[Nursing care of pulmonary embolism in out-of-hospital emergencies]

Pulmonary embolism is one of the most severe venous thromboembolic diseases, both in mortality and the high number of associated complications and their impact on quality of life. The early hours are critical and proper management during this period can determine future sequels. Therefore, in the outpatient setting, nurses must have adequate knowledge and tools to act quickly and efficiently. In this paper, we present a case of a 77 year-old male in his home that after being discharged from a knee replacement surgery starts with symptoms compatible with pulmonary thromboembolism. A Nursing Care Process is performed, according to the functional patterns of Margory Gordon and a care plan is developed based on NNN taxonomy (NANDA, NOC, NIC). As main nursing diagnosis 'ineffective breathing pattern' is selected and as possible potential complication of the pulmonary embolism the 'pulmonary infarction' is chosen. The results obtained after conducting the care plan are satisfactory, improving the signs and symptoms presented by the patient, hence why we believe it is useful for nurses when facing similar clinical situations.

Overview of Agents Used for Emergency Hemostasis

CONTEXT

In today's modern world, despite the multiple advances made in the field of medicine, hemorrhagic shock is still the main cause of battlefield mortality and the second most prevalent cause of mortality in civilian trauma. Hemostatic agents can play a key role in establishing hemostasis in prehospital situations and preventing hemorrhage-associated death. In this respect, this article aims to review different aspects of known hemostatic agents.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A comprehensive search of the academic scientific databases for relevant keywords was conducted; relevant articles were compiled and assessed.

RESULTS

Hemostatic agents can establish hemostasis by means of different mechanisms, including concentrating coagulation factors, adhesion to the tissues, in which traumatic hemorrhage occurred, and delivering procoagulant factors to the hemorrhage site. Presently, these hemostatics have been significantly improved with regard to efficacy and in adverse consequences, resulting from their use. Several hemostatic dressings have been developed to the degree that they have received FDA approval and are being used practically on the battlefield. In addition, there are currently several case reports on the use of such hemostatics in the hospital setting, in conditions where commonly known approaches fail to stop life-threatening bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of hemostatic dressings and agents is one of the main advancements achieved in recent decades. However, it can be claimed that the ideal hemostatic has not been recognized yet; therefore, this topic needs to be brought into focus and further addressed.

Effects of nursing process-based simulation for maternal child emergency nursing care on knowledge, attitude, and skills in clinical nurses

BACKGROUND

Since previous studies on simulation-based education have been focused on fundamental nursing skills for nursing students in South Korea, there is little research available that focuses on clinical nurses in simulation-based training. Further, there is a paucity of research literature related to the integration of the nursing process into simulation training particularly in the emergency nursing care of high-risk maternal and neonatal patients.

PURPOSES

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of nursing process-based simulation on knowledge, attitudes, and skills for maternal and child emergency nursing care in clinical nurses in South Korea.

PARTICIPANTS

Data were collected from 49 nurses, 25 in the experimental group and 24 in the control group, from August 13 to 14, 2013.

METHODS

This study was an equivalent control group pre- and post-test experimental design to compare the differences in knowledge, attitudes, and skills for maternal and child emergency nursing care between the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group was trained by the nursing process-based simulation training program, while the control group received traditional methods of training for maternal and child emergency nursing care.

RESULTS

The experimental group was more likely to improve knowledge, attitudes, and skills required for clinical judgment about maternal and child emergency nursing care than the control group. Among five stages of nursing process in simulation, the experimental group was more likely to improve clinical skills required for nursing diagnosis and nursing evaluation than the control group.

CONCLUSION

These results will provide valuable information on developing nursing process-based simulation training to improve clinical competency in nurses. Further research should be conducted to verify the effectiveness of nursing process-based simulation with more diverse nurse groups on more diverse subjects in the future.

