Practical Summaries in Acute Care Archives – October 1, 2005
October 1, 2005
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Defensive Medicine Practices in Pennsylvania are Common
Defensive medicine has been defined as clinical care that deviates from sound medical practice primarily as a result of medicolegal liability concerns. In this study, investigators conducted a mail survey in Pennsylvania of 824 physicians from six high-risk specialties including emergency medicine. -
Does a Negative CT Scan Rule Out PTE?
In this meta-analysis, Quiroz and colleagues attempted to identify all English-language reports published since 1990 that included at least three months of follow-up in patients clinically suspected of having pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), whose computed tomography (CT) angiograms were negative, and who did not receive anticoagulant therapy. -
Gum Elastic Bougie is Useful Adjunct For Difficult Airways
The gum elastic bougie (GEB) is an established tool that has gained increased usage during difficult endotracheal intubation scenarios during the last several years. The GEB is a 60-cm tracheal tube introducer with a smoothly angled tip. If the glottis is not visualized fully during direct laryngoscopy, the GEB may be passed blindly (or with partial visualization) behind the epiglottis. -
The Use of Chest CT for the Diagnosis of PE
Several recent studies have significantly expanded the evidence for the central role of computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of the patient with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). We review these studies below and summarize the current understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of CT. -
ECG Review: A History of "Falling Out"
The rhythm in the Figure was obtained from a 70-year-old woman who was admitted to the hospital with a history of "falling out" on several occasions during the week prior to admission. Her initial 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) was unremarkable, and acute serum markers were negative for recent infarction.