Hypernatraemia is a not a common presentation in ED, as intense thirst often prevents significant hypernatraemia in neurologically intact individuals. So… Mortality rates are high (20-70%) and the severity of hypernatraemia has been shown be an independent predictor of mortality.
However, there is little good data on hypernatremia to base guidance on, and definitions vary within the literature
It is vital that patients returning to police custody as discharged as safely as possible. Part of that is ensuring the custody team has adequate information about the patient. So so complete the Return to custody form, documenting…. Read more
Really useful method to close linear head wounds that you wouldn’t normally use glue for within the hair (esp. in children)
When a patients with a PEG/PEJ/RIG that has come out attends the ED its important that we can either replace it or insert an EN-Plug OR NG tube into the tract to maintain patentcy while being admitted (how to guide is below)
NG/Foley catheters must not be used to administer fluid or feed nor should the patient be sent home with it in-situ.
What is retrobulbar haemorrhage?
In the UK approximately 100 people are envenomated by a snake each year.
So what do you need to do if your patient has received a venomous bite from a snake? (not the classic UK cocktail).
Gallstones are common, with a prevalence of approximately 10–15% of adults in Europe and the U.S. Most of the time patients are asymptomatic. but there are several ways gallstone disease can present.
We often worry about patients developing rhabdomyolysis and consequently developing AKI. However, there is much debate and little consistency in the published data, over how to diagnose and who needs admission to treat. So its important to consider both clinical context along with laboratory values
