Aust Fam Physician
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A medical emergency can be defined as an acute change in physiological or psychological status likely to result in death, disability, or delayed recovery without prompt and appropriate treatment. Clinical deterioration in children develops more rapidly than in adults, but with correct treatment the child has a greater capacity for quick and complete recovery.
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Many pitfalls await the general practitioner in managing the orthopaedic problems that arise in everyday practice, mostly as the result of trauma. Many injuries, such as fractures of the arm and hand, seem trivial but they can lead to long term disability. The authors present guidelines to help avoid these pitfalls.
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This second part of a study comparing general practice consultations in Bourke in 1968 and 1985 examines attendances with non communicable diseases. Over the period, Aboriginal consultations for genitourinary diseases, diabetes, alcohol abuse, hypertension, and musculoskeletal disorders have increased. ⋯ This group also has a higher mortality. The role of the general practitioner is discussed.