Medical Specialties Commons^™

Herniated Nucleus Pulposus Radiculopathy In Athletes, Elizabeth G. Massel

Capstone Showcase

Herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP), commonly referred to as intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation, is the second most common cause of neck and back pain, and most common cause of radiculopathy. The purpose of this CME article is to provide guidance on the medical management and secondary prevention of HNP in athletic populations, and highlight the pathophysiological process of mechanical overload putting athletes at a proportionately higher risk of the disease. It will address the unique pathophysiology of overuse-related HNP, as opposed to underuse, with the mechanical overload on vertebral discs associated with many sports. It will also review, with more emphasis …

Exploring Factors Contributing To Compassion Fatigue In Emergency Departments And Possible Interventions, Neggin Assadi

Capstone Showcase

The ED is a fast paced, busy, and unpredictable environment. Increased exposures to death, suffering, and trauma can make the ED a stressful environment and makes providers more susceptible to a phenomenon called compassion fatigue (CF), a diminished ability to feel compassion towards those they are tasked to care for. Three main contributors to CF in the ED are a poor workplace environment, workplace aggression/violence, and traumatic events. Exploring what contributes to these stressors and proposing ways to reduce them can help ED providers combat CF.

Diagnostic Imaging Read By Ai-Assisted Technology Within The Emergency Department, Joshua Leland

Capstone Showcase

Introduction: The emergency department (ED) has had an appreciable increase in volume over the past two decades with more individuals utilizing the ED now than a decade ago which has placed a strain on healthcare resources. Specifically adding to the rising costs in healthcare are diagnostics including chest x-rays. To combat this, institutions across the nation are developing deep-learning and artificial intelligence (AI) programs to assist in reading these diagnostics. Therefore, this systematic review analyzes the use of AI programs by clinicians in the ED to read diagnostic imaging compared to those who do not use these algorithms.

Methods: This …

Management Of Refractory Ventricular Fibrillation With Double Sequential Defibrillation, Kaitlyn A. Brown

Capstone Showcase

Patients experiencing cardiac arrest are treated according to ACLS protocols, however current protocols lack recommendations for the treatment of refractory Ventricular Fibrillation which persists after more than 3 cycles of CPR and defibrillation. One potential intervention for these cases that is being researched is the use of simultaneous or sequential activation of two defibrillators. This literature review analyzed the results of several studies to determine if double sequential defibrillation (DSD