J Emerg Med
-
Orbital compartment syndrome is a potentially blinding eye condition. Timely diagnosis and treatment are paramount to optimize visual outcomes. Lateral canthotomy and cantholysis is the definitive management and a required competency for emergency physicians and ophthalmologists. Lack of confidence in the procedure can result in delayed treatment and poor outcomes. ⋯ Our model is low cost, easy to assemble, and anatomically correct. The user can 'strum' the inferior canthal tendon without cutting the lower lid, appreciating the difference between canthotomy and cantholysis. Use of this model significantly increased the number of learners who felt "quite confident" with performing the procedure. Use of this model should be considered for trainees in ophthalmology and emergency medicine.
-
Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common, painful condition for which patients sometimes seek treatment in the emergency department. Although corticosteroid injections are helpful for PF, they are painful. ⋯ Patients may not have to wait until an appointment with a specialist to begin experiencing analgesia for PF.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
The Effect of Ketamine Versus Etomidate for Rapid Sequence Intubation on Maximum Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
The use of induction agents for rapid sequence intubation (RSI) has been associated with hypotension in critically ill patients. Choice of induction agent may be important and the most commonly used agents are etomidate and ketamine. ⋯ There were no significant differences in maximum SOFA score or post-intubation hypotension between critically ill adults receiving ketamine vs. etomidate for RSI.
-
Sepsis is a leading cause of death worldwide. However, little has been known concerning the status of discharge against medical advice (DAMA) in sepsis patients. ⋯ DAMA occurs in nearly 3.88% of sepsis patients and is linked to higher readmission and mortality. Those at high risk of DAMA should be early identified to motivate intervention to avoid premature discharges and associated adverse outcomes.