Emergent Laparoscopic Colectomy Is an Effective Alternative to Open Resection for Benign and Malignant Diseases: a Meta-Analysis

The aim of this study is to compare the perioperative outcomes between laparoscopic and open resections performed for colonic emergencies. A systematic search of the literature identified previously published comparative studies regarding emergent laparoscopic colectomy (ELC) and emergent open colectomy (EOC). Meta-analysis was performed utilizing a pooled odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous variables and a weighted mean difference (WMD) for continuous variables with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Eleven studies involving 752 patients were identified. Although operation time was noted to be significantly shorter for EOC, patients post-ELC had significantly lower overall morbidity (OR 0.44; 95 % CI 0.30, 0.66; P < 0.0001). Meanwhile, recovery time for post-ELC patients was significantly shorter, as was the length of hospital stay (WMD -2.78 days; 95 % CI -3.17, -2.38; P < 0.00001), the time to regular dietary habits (WMD -1.32 days; 95 % CI -2.51, -0.13; P = 0.03), and the time to recover bowel movement (WMD -0.55 days; 95 % CI -0.89, -0.22; P = 0.001). Reoperation rate and mortality were found to be comparable between ELC and EOC. The R0 resection rate and the number of lymph nodes harvested were also comparable between ELC and EOC for malignant diseases. Whether for benign or malignant disease, ELC is a safe and feasible procedure for colonic emergencies compared with EOC, despite being relatively time-consuming.

Diagnostic Performance on Low Dose Computed Tomography For Acute Appendicitis Among Attending and Resident Radiologists

Background

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) techniques can reduce exposure to radiation. Several previous studies have shown that radiation dose reduction in LDCT does not decrease the diagnostic performance for appendicitis among attending radiologists. But, the LDCT diagnostic performance for acute appendicitis in radiology residents with variable training levels has not been well discussed.

Objectives

To compare inter-observer and intra-observer differences of diagnostic performance on non-enhanced LDCT (NE-LDCT) and contrast-enhanced standard dose CT (CE-SDCT) for acute appendicitis among attending and resident radiologists.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective study included 101 patients with suspected acute appendicitis who underwent NE-LDCT and CE-SDCT. The CT examinations were interpreted and recorded on a five-point scale independently by three attending radiologists and three residents with 4, 1 and 1 years of training. Diagnostic performance for acute appendicitis of all readers on both examinations was represented by area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Inter-observer and intra-observer AUC values were compared using Jackknife FROC software on both modalities. The diagnostic accuracy of each reader on NE-LDCT was compared with body mass index (BMI) subgroups and noise using independent T test.

Results

Diagnostic performances for acute appendicitis were not statistically different for attending radiologists at both examinations. Better performance was noted on the CE-SDCT with a borderline significant difference (P = 0.05) for senior radiology resident. No statistical difference of AUC values was observed between attending radiologists and fourth year resident on both examinations. Statistically significant differences of AUC values were observed between attending radiologists and first year residents (P = 0.001 ~ 0.018) on NE-LDCT. Diagnostic accuracies of acute appendicitis on NE-LDCT for each reader were not significantly related to BMI or noise.

Conclusion

Attending radiologists could diagnose acute appendicitis accurately on NE-LDCT. Performance of senior residents on NE-LDCT is better than junior residents and comparable to attending radiologists.

[Cardiovascular complications of hypertensive crisis]

It is inexorable that a proportion of patients with systemic arterial hypertension will develop a hypertensive crisis at some point in their lives. The hypertensive crises can be divided in hypertensive patients with emergency or hypertensive emergency, according to the presence or absence of acute end-organ damage. In this review, we discuss the cardiovascular hypertensive emergencies, including acute coronary syndrome, congestive heart failure, aortic dissection and sympathomimetic hypertensive crises (those caused by cocaine use included). Each is presented in a unique way, although some patients with hypertensive emergency report non-specific symptoms. Treatment includes multiple medications for quick and effective action with security to reduce blood pressure, protect the function of organs remaining, relieve symptoms, minimize the risk of complications and improve patient outcomes.

