Rhode Island medical journal (2013)
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Recent studies have shown that the incidence of bloodstream infections (BSIs) associated with arterial catheters (ACs) is comparable to that of central venous catheters (CVCs). In 2011, the CDC published guidelines recommending the use of limited barrier precautions during AC insertion. The goal of this study was to assess the attitudes and current antiseptic techniques employed by physicians who place arterial catheters in intensive care units. ⋯ Use of barrier precautions for arterial catheter insertion was inconsistent in the cohort surveyed. Less than half of physicians surveyed were in compliance with CDC guidelines. Further studies are warranted to determine the optimal preventive strategies for reducing BSIs associated with ACs.
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Quality Improvement (QI) is required in all aspects of the healthcare field. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) poses unique QI challenges. This article explores some of these challenges and provides some points to consider when performing QI in EMS services.
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Emergency department (ED) patients frequently undergo chest x-ray (CXR) to evaluate for pneumonia. The rate of false-negative CXR in patients with pneumonia is unclear. ⋯ Patients with pneumonia may present with normal or nondiagnostic CXR, although false negatives may be less common than previously reported.