Brit J Hosp Med
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Palliative and end of life care forms an important part of the role of any doctor in training, and an awareness of a structured approach to managing common symptoms and end of life care is essential. Common symptoms include pain, nausea and vomiting, constipation, and breathlessness. ⋯ Prescribing or medication errors in relation to symptom control in palliative care can relate to individual errors, poor communication, poor care coordination, equipment and care planning. There are some important key points relating to prescribing to consider, for example, using recognized conversions when changing between opioids and from the oral to syringe drivers route; that diamorphine and morphine are not equipotent; prescribing liquid opioids in milligrams not millilitres where there are multiple concentrations available; making the indication for steroids clear when used, as they are multiple possible indications (and also their intended duration, to avoid unintended longer term sequelae of steroid use); and avoiding the use of oxygen for symptomatic relief of breathlessness in the absence of hypoxia.
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Trauma affecting the chest wall, even in isolation, can carry a significant morbidity and mortality and thus appropriate management is vital. Consequences of chest wall trauma may include significant pain, altered chest wall mechanics, hypoventilation, infection and respiratory failure. In order to best determine the appropriate management, risk stratification tools have been developed to identify patients at highest risk of complications who would most benefit from more invasive management strategies. ⋯ The analgesic options range from multimodal oral analgesia to invasive regional anaesthetic techniques such as thoracic epidurals, paravertebral catheters, intercostal nerve blocks and fascial plane blocks. Other important considerations include provision of appropriate oxygen therapy, ventilation support and physiotherapy. For a selected group of patients with the most significant injuries, surgical rib fixation may be appropriate if chest wall mechanics are sufficiently impaired.
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Acute angle closure is an emergent ophthalmic condition that develops as a result of an obstructed outflow of aqueous humour between the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye, leading to a sudden rise in intraocular pressure and secondary optic neuropathy if left untreated. The most common primary cause is a pupillary block in patients with pre-existing narrow angles, such as those who are long-sighted. However, awareness should be raised to identify secondary causes of angle closure, including the use of commonly prescribed medications. ⋯ Basic examination of the eye should include assessment of the anterior segment with a bright light, measurement of intraocular pressure and a full neurological exam. Immediate treatment must be initiated whenever there is high clinical suspicion of acute angle closure, with the administration of systemic ocular hypotensive therapy to prevent damage to the optic nerve and limit visual loss. An urgent referral to the ophthalmologist is mandatory to dictate definitive management.