Soap is not enough: handwashing practices and knowledge in refugee camps, Maban County, South Sudan

BACKGROUND

Refugees are at high risk for communicable diseases due to overcrowding and poor water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions. Handwashing with soap removes pathogens from hands and reduces disease risk. A hepatitis E outbreak in the refugee camps of Maban County, South Sudan in 2012 prompted increased hygiene promotion and improved provision of soap, handwashing stations, and latrines. We conducted a study 1 year after the outbreak to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the refugees in Maban County.

METHODS

We conducted a cross sectional survey of female heads of households in three refugee camps in Maban County. We performed structured observations on a subset of households to directly observe their handwashing practices at times of possible pathogen transmission.

RESULTS

Of the 600 households interviewed, nearly all had soap available and 91 % reported water was available "always" or "sometimes". Exposure to handwashing promotion was reported by 85 % of the respondents. Rinsing hands with water alone was more commonly observed than handwashing with soap at critical handwashing times including "before eating" (80 % rinsing vs. 7 % washing with soap) and "before preparing/cooking food" (72.3 % vs 23 %). After toilet use, 46 % were observed to wash hands with soap and an additional 38 % rinsed with water alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite intensive messaging regarding handwashing with soap and access to soap and water, rinsing hands with water alone rather than washing hands with soap remains more common among the refugees in Maban County. This practice puts them at continued risk for communicable disease transmission. Qualitative research into local beliefs and more effective messaging may help future programs tailor handwashing interventions.

[Medicolegal aspects in emergency medical care : Analysis of the frequency of advance health care directives and the influence on decision making in emergency medicine]

BACKGROUND

Medical decisions in an emergency medical services (EMS) situation are always extremely time- critical and sensitive, potentially leading to medicolegal consequences. Advance health care directives (AHCDs) are crucial components in the patients' participative decision making. When a patient refuses resuscitation, and/or other life-extending treatments, emergency physicians face possible ethical, medical, and medicolegal conflicts.

METHODS

As part of the RIMANO II Study [Risk Management Präklinische (prehospital) Notfallmedizin (emergency medicine)], all 18 "emergency physician bases" of the Berlin Fire Department were polled regarding the influence of AHCDs in regard to emergency medical decision making. The assessment was based on anonymous questionnaires. Furthermore, emergency medical suggestions for improvement of AHCDs were gathered. Descriptive statistics and qualitative methods were used for evaluation.

RESULTS

A total of 112 responses from emergency physicians could be incorporated into the study. Anesthesiologists represented the largest group (n = 55, 49 %), followed by internists (n = 40, 36 %). The median length of experience in EMS was 7 years [interquartile range (IQR) 4-14 years]. Patients' "do not resuscitate" orders were obeyed in 78/112 cases (70 %, 95 % CI 69-78 %). In 49/112 cases (44 %, 95 % CI 34-53 %), the request to not be hospitalized was granted. The length of EMS experience, type of medical specialty, the number of EMS cases and ways in which AHCDs were handled were all contributing factors to the various emergency medical interventions.

CONCLUSION

AHCDs appear to have an influence in the emergency medical decision process. However, it is presently unclear as to what a standardized and universally comprehensible AHCD should look like, in order to provide a framework that is both acceptable and necessary in a prehospital emergency medicine environment, ensuring medicolegal certainty for the parties involved.

[Party and designer drugs : From ecstasy and crystal meth to angel's trumpet]

BACKGROUND

The growing abuse of party and designer drugs increases the number of emergency cases related to drug consumption.

OBJECTIVES

Presentation of the scenario as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic principles of emergency management and characterization of the most frequently abused drugs and its effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Evaluation of drug statistics, and work-up and discussion of expert publications and recommendations.

