In an era of increasing multiculturalism, when Australia and New Zealand are dependent on foreign-born physicians to meet the nations’ health care needs, the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine (ACEM)…
Only a small percentage of wounds contain a foreign body. Most but not all foreign bodies may be discovered with thorough wound examination. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Retained foreign bodies may lead to…
Conditions associated with rhabdomyolysis are listed in Table 53-1. Comatose patients are at risk for rhabdomyolysis due to prolonged immobilization with continual pressure on gravity-dependent parts of the body. TABLE…
Anticholinergic toxicity is encountered because of the common use of phenothiazines, mydriatics, skeletal muscle relaxants, antihistamines (particularly diphenhydramine), antidepressants, antispasmotics, and antiparkinsonian drugs. Jimsonweed is a plant associated with anticholinergic…
Nearly 10% of the population develops a hernia during their lifetime. Hernias are classified by anatomic location, hernia contents, and the status of those contents (eg, reducible, incarcerated, or strangulated)….
Cardiogenic shock is the most common cause of in-hospital mortality from acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Approximately 6% to 8% of patients with AMI will develop cardiogenic shock. Cardiogenic shock usually…
The most common risk factor for spontaneous pneumothorax is smoking, although chronic lung disease and infections are predisposing factors. History of prior pneumothorax is common since 20% to 30% of…
Hemoptysis is defined somewhat arbitrarily as mild (less than 20 mL of blood loss in 24 hours), moderate, or massive (greater than 600 mL of blood loss in 24 hours)….
Anemia is due to loss of red blood cells (RBCs) by hemorrhage, increased destruction of RBCs, or impaired production of RBCs. Bleeding disorders from congenital or acquired abnormalities in the…
