Key Concepts Otitis Media Otitis media is caused by eustachian tube inflammation and dysfunction leading to fluid accumulation in the middle ear and proliferation of nasopharyngeal bacteria, most commonly Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Diagnosis of acute otitis…
Key Concepts Prophylactic topical antibiotics are not indicated for the treatment of corneal abrasions, and eye patches are not recommended because they can mask a worsening infection. Eyelid lacerations that may require referral to a plastic or ophthalmic surgeon include…
Key Concepts Antibiotics do not have a role in the management of pulpitis, whether reversible or irreversible. Missing teeth must be accounted for. They may be hidden, left at the scene, aspirated, swallowed, or traumatically impacted. Avulsed permanent teeth should…
Key Concepts For chemical injury, the degree of skin destruction is determined mainly by the properties of the toxic agent, its concentration, and the duration of its contact. Chemical injuries are commonly encountered after exposures to acids and alkalis. Hazardous…
Key Concepts After removing the patient from the source of injury, burns should be cooled with room temperature water while avoiding hypothermia in patients with large burns. Clinical signs such as facial burns, hoarseness, drooling, carbonaceous sputum, and singed nasal…
Acknowledgments We acknowledge the efforts and expertise of the previous chapter author for editions (1–9), Dr. Edward Joseph “Mel” Otten. Key Concepts Snake venom causes neurotoxicity and hematotoxicity, but one usually predominates, depending on the species of snake. Pit vipers…
Key Concepts Mammalian bites require an evaluation for both trauma and their risk of infection. Cat and human bites are at higher risk for infection than dog bites. Most mammalian bite wound infections are polymicrobial. Pasteurella species are the most…
Key Concepts If the history and mechanism of injury are compatible with ocular penetration or if a small puncture wound of the globe is noted, anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the orbit are an appropriate initial step when the foreign…
Key Concepts Risk factors for wound infection include crush mechanism; long (>5 cm) deep penetrating wounds; high-velocity missiles; diabetes; and contamination with saliva, feces, soil, or other foreign matter. Soaking wounds in povidone-iodine (Betadine) is toxic to healthy tissue. Prepare…
Key Concepts The Ottawa Ankle and Foot Rules should be used to evaluate the need for x-rays in ankle and foot injuries. CT scans are indicated for negative x-rays of the ankle and foot when a high clinical concern of…