Corneal abrasions account for approximately 10% of eye-related visits to the Emergency Department (ED). The cornea is a highly innervated structure and, thus, remarkably sensitive, making this condition a notoriously painful one. We have all witnessed the almost magical analgesia achieved with application of topical anesthetics when evaluating these patients. Unfortunately, we limit the use of this effective pain management modality to the ED because of the seemingly prohibitive dangers of prolonged use of these agents.
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Journal Review
Topical Anesthetics in Corneal Abrasions
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Ovarian Torsion
Torsion of the ovary is both difficult to diagnose and critical to do so expeditiously. This post delves into this disease process.
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Journal Review
Continous vs Interrupted Compressions in OHCA
In cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), chest compressions are frequently interrupted to provide rescue breathing. It has been documented in several pig models that these pauses are associated with a decrease in coronary perfusion pressure. Furthermore, it may take several minutes of chest compressions to restore perfusion pressures to adequate values. Other studies have found interruptions to be associated with decreased survival in animals with cardiac arrest.
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Traumatic Hemothorax
Evaluation and management of patients presenting with traumatic hemothorax.
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Journal Review
Cyanoacrylate to Secure Peripheral IVs
Peripheral venous cannulation is the most frequently performed procedure in the Emergency Department (ED). The vast majority of patients admitted to the hospital will leave the ED with an intravenous catheter (IV). While these devices typically have a “life-span” of 72 hours from placement, they often fail prematurely as a result of infection, phlebitis, occlusion or dislodgement.
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Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia is commonly seen in the ED in the setting of malignancy and hyperparathyroidism. Know the steps in emergency management.
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Journal Review
Predictors of Failed Outpatient Cellulitis Treatment
Despite several expert panel recommendations and cellulitis treatment guidelines, there are currently no clinical decision rules to assist clinicians in decideding which Emergency Department (ED) patients should be treated with oral antibiotics and which patients require IV therapy at first presentation of cellulitis amenable to outpatient treatment.
Cellulitis is an acute or subacute infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue of presumed bacterial etiology charactrerized by warmth,
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