RESULTS

In 2014, there were 1032 drug-related deaths, which is 3 % more incidents than in 2013. However, there is a drastically and steadily increasing consumption of newer enhancing drugs such as crystal meth. Throughout Europe, there are about 1500 designer drugs that are disguised as so-called spice mixtures or bath salts. In addition to stimulating substances, hallucinogenic and sedative drugs are also consumed. Common nonspecific symptoms of emergency drug overdose are psychosis, impaired consciousness, seizures, and disorders of various internal organs. Based on the clinical presentation, different neurotransmitter syndromes can be distinguished and the drug etiology can be diagnosed and proven by laboratory assays. Therapy includes symptom-oriented measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of different party and designer drugs and their complications enables prompt emergency management.

Non-trauma surgical emergencies in adults: Spectrum, challenges and outcome of care

Introduction

Significant deaths of between 21% and 38% occur from non-trauma surgical conditions in the accident and emergency room. Access to emergency surgical care is limited in many developing countries including Nigeria. We aimed to study the spectrum of non-trauma surgical emergencies, identify challenges in management and evaluate outcomes.

Methods

A one year prospective cohort study of all non-trauma emergencies in adults seen at the surgical emergency room of LASUTH from 1st October, 2011 to 30th September, 2012 was conducted. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 15.0.

Results

Of a total of 7536 patients seen, there were 7122 adults. Those with non-trauma conditions were 2065 representing 29% of adult emergencies. Age ranged between 15 and 97 years and male to female ratio was 1.7:1. Acute abdomen (30%), urological problems (18%) and malignancies (10%) were the most common. Among 985 patients requiring admission only 464 (47%) were admitted while the remaining 53% were referred to other centers. Emergency surgical intervention was carried out in 222 patients representing 48% of admitted patients. There were 12 (24%) non-trauma deaths in the emergency room. They were due to acute abdomen and malignancies in half of the cases.

Conclusion

Facilities for patients needing emergency care were inadequate with more than half of those requiring admission referred. Attention should be paid to the provision of emergency surgical services to the teeming number of patients seen on yearly basis in the Teaching Hospital.

•

Non-trauma conditions constitute a third of surgical emergencies and a quarter of deaths in the emergency room.

•

Acute abdomen, urological conditions and malignancies are the leading causes of non-trauma emergencies.

•

Available facilities could provide care for only half of the non-trauma patients requiring emergency room admission.

Hypo and Hyper: Common Pediatric Endocrine and Metabolic Emergencies

The presentation of endocrine and metabolic emergencies represents one of the more challenging clinical scenarios faced by pediatricians and emergency providers. In this review, the authors attempt to describe some of the more common entities that a provider may see and provide a guide for the recognition and management of these difficult-to-assess and often very ill children.

Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography for Evaluation of Patients With Suspected Pulmonary Embolism: Use or Overuse

Background:

The use of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) has been increased during the last decade.

Objectives:

We studied the adherence to current diagnostic recommendations for evaluation of pulmonary embolism in a teaching hospital of Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

Patients and Methods:

The registered medical records (Wells scores and serum D-dimer level) of all patients whose CTPA was performed with suspicion of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) were studied retrospectively. Modified Wells score of each patient was determined without being aware of the CTPA results. The patients were categorized to those with a high (likely) clinical probability (score > 4) and low (unlikely) clinical probability (score≤ 4) of PTE.

Results:

During a 6-month period, 82 patients who underwent CTPA were included. The prevalence of PTE was 62.2% in the group of subjects with a likely clinical risk. In 45 (54.8%) of those patients whose CTPA was requested, the PTE was unlikely based on modified Wells criteria. In the clinically unlikely group, serum D-dimer assay was done in 15 out of 45 (33.3%), while it was inappropriately checked in 10 out of 37 (27.0%) with a clinically likely risk. General adherence rate to diagnostic algorithm of PTE was 43.9%.

Conclusion:

There is still excessive unjustified concern of PTE in less trained physicians leading to excessive diagnostic work-up. Loyalty to the existing guideline for management of suspected PTE in educational hospitals and supervision of attending physicians could prevent overuse of CTPA.

