J Emerg Med
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Lumboperitoneal shunts are commonly placed as treatment for a variety of conditions, and complications can be significant. ⋯ Physicians should be aware of this potentially devastating complication of shunt placement so that prompt and appropriate treatment can be initiated.
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Effective communication is important for the delivery of quality care. The Emergency Department (ED) environment poses significant challenges to effective communication. ⋯ The patients in this study perceived that the ED teams were respectful and allowed them to talk without interruptions; however, lower ratings were given for items related to actively engaging the patient in decision-making and asking questions.
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Cardiac valve injury after blunt chest trauma is extremely rare, and the tricuspid valve is most commonly affected because of the anterior location of the right ventricle. Tricuspid valve insufficiency can range from a subclinical presentation to acute cardiac failure. ⋯ Consideration of screening for anatomical heart injuries in blunt trauma patients with new onset dysrhythmias is recommended to explain hypotension not attributable to hemorrhage.