Recognition and management of sepsis in the urgent care out of hours setting

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 282-288
Author(s):  
Justine Dexter ◽  
Gerri Mortimore
Keyword(s):  
Nurse Practitioners ◽  
Sick Child ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Urgent Care ◽  
Microbial Infection ◽  
Pathogenic Organism ◽  
Out Of Hours ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Specific Symptoms

As the majority of sepsis cases occur in the community, Justine Dexter and Gerri Mortimore provide an overview of the assessment, diagnosis and management of the condition for those working in out of hours settings Sepsis is a life-threatening and common condition prompted by a microbial infection. Sepsis is responsible for the death of more people than prostate, bowel or breast cancer collectively, and it causes the second highest mortality rates after cardiovascular disease. The majority of sepsis cases occur in the community, with 30% developing while the patient is in hospital. In many instances, sepsis is avoidable and treatable. The aetiology of sepsis is not always known, making diagnosis difficult, with only 50% of cases having a confirmed pathogenic organism. The signs and symptoms most obviously connected with sepsis are confusion or unusual behaviour, hypotension and increased respiratory rate. However, some patients have non-specific symptoms, and just complain of feeling extremely unwell. Any patients who have these signs or symptoms should be assessed for the possibility of sepsis, regardless of whether pyrexia is present. To aid in detection and decision making about sepsis, the use of screening tools have been advocated to shorten the period prior to the administration of antibiotics. Children characteristically compensate physiologically for a considerable time and then deteriorate quickly; therefore, a crucial focus is to spot a sick child rapidly. Many urgent care out of hours (UCOOH) services are nurse-led. Therefore, it often falls on advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs) to educate healthcare assistants to spot the sick person, especially as they are usually the first person the patient sees. Leadership plays a key role for ANPs in UCOOH by helping to progress the pathway for patients to ensure the sickest are prioritised.

Oncology urgent care to decrease unnecessary emergency room visits.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (27_suppl) ◽  
pp. 212-212
Author(s):  
Maura Abbott ◽  
Laureen Hill ◽  
Deepa Kumaraiah ◽  
Christina Russomanno ◽  
Yelena Ustoyev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Emergency Room ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Nurse Practitioners ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Urgent Care ◽  
Wait Times ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
The Impact

212 Background: In March 2019, Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC)/New York Presbyterian (NYP) piloted an oncology urgent care center, Oncology Care Initiation Unit (OCIU). Patients currently on therapy were referred to OCIU Nurse Practitioners (NP) by primary Oncology Teams for acute, non-life threatening complaints for management. We evaluated the impact of the OCIU on preventing unnecessary emergency room (ER) visits, patient wait times, and patient satisfaction. Prior to the OCIU, 52% of oncology patients presenting to the ER were discharged indicating that an ER visit most likely was not needed. Average wait time for evaluation in ERs for non-critical patients is 7 to 9 hours and can be another 7 to 9 hours for intervention. Methods: We opened the 8-week OCIU pilot to Thoracic and Gastrointestinal (GI) Oncology, and Sarcoma patients who had an acute, non-life threatening complaint from, 8AM to 6PM, Monday to Friday. We collected data on all OCIU patient referrals from 3/7/2019 to 5/2/2019, including patient demographics, primary cancer diagnosis, chief complaint, wait times, interventions, disposition and patient satisfaction using a validated 5 question satisfaction survey. Results: During the pilot, we received 51 referrals, 44 (86%) were considered OCIU appropriate and evaluated; 25 (57%) had a GI cancer diagnosis, 14 (32%) Thoracic cancer diagnosis, and 5 (11%) Sarcoma. Primary chief complaints in order of frequency were pain, GI distress, and dyspnea. 44 (100%) had no wait to be evaluated by the OCIU NP. 33 (75%) of OCIU patients were discharged home, 9 (20%) were directly admitted, and 2 (5%) were transferred to the ER. Patients not requiring invasive intervention were discharged home within thirty minutes of their appointment. Patients requiring infusions, radiology services, and/or paracentesis or thoracentesis were discharged within 4 hours of appointment time. 100% patient satisfaction was reported. Conclusions: Implementation of the OCIU has led to decreased ER visits, wait times for evaluation and management, and increased patient satisfaction. These findings support the need for the OCIU, as well as increasing access to the OCIU by extending to additional HICCC patients.