A rare case of gallbladder torsion along the axis of body: a case report

Abnormal attachment of the gallbladder to the liver is the main cause for gallbladder torsion. However, the present study reports a rare case of gallbladder torsion in which a portion of fundus is rotated along the axis of body. So far, very few similar cases have been reported. An 87-year-old woman complaining right upper quadrant abdominal pain for 4 days was admitted. Her body temperature was 38.5℃ with moderate dehydration. A large tender mass was palpated on the right abdomen extending to the right iliac fossa. Computed tomography of abdomen showed a large cavity with a diameter of 15 cm containing a big stone and a small normal looking gallbladder. Ultrasonographic scan showed a twisted portion of the gallbladder torsion. During emergency laparotomy, the middle portion of the gallbladder was found to be twisted counterclockwise with huge gangrenous gallbladder distal. The proximal body of the gallbladder was spared and attached firmly to the liver. Cholecystectomy was performed and the patient was discharged 2 weeks later without postoperative complications. Histological findings of specimen were consistent with operative findings. The current study reports on a rare case of gallbladder torsion by reviewing previous studies.

A four-year cardiovascular risk score for type 2 diabetic inpatients

As cardiovascular risk tables currently in use were constructed using data from the general population, the cardiovascular risk of patients admitted via the hospital emergency department may be underestimated. Accordingly, we constructed a predictive model for the appearance of cardiovascular diseases in patients with type 2 diabetes admitted via the emergency department. We undertook a four-year follow-up of a cohort of 112 adult patients with type 2 diabetes admitted via the emergency department for any cause except patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction, stroke, cancer, or a palliative status. The sample was selected randomly between 2010 and 2012. The primary outcome was time to cardiovascular disease. Other variables (at baseline) were gender, age, heart failure, renal failure, depression, asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, insulin, smoking, admission for cardiovascular causes, pills per day, walking habit, fasting blood glucose and creatinine. A cardiovascular risk table was constructed based on the score to estimate the likelihood of cardiovascular disease. Risk groups were established and the c-statistic was calculated. Over a mean follow-up of 2.31 years, 39 patients had cardiovascular disease (34.8%, 95% CI [26.0-43.6%]). Predictive factors were gender, age, hypertension, renal failure, insulin, admission due to cardiovascular reasons and walking habit. The c-statistic was 0.734 (standard error: 0.049). After validation, this study will provide a tool for the primary health care services to enable the short-term prediction of cardiovascular disease after hospital discharge in patients with type 2 diabetes admitted via the emergency department.

Emergency response team activation in the outpatient clinic of a single dental teaching hospital in Korea: a retrospective study of 10 years' records

BACKGROUND

To prepare for possible emergency situations during dental treatment, it is helpful to know how often and what kinds of emergencies may arise. This study set out to evaluate the incidences, causes, treatments, and outcomes of emergency situations in the outpatient clinic of a dental teaching hospital in Korea.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who had experienced an emergency situation and emergency response team activated in a selected outpatient clinic between November 2004 and November 2013. Specific information about the emergency cases was collected, including the patient characteristics and the frequency, types, treatments, and outcomes of the emergency situations.

RESULTS

We identified 35 instances of emergency situations in 2,890,424 patients (incidence = 0.012 per 10,000 outpatients). The number of cases was as follows: 10 (28.6%) in the Department of Periodontics, 10 (28.6%) in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 6 (17.1%) in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, 4 (11.4%) in the Department of Prosthodontics, 2 (5.7%) in the Department of Conservative Dentistry, 2 (5.7%) in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, and 1 (2.9%) in the Department of Orthodontics. Three (8.6%) of the emergency situations arose before treatment, 22 (62.9%) during treatment, 7 (20.0%) after treatment, and 2 (5.7%) in a patient's guardian.

CONCLUSIONS

In accordance with the growing elderly population and more aggressive dental procedures, the number of emergency situations may increase in the future. We recommend that clinicians keep in mind airway management and the active control of emergency situations.

