Articles: emergency-department.
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This study aimed to compare the topical anesthetic lignocaine, adrenaline, and tetracaine (LAT) (4% lignocaine, 1:2 000 adrenaline, 1% tetracaine) with the conventional lignocaine infiltration(LI) for repair of minor lacerations, for the comfort of anesthetic administration, efficacy, adverse effects and cost. ⋯ LAT gel prior to the toilet and suture of minor lacerations is proven to be as efficacious as LI in terms of patient comfort and effectiveness of anesthesia. The complications are also comparable to those treated with LI.
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ABSTRACTObjectives:The level of expertise and degree of training in neonatal resuscitation (NNR) of emergency physicians is not standardized and has not been measured. We sought to determine the self-reported comfort with, knowledge of, and experience with NNR of emergency department (ED) staff in a general ED prior to the opening of a new neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and to explore factors associated with NNR comfort. Methods:Using Dillman methodology, we electronically surveyed full-time emergency physicians and nurses. ⋯ Conclusions:Perceived comfort with, knowledge of, and preparedness for NNR were poor in an urban, general ED prior to the opening of an NICU. Recent neonatal clinical encounter and participation in the NRP course were the strongest predictors of improved NNR comfort. In future work, we intend to assess the impact of simulation-based training on comfort with NNR among ED staff who primarily treat adults.
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Over the past two decades, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has evolved from a hospital-associated infection to a significant public health threat in the community, causing outbreaks of soft tissue infections in otherwise healthy individuals. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of nasal MRSA colonization in low acuity Emergency Department (ED) Fast Track patients in order to better characterize the epidemiology of this pathogen. ⋯ This study found a higher prevalence of nasal MRSA colonization in low acuity ED Fast Track patients compared with historical community surveillance studies. A personal history of prior abscess was a signifi cant risk for CA-MRSA carriage.
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ABSTRACTColchicine has a low therapeutic index. Its toxic effects generally occur at doses ≥ 0.5 mg/kg. We present the case of a 39-year-old female with toxicity following ingestion of 0.28 mg/kg. ⋯ In this case, the ingestion of a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug and the associated volume depletion from the gastrointestinal effects of colchicine may have contributed to renal dysfunction, exacerbating the toxicity of colchicine. This ingestion of a relatively small dose of colchicine led to severe toxicity. Treatment options for colchicine toxicity are limited.