J Emerg Med
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In the emergency department (ED), pyelonephritis is a fairly common diagnosis, especially in patients with unilateral flank pain. Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is a rare type of pyelonephritis that is associated with unique features, which may lead to its diagnosis. ⋯ A 30-year-old male patient presented to the ED for evaluation of right-sided abdominal pain that has been ongoing for the past 24 hours. He noted the pain was located predominantly in the right flank and described it as sharp in nature. The pain was nonradiating and was associated with scant hematuria. He stated that he had similar pains approximately 1 month earlier that resolved after a few days. The patient underwent a bedside ultrasound and a subsequent computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis, which showed an enlarged, multiloculated right kidney with dilated calyces and a large staghorn calculus, findings that represent XGP. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: This case report highlights an unusual variant of pyelonephritis, a relatively common ED diagnosis. XGP should be considered in patients with recurrent pyelonephritis, as treatment for XGP may require surgical intervention in addition to traditional antibiotic management.
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Interpretation of the electrocardiogram (ECG) is fundamental in the practice and teaching of emergency medicine. Previous studies have shown that providers of all levels have expressed interest in additional education with ECGs. Asynchronous learning has been shown to be beneficial for improving residents' ability to recognize findings of acute myocardial ischemia. ⋯ Despite some important limitations, we believe this study represents an essential step in the development of training methods for the modern emergency medicine trainee.
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Hyperkalemia is a common electrolyte abnormality that requires urgent treatment. Insulin is an effective treatment for hyperkalemia, but risk factors for developing insulin-induced hypoglycemia exist (e.g., low pretreatment glucose or renal impairment). ⋯ A hyperkalemia protocol update was not associated with a significant reduction in hypoglycemia, and the incidence of hypoglycemia remained higher than anticipated. Future studies attempting to optimize treatment in this high-risk population are warranted.
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Opioid overdose is a major cause of mortality in the United States. In spite of efforts to increase naloxone availability, distribution to high-risk populations remains a challenge. ⋯ Take-home naloxone increases access when compared with naloxone prescriptions in the ED setting. A multidisciplinary approach combined with the removal of regulatory and administrative barriers allowed for further increased distribution of no-cost naloxone to patients.
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Medical equipment can become scarce in disaster scenarios. Prior work has reported that four sheep could be ventilated together on a single ventilator. Others found that this maneuver is possible when needed, but no one has yet investigated whether cross-contamination occurs in co-ventilated individuals. ⋯ Cross-contamination does not occur within 24 h using the described ventilator circuit configuration.