Relationship Between Low Back Pain With Quality of Life, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Among Emergency Medical Technicians

Background:

Musculoskeletal disorders have become increasingly common among healthcare providers. They have become the most common cause of work-related disabilities among nurses.

Objectives:

The current cross-sectional study aimed to measure the prevalence of back pains among emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and association of back pain with quality of life, depression, anxiety and stress.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred and eighty registered nurses working as EMTs at the Hamadan Emergency Medical Center were selected by consensus. Data collection tools were Demographic, Perceived Quality-of-Life, Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DAS21) and pain scale measurements.

Results:

Data showed that while 50.7% of the participants had an average awareness of the basic principles of back care, the majority (71.8%) had at least one type of back pain. There were associations between the prevalence of pain and depression (P = 0.049), pain and awareness (P = 0.035), and stress and job satisfaction (P = 0.024).

Conclusions:

A large number (about two-thirds) of EMTs had some sort of back pain; it is highly recommended to promote the attitude and motivation of the individuals to take care to prevent back injury and inform them of the principles of back care. Implications for primary prevention and care practice include encouraging EMTs to apply accurate principles of back care.

[Inverted takotsubo cardiomyopathy due to subarachnoid haemorrhage]

We present a case of a 34-year-old woman with cardiogenic shock after successful resuscitation. In the medical history migraine was known. Emergency echocardiography demonstrated left ventricular dysfunction with hypokinetic basal and midventricular segments and hyperkinetic apex. Cerebral computed tomography suggested a massive subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) with transtentorial herniation, so that taking into account the clinical history (severe headache) the diagnosis of a SAH-associated inverted takotsubo cardiomyopathy could be made. In the case of subarachnoid haemorrhage it should be noted that extracerebral organ dysfunction, e.g. inverted takotsubo cardiomyopathy, frequently occurs.

Indicators for childhood asthma in Spain, using the Rand method

OBJECTIVE

To develop quality indicators to measure asthma care in primary health care.

METHOD

A modified RAND was used, which included the systematic review of the literature in Embase, Cochrane and Pubmed Quality Agencies and Database. The work group identified the indicators, translated them into Spanish and resolved any duplicates. Each indicator is composed of several dimensions (access to care, clinical effectiveness, patient-centred quality and patient safety). A multidisciplinary panel of 98 professionals from all over Spain were invited to score each indicator using a Likert scale. After calculating the average and median of each indicator, this information was sent to those who responded (n=38) for a second round and further scoring. The agreement percentage for the group was obtained for each indicator.

RESULTS

Of the 105 asthma indicators reviewed, we selected 46 that were presented to the panel of experts. In both Delphi phases, 37.1% of the members of the initial panel of experts responded. Of these, 26 were primary care paediatricians, six were pulmonologists, three were nurses, two were pharmacists and one was an allergist. For 32 indicators, agreement exceeded 70% and seven of those scored highest for the various care aspects for asthmatic children.

CONCLUSION

Quality indicators are presented for the follow-up of asthma and their implementation in primary care, which have undergone a strict selection and agreement process by a multidisciplinary work group.

The impact of an emergency department nursing intervention on continuity of care, self-care capacities and psychological symptoms: secondary outcomes of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

As yet there is no firm evidence about the types of intervention that can reduce emergency room revisits. However, the literature on emergency room revisits suggests patient difficulties with managing their health problems and treatments after discharge may play a role.

OBJECTIVES

We carried out a randomized trial of an emergency department-based nursing intervention, but results showed no reduction in revisits (primary outcome). This paper describes the secondary outcomes of the trial: patient perceptions of continuity of care, illness perceptions, self-care capacities, psychological symptoms and medication adherence 30 days after emergency room discharge.

DESIGN

Randomized, controlled trial.

SETTINGS

The trial was conducted in the emergency department of a tertiary cardiac hospital in Montreal, Canada between November 2007 and March 2010.

