Articles: emergency-services.
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in 2.5 million emergency department (ED) visits per year in the US, with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) accounting for 90% of cases. There is considerable evidence that many experience chronic symptoms months to years later. This population is rarely represented in interventional studies. Management of adult mTBI in the ED has remained unchanged, without consensus of therapeutic options. The aim of this review was to synthesize existing literature of patient-centered ED treatments for adults who sustain an mTBI, and to identify practices that may offer promise. ⋯ Validated instruments are available to aid clinicians in identifying patients at risk for PCS or serious cognitive impairment. EDOU management and evidence-based modifications to discharge instructions may improve mTBI outcomes. Additional research is needed to establish the therapeutic value of medications and lifestyle changes for the treatment of mTBI in the ED.
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Emergency department discharge education is intended to provide patients with information to self-manage their condition or injury, identify potential complications, and follow-up or referral. However, most patients cannot recall the discharge information provided, leading to adverse clinical outcomes, return visits, and higher costs. A scoping review was undertaken to explore discharge education interventions that have been studied in the emergency department setting and outcomes that have been used to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions. ⋯ Multimodal discharge education that addresses various learning styles and levels of health literacy improved patient education, self-management, and clinical outcomes. Additional support and reminders improved patient adherence. Identified gaps included limited kinesthetic interventions and culturally tailored education. Translational science for advancing sustainable interventions in clinical practice is needed to enhance the emergency department discharge process and patient, system, and public health outcomes.
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Although postpartum dyads frequently present to the emergency department, treatment of the lactating parent and breastfeeding child is often driven by medical misconceptions. Incorrect advice about continuation or cessation of breastfeeding for medical reasons can lead to maternal and infant harm. ⋯ High-quality care for the breastfeeding dyad requires knowledge of lactation physiology, contraindications for breastfeeding, and safe medications and diagnostic procedures. The well-informed emergency nurse must advocate for evidence-based care of the breastfeeding dyad within the emergency department.
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Pediatric emergency care · May 2024
ReviewNew Horizons in Emergency Department Management of Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an important topic for emergency medicine audiences because complications of the disease account for a large proportion of hematologic emergencies that are seen in the emergency department each year. Early recognition and aggressive management of emergency complications of SCD can help to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this disease. Although the treatment recommendations for some complications of SCD are based on expert opinion, there has been advancement in the understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease and evidence regarding the treatment options available for managing acute complications. This continuing medical education article will provide a summary of the clinical manifestation and management of the most common acute complications of SCD: infection, vaso-occlusive episode, acute chest syndrome, splenic sequestration, stroke, and priapism.