The New Zealand medical journal
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No previous studies have systematically assessed the psychological functioning of medical students following a major disaster. ⋯ Around 10% of medical students experienced moderate-extreme psychological difficulties 7 months following the most severe earthquake on 22 February 2011. Specific groups at high risk for ongoing psychological symptomatology were able to be identified.
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A 51-year-old man with multiple risk factors for ischaemic heart disease attended the emergency department (ED) with sudden-onset chest pain, dizziness and breathlessness. He was tachycardic but had normal heart sounds and normal QRS complexes on ECG. ⋯ Emergent pericardiocentesis was performed with excellent outcome. This case highlights the importance of early detection of cardiac tamponade as well as the role of bedside ultrasound in diagnosis and management of the condition.
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To investigate general medicine readmissions for risk factors and association with mortality. ⋯ Readmission to general medicine is strongly associated with older age, polypharmacy, and multiple comorbidities. Readmission is an independent strong risk factor for 1-year mortality, with this risk increasing after multiple readmissions. Readmissions can be a marker of deteriorating patient's condition, and a discussion in relation to prognosis, ceiling of treatment, resuscitation status documentation and advance directive may be warranted.