PARTICIPANTS

The study involved 203 patients, including 108 in the experimental group and 95 in the control group.

METHODS

The intervention included one nurse patient encounter before discharge and two phone calls in the 10 days after discharge. Participants provided data 30 days post-discharge on secondary outcomes potentially related to emergency department revisits.

RESULTS

Although, as previously reported, the intervention had no impact on the primary outcome of emergency department revisits, the present study demonstrated a significant positive effect on patients' perceived continuity of care (p=.033), self-care capacities (p=.037), anxiety (p=.007) and depressive symptoms (p=.043), and the illness perceptions treatment control subscale (p=.037). No differences were found for other illness perception subscales or medication adherence (all p's>.05).

CONCLUSION

Although the intervention did not influence emergency department revisits it did improve secondary outcomes, suggesting pathways for future research.

Pediatric emergencies

It is important that pediatric critical care nurses possess a thorough understanding of their patient and be able to provide exceptional care, especially during emergent situations in the operating room. This care is accomplished by assessing the pediatric patient, dosing medications accurately and effectively, and performing effective Pediatric Advanced Life Support. Pediatric patients present with unique anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. Emergencies are reviewed according to organ system, with a focus on definition, presentation, pathophysiology, management, and special considerations.

[Ultrasound of the large abdominal vessels]

Ultrasound has recently become an indispensable tool for the family physician, whether exercised in primary care and emergency department; and likewise it has spread to many other specialties: internal medicine, critical care, neurology, pneumology, digestive, etc. and that ultrasound has proven to be a safe diagnostic tool and have great capacity. We firmly believe that ultrasound done to «bedside» the patient by the family doctor, can greatly complement the physical examination and greatly improve clinical effectiveness, allowing the browser an immediate view of the anatomy and physiology of certain structures. It is within this context is particularly relevant ultrasonography of the Aorta and large abdominal vessels, made by the family doctor or the emergency itself, which will develop along this chapter.

Can ambulatory emergency care help to streamline services?

This article discusses four models of ambulatory emergency care (AEC), a form of clinical care that allows practitioners to assess, diagnose, treat and discharge patients on the same days that they present to emergency departments. The article recommends one model in particular, the process model, and sets out four questions practitioners who want to deliver AEC should ask of patients at the point of referral.

An overview of breast emergencies and guide to management by interventional radiologists

A review of breast and emergencies may seem mutually exclusive of one another, but breast interventions beyond pathologic diagnosis are encountered and may be urgent. Acute breast situations that can potentially require interventional techniques to resolve include abscess or complications from percutaneous biopsy or trauma such as hemorrhage or pseudoaneurysm. Acute breast interventions are not commonly seen, but a working knowledge of the various treatment approaches and management is important. These entities can be similar to other areas of the body, but there are some specifics to the breast that can allow for optimal treatment and management.

[Development and effects of a simulation-based education program for newborn emergency care]

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to develop a simulation-based education program for newborn emergency care based on most needed topics found from the needs assessment. This study consisted of two phases: developing the program and evaluating its effectiveness.

METHODS

The effectiveness of the program was tested in July, 2012, with 49 junior nursing students from C Nursing College in Seoul, who did not have any clinical experience in newborn care. The experimental group was given a three-hour lecture, three hours of clinical training, and a two-hour simulation program, whereas the control group only had the three-hour lecture.

RESULTS

There was significant improvement in knowledge in both groups, but no significant differences according to educational methods. The experiment group was more confident of their care (4.32±.29) than the control group (3.60±.29) with the difference being significant (t=8.85, p<.001), and the experimental group was also more satisfied with the program (χ²=4.60, p=.032).

CONCLUSION

As the results indicate 'the neonatal emergency care program' increased learners' knowledge, confidence and satisfaction with the program, it should be integrated into clinical training in pediatric nursing curriculum and in-service programs for nurses. To increase generalization further verification studies with various learner groups are needed.