Early Recognition of Infant Malignancy: The Five Most Common Infant Cancers

2003 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 11-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Chih Lin
Keyword(s):  
Nurse Practitioners ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
First Year ◽  
Optimal Care ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Historical Factors ◽  
Clinical Presentations ◽  
First Year Of Life

The incidence of cancer in children is rising in the U.S. Although cancer in the first year of life is relatively rare, understanding the early signs and symptoms of and the historical factors associated with most common infant cancers is essential for providing optimal care to these infants and their families. Neonatal nurses and nurse practitioners play a pivotal role in early recognition and detection of infant malignancy. This article reviews the incidence of and historical factors associated with infant cancers and discusses clinical presentations and available diagnostic images as well as screening tools for the five most common types of infant malignancy.

scholarly journals QT interval and corrected QT interval in patients with sepsis in correlation with sepsis outcome and electrolytes

QJM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 113 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A M Fahmy ◽  
M M Abdelfattah ◽  
R M Hashim ◽  
M M A Aboali
Keyword(s):  
Qt Interval ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Qt Dispersion ◽  
Qtc Interval ◽  
Corrected Qt Interval ◽  
Hospital Outcome ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Specific Symptoms

Abstract Background sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs. Common signs and symptoms of sepsis include fever, increased heart rate, increased breathing rate, and confusion. In the very young, old, and people with a weakened immune system, there may be no specific symptoms. Aim to study QT dispersion, QT interval abnormalities and corrected QT interval in septic patients in correlation with arrhythmias, hospital outcome (survival, mortality) and electrolytes. Patients and Methodology this is a prospective randomized study that was conducted on forty adult patients who were admitted in the ICU at Ahmed Maher Teaching Hospital with the diagnosis of sepsis to correlate Corrected QT interval (QTc) and QT dispersion (QTD) with arrhythmias, need for mechanical ventilation (MV), electrolytes and hospital outcome. Results forty patients were included in this study, their ages with a mean of 53.50± 13.7 years. Male patients were 24(60%) and female patients were 16 (40%). The most frequent risk factor was hypertension (62.5%). Conclusions the QTc duration may act as a risk marker in the septic patient. Patients with markedly prolonged QTc interval had significantly more episodes of inhospital ventricular tachycardia and hospital mortality. Recommendations QTc may add a useful, simple and accessible tool to be used in risk stratification of septic patients. Factors that cause QTc prolongation could be an avoidable or correctable factors; lifethreatening arrhythmia could be prevented.

Ultrasound diagnosis of dissecting thoracic aortic aneurysms: procedure with a handheld device and a video-illustrated case

2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-15
Author(s):  
Kenneth V Iserson ◽  
Sri Devi Jagjit ◽  
Balram Doodnauth
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Dissection ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Handheld Device ◽  
Thoracic Aortic Dissection ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Handheld Ultrasound

Acute thoracic aortic dissection is an uncommon, although not rare, life-threatening condition. With protean signs and symptoms that often suggest more common cardiac or pulmonary conditions, it can be difficult to diagnose. Ultrasound has proven useful in making the correct diagnosis. This case demonstrates that training gained using standard ultrasound machines can be easily and successfully adapted to newer handheld ultrasound devices. The examination technique using the handheld device is illustrated with photos and a video.

scholarly journals Healthcare Provider Perspectives on Bipolar I Disorder Screening and the Rapid Mood Screener (RMS), a Pragmatic, New Tool

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-183
Author(s):  
Michael E. Thase ◽  
Stephen M. Stahl ◽  
Roger S. McIntyre ◽  
Tina Matthews-Hayes ◽  
Mehul Patel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Nurse Practitioners ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Bipolar I Disorder ◽  
Provider Perspectives ◽  
Patient Reported

