Postgraduate medicine
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Physicians must be alert to the possibility of abuse within the family and home. They should be well prepared to help victims begin the transition to a safer environment. An awareness of the prevalence of abuse and a high index of suspicion are the most effective clinical tools for assisting victims of domestic violence. ⋯ Comprehensive management includes not only treatment but also investigation of injuries, reporting of suspected abuse, referral to appropriate community agencies for violence management or counseling, and addressing underlying chemical dependency or mental disorders. Close follow-up is critical to both detection and prevention. Physicians are obliged not only to treat individuals but also to support social policies that reduce family violence.
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Postgraduate medicine · Jul 1996
ReviewDelirium. Quick recognition, careful evaluation, and appropriate treatment.
Delirium is a common medical condition, especially in elderly hospitalized patients. The syndrome is characterized by a short course of confusion and changes in perception and behavior. ⋯ Prompt recognition and aggressive treatment of the underlying cause are essential for a positive outcome. Supportive measures are designed to calm and protect the patient and provide symptomatic relief until the precipitating condition is corrected.