The western journal of emergency medicine
-
With regard to sedative agents used in procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA), such as etomidate, the focus has been on variables usually related to side effect profile and the success rates of various procedures, with both variables specifically taking place during the patients' stay in the emergency department (ED). There have been no extensive data on the functional status of patients after they leave the ED following PSA. ⋯ In this small follow-up study, adult patients undergoing PSA with etomidate for orthopedic closed reduction attribute post-discharge functional disability to the injury sustained and not to the PSA itself.
-
This case report describes a sternoclavicular infection in an IV drug user. The history and physical exam suggested an abscess. In the emergency department (ED) the patient refused incision and drainage but did consent to simple needle aspiration. ⋯ He was given a prescription for Ciprofloxacin. The patient had an unscheduled follow up in the ED five months later for an unrelated heroin overdose. Physical examination demonstrated complete resolution of the infection.