The American journal of emergency medicine
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Patients who may be a danger to themselves or others often are placed on involuntary hold status in the Emergency Department (ED). Our primary objective was to determine if there are demographic and/or clinical variables of involuntary hold patients which were associated with an increased ED LOS. ⋯ Involuntary hold patients had an increased ED LOS associated with alcohol use, urine drug test screening, and barbiturate use. Protocol development to help stream-line ED evaluation of alcohol and drug use may improve ED LOS in this patient population.
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This study identifies reasons and predictors of LWBS and examines outcomes of patients in a model that uses "point-of-service" (POS) collection for low acuity patients. ⋯ In an ED setting with POS collection for low acuity patients, non-compensable coverage status was the strongest predictor for LWBS. Further studies are needed to assess the outcomes of patients who LWBS in this model of care.
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This work investigates the potential of photoplethysmography (PPG) to detect a spontaneous pulse from the finger, nose or ear in order to support pulse checks during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). ⋯ PPG signals at all investigated sites can indicate pulse presence at the moment the heart resumes beating as verified via the ABP signal. Therefore, PPG may provide decision support during CPR, especially related to preventing and shortening interruptions for unnecessary pulse checks. This could have impact on CPR outcome and should further be investigated.
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Besides clinical signs and imaging, in recent years, biomarkers have proven to be a viable diagnostic resource for acute appendicitis (AA). ⋯ In our validation cohort of patients with acute abdominal pain, the new score can accurately predict which children are at low risk of appendicitis and could be safely managed with close observation.