency patients by referring hospitals in 22% of cases.