Brit J Hosp Med
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Delirium is a clinical syndrome characterised by a disturbance of perception, consciousness and/or cognitive function, with an acute onset, fluctuating course and a severe deterioration arising over hours or days. Delirium is usually triggered by a combination of influences including acute illness, surgery, drugs and environmental factors. It is commonly seen in older people presenting to hospital, but can also develop during hospitalisation. ⋯ An alternate method for diagnosing hospital-acquired delirium is described. This article outlines a 10-stage method for diagnosing, managing and preventing delirium, with emphasis on which areas of the history and examination should be prioritised, what the salient investigations are and both non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches to preventing and treating delirium. Finally, this article explores which patients require specialist referrals or investigations and how to best follow up patients with delirium.
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Knee joint dislocation is a relatively uncommon injury but its management is important because of the associated high risk of vascular, neurological and multi-ligamentous knee injuries. Clinicians must be aware that not all knee dislocations are diagnosed on plain X-rays; a high index of suspicion is required based on clinical evaluation. ⋯ Early one-stage or multiple staged ligament repair and reconstruction offer better outcomes, but most patients have some long-term functional limitation. This article provides insights into the epidemiology and management of this injury and its devastating effects.
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Nitrous oxide, also known as 'laughing gas', is one of the most widely used recreational drugs among teenagers in the UK. Copious inhalation of nitrous oxide may increase intra-alveolar pressure, resulting in barotrauma secondary to alveolar rupture. ⋯ A spectrum of neurological manifestations has been reported, including peripheral neuropathy, myelopathy and subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. Medical therapies and psychosocial interventions aiming at nitrous oxide cessation are important treatment steps to achieve partial or complete recovery from the adverse effects associated with inhalation of nitrous oxide.
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The accompanying article set out why it is important to identify autistic people and the negative consequences of not recognising or understanding autism, including more severe illness and premature death. This article sets out what clinicians can do to help reduce those negative consequences by making 'reasonable adjustments' in any healthcare service in which they work.
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This editorial reviews the Safety for All campaign, which is calling for improvements in, and between, patient and healthcare worker safety to prevent safety incidents and deliver better outcomes for all.