AbstractIntroductionAlthough mania is the hallmark symptom of bipolar I disorder (BD-I), most patients initially present for treatment with depressive symptoms. Misdiagnosis of BD-I as major depressive disorder (MDD) is common, potentially resulting in poor outcomes and inappropriate antidepressant monotherapy treatment. Screening patients with depressive symptoms is a practical strategy to help healthcare providers (HCPs) identify when additional assessment for BD-I is warranted. The new 6-item Rapid Mood Screener (RMS) is a pragmatic patient-reported BD-I screening tool that relies on easily understood terminology to screen for manic symptoms and other BD-I features in <2 minutes. The RMS was validated in an observational study in patients with clinically confirmed BD-I (n=67) or MDD (n=72). When 4 or more items were endorsed (“yes”), the sensitivity of the RMS for identifying patients with BP-I was 0.88 and specificity was 0.80; positive and negative predictive values were 0.80 and 0.88, respectively. To more thoroughly understand screening tool use among HCPs, a 10-minute survey was conducted.MethodsA nationwide sample of HCPs (N=200) was selected using multiple HCP panels; HCPs were asked to describe their opinions/current use of screening tools, assess the RMS, and evaluate the RMS versus the widely recognized Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ). Results were reported by grouped specialties (primary care physicians, general nurse practitioners [NPs]/physician assistants [PAs], psychiatrists, and psychiatric NPs/PAs). Included HCPs were in practice <30 years, spent at least 75% of their time in clinical practice, saw at least 10 patients with depression per month, and diagnosed MDD or BD in at least 1 patient per month. Findings were reported using descriptive statistics; statistical significance was reported at the 95% confidence interval.ResultsAmong HCPs, 82% used a tool to screen for MDD, while 32% used a tool for BD. Screening tool attributes considered to be of the greatest value included sensitivity (68%), easy to answer questions (66%), specificity (65%), confidence in results (64%), and practicality (62%). Of HCPs familiar with screening tools, 70% thought the RMS was at least somewhat better than other screening tools. Most HCPs were aware of the MDQ (85%), but only 29% reported current use. Most HCPs (81%) preferred the RMS to the MDQ, and the RMS significantly outperformed the MDQ across valued attributes; 76% reported that they were likely to use the RMS to screen new patients with depressive symptoms. A total of 84% said the RMS would have a positive impact on their practice, with 46% saying they would screen more patients for bipolar disorder.DiscussionThe RMS was viewed positively by HCPs who participated in a brief survey. A large percentage of respondents preferred the RMS over the MDQ and indicated that they would use it in their practice. Collectively, responses indicated that the RMS is likely to have a positive impact on screening behavior.FundingAbbVie Inc.

scholarly journals A rare case of fat embolism syndrome secondary to abdominal liposuction and gluteal fat infiltration

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvador Recinos ◽  
Sabrina Barillas ◽  
Alejandra Rodas ◽  
Javier Ardebol
Keyword(s):  
Right Ventricular Dysfunction ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Fat Embolism ◽  
Fat Infiltration ◽  
Fat Embolism Syndrome ◽  
Embolism Syndrome ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Bone Marrow Harvesting ◽  
Dermatologic Manifestations

Abstract Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a rare, life-threatening condition habitually associated with traumatic events such as fractures and, less commonly, burns, liposuction and bone marrow harvesting and transplant [ 1]. The biochemical theory for this condition suggests that fat droplets embolize and convert into fatty acids, eventually leading to toxic injury and inflammation, which results in increased vascular permeability, edema and hemorrhage [ 2]. FES may have an asymptomatic interval lasting 12–72 hours after the insult; however, in some cases, signs have also been seen intraoperatively. Pulmonary signs and symptoms are customarily the earliest and manifest in 75% of patients. Nevertheless, neurologic and dermatologic manifestations are also characteristic, and most severe cases could perhaps present with disseminated intravascular coagulation, right ventricular dysfunction, shock or death. The following case consists of a 37-year-old patient that presented with fat embolism syndrome during liposuction and gluteal fat infiltration.

