Emergencias
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Comparative Study Observational Study
[Comparison of dressings and devices to secure peripheral venous catheters in the emergency department: suitability according to patient profile].
To identify the most suitably designed dressings and devices to secure peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) in different types of patients. To evaluate the traction force the dressings could withstand and times they are able to keep the PVC in place in the emergency department. ⋯ Design C was able to withstand greater forces in the traction tests. Extra surgical tape significantly improved resistance to traction when a stopcock was used. Using a Steri-strip with the Tegaderm device increased resistance to traction, although the improvement was less than that obtained with the Omnifix. The Tegaderm plus Omnifix design was significantly more resistant to traction than the Tegaderm by itself at only a slightly higher cost; the combination design, therefore, may be more recommendable. However, our results for resistance, cost, and application time showed that the Omnifix (desing B) is the best choice for securing a PVC.
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Observational Study
[Factors related to lack of autonomous mobility during out-of-hospital emergency care].
To explore the frequency of lack of autonomous mobility and factors related to it in patients requiring prehospital emergency services. ⋯ The profile we identified for patients and situations in which patients cannot move autonomously during prehospital emergency care can be used to plan preventive strategies to ensure patient safety.
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To explore circadian variation in the effectiveness of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) to treat ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) To explore the effects of circardian variation on infarct extension and in-hospital complications. ⋯ A time of onset of STEMI between 6 AM and 12 PM predicts the ineffectiveness of PTCA and greater infarct extension but not in-hospital complications.
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To evaluate the correlation between variations in ultrasound-measured diaphragm movement and changes in the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) after the start of noninvasive ventilation (NIV). ⋯ In patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure, the increase in range of diaphragm movement 15 minutes after starting NIV is associated with a decrease in PCO2 after 1 hour.
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Observational Study
[Injuries from pepper spray used for self defense: analysis of 15 cases managed in an emergency chemical decontamination area].
We analyzed epidemiologic and clinical characteristics, treatment received, and clinical course in cases of pepper spray injury treated in the chemical decontamination area of an emergency department over a 5-year period. A total of 15 patients with a mean (SD) age of 25 (8.3) years were included. Thirteen were men and 53% were foreign-born. ⋯ Outcomes were good and there were no complications in any of the cases. We conclude that pepper sprays are being used as an aid to self defense in muggings in our community. Decontamination measures have priority as they alleviate symptoms and prevent long-lasting effects.