Extensor Tendons Extensor tendons are quite superficial, covered only by skin and a thin layer of fascia, and are thus highly susceptible to injury by commonly experienced trauma. Such injuries may result from lacerations, bites, or burns, but they may…
Rapid and appropriate emergency care of a patient with an amputated body part is crucial to the salvage and preservation of function. This chapter discusses the emergency management priorities of patients with amputation injuries, the acute care of amputated parts…
Modern emergency medical service (EMS) was created in 1966 as a result of the National Highway Safety Act. Since then, provision of medical care in the prehospital setting has undergone considerable change. Today's EMS providers perform many advanced lifesaving procedures.…
Patients with anorectal disorders frequently seek care in the emergency department (ED). The condition may be isolated or the anorectal complaint may be an outward manifestation of a serious underlying illness. A thorough history and physical examination must precede any…
When a patient is seen in the emergency department (ED) with a suspected abdominal hernia, the emergency clinician should consider three issues: (1) Is a palpable mass truly a hernia? (2) Is the hernia easily reducible or incarcerated? (3) Is…
Paracentesis and diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) constitute the two primary intraperitoneal procedures. They are fundamentally similar in purpose and design; however, the former is generally reserved for medical concerns and the latter for evaluation of traumatic pathology. DPL Root and…
Introduction In 2014, the National Poison Data System of the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported 2,165,142 human toxic exposures and 1408 resultant fatalities. Of these total exposures, 28.3% were managed in a health care facility. Massive exposure to…
Introduction Managing patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding from gastroesophageal varices can be one of the most challenging scenarios in emergency medicine. These patients often have advanced liver disease and can arrive at the emergency department (ED) with massive hematemesis, airway…
Nasogastric (NG) intubation ( Videos 40.1 – 40.5 ) is commonly used to evaluate or treat bowel obstruction, ileus, or gastric hemorrhage, preoperatively or postoperatively, or to administer food or medication into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Patients with long-term feeding…
Patients with foreign bodies (FBs) lodged in the esophagus commonly present to the emergency department (ED) for evaluation and treatment. Though most commonly accidental, FBs may sometimes be swallowed purposefully. Patients may have a sensation of a recently passed FB,…