scholarly journals An unusual presentation of acute myocardial infarction in physiotherapy direct access: findings from a case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Storari ◽  
Valerio Barbari ◽  
Fabrizio Brindisino ◽  
Marco Testa ◽  
Maselli Filippo
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Acute Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Visceral Pain ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Final Diagnosis ◽  
Outpatient Setting ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Medical Referral

Abstract Background Shoulder pain (SP) may originate from both musculoskeletal and visceral conditions. Physiotherapists (PT) may encounter patients with life-threatening pathologies that mimic musculoskeletal pain such as Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI). A trained PT should be able to distinguish between signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal or visceral origin aimed at performing proper medical referral. Case presentation A 46-y-old male with acute SP lasting from a week was diagnosed with right painful musculoskeletal shoulder syndrome, in two successive examinations by the emergency department physicians. However, after having experienced a shift of the pain on the left side, the patient presented to a PT. The PT recognized the signs and symptoms of visceral pain and referred him to the general practitioner, which identified a cardiac disease. The final diagnosis was acute myocardial infarction. Conclusion This case report highlights the importance of a thorough patient screening examination, especially for patients treated in an outpatient setting, which allow distinguishing between signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal from visceral diseases.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical characteristics and psychological status in internet consultation respondents

2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 003685042110146
Author(s):  
Han Ouyang ◽  
Jian Wen ◽  
Wenyong Gu ◽  
Huaying Shen ◽  
Kai Song
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Psychological Status ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Younger Women ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Education Groups ◽  
Specific Symptoms ◽  
Severe Anxiety

COVID-19 is a sudden, infectious disease that can be life-threatening and may cause people to feel panic and anxiety. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and psychological status of a specific population using an internet consultation platform during the outbreak of COVID-19. The questionnaire survey included questions regarding basic information (e.g. area, sex, age, occupation, and education level), clinical characteristics, and cognitive and psychological status concerning COVID-19 from January 31, 2020 to March 31, 2020. There were 277 patients (43.49%) with three or more symptoms, 121 (12.11%) with a clinical questionnaire score ≥8, and 6.81% who lived in Hubei in the previous 14 days. Of the respondents, 4.9% had contact fever or were confirmed to have COVID-19 in the previous 14 days. The respondents were mostly aware that COVID-19 can be transmitted from person to person and via the respiratory tract, but awareness of general susceptibility and specific symptoms of COVID-19 was low. Multivariate analysis showed that urban residents, clerk/students and higher education groups were well aware of COVID-19. Regarding mental health, the anxiety score of the respondents was 7.12 ± 2.32, and the proportion of anxiety was 54.15%. Younger women were more likely to have anxiety when they experienced positive symptoms. Individuals with a Hubei residence history and those who had contact with an individual with a fever or were confirmed patients in the previous 14 days were more likely to have moderate or severe anxiety. The COVID-19-related knowledge of the respondents was generally good but still could have been improved. Their psychological status was also affected by the pandemic. The internet consultation platform played a positive role in spreading pandemic-related information, providing medical help and psychological counseling, and strengthening early warning to the potential high-risk population.

scholarly journals Diagnosing gastric volvulus in chest X-ray: report of three cases

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Narendra Pandit ◽  
Abhijeet Kumar ◽  
Tek Narayan Yadav ◽  
Qamar Alam Irfan ◽  
Sujan Gautam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Acute Abdomen ◽  
Gastric Volvulus ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Pain Abdomen ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Chest X Ray ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion ◽  
Specific Symptoms ◽  
Prompt Diagnosis

Abstract Gastric volvulus is a rare abnormal rotation of the stomach along its axis. It is a surgical emergency, hence requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent life-threatening gangrenous changes. Hence, a high index of suspicion is required in any patients presenting with an acute abdomen in emergency. The entity can present acutely with pain abdomen and vomiting, or as chronic with non-specific symptoms. Chest X-ray findings to diagnose it may be overlooked in patients with acute abdomen. Here, we report three patients with gastric volvulus, where the diagnosis was based on the chest X-ray findings, confirmed with computed tomography, and managed successfully with surgery.

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