The American journal of emergency medicine
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Preventable medical errors may be due to incorrect drug dosage based on poor weight estimation. This study was to examine the accuracy of patient weight estimations in an emergency medical setting. This prospective study enrolled a convenience sample of medically stable adults. ⋯ Our study suggests that emergency department staff estimation of a patient's weight is often inaccurate. When available, the patient's own estimate can be used as their actual weight. When the patient is incapacitated, measurement of the patient's weight is the proven method to avoid this type of dosage error.
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Hand and finger injuries are common injuries in children seen in emergency departments. Many of these are soft tissue injuries, which are often caused by household items, such as doors and exercise equipment. ⋯ However, with very little manipulation, this dressing can be lifted and rolled up the digit in a distal direction, creating a tourniquet effect, which can cause hypoxia and tissue necrosis. To prevent the tourniquet effect, the dressing must include the hand and wrist.
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Letter Case Reports
Traumatic medial cerebral artery occlusion in a 4-year-old child.
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Letter Case Reports
Endometrioma of the abdominal wall masquerading as hernia.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Efficacy and safety in patients on a resuscitator, Oxylator EM-100, in comparison with a bag-valve device.
The purpose of this study was to compare the Oxylator EM-100, a ventilator with a fixed flow and working pressure of 25 to 50 cm H(2)O, with a bag-valve device with respect to safety, efficiency, and efficacy when used by professionals. We conducted a prospective, controlled, caregiver-blind single center study. Induction was followed by ventilation with a bag-valve device oxylator in manual and automatic modes. ⋯ Normocapnia was maintained with the bag-valve in 88%, oxylator (manual) in 73%, but only 14% of cases in automatic mode with tidal volumes of 1200 mL and more. This device was associated with the potential for rapid hyperventilation in patients when used by professionals. Simplicity of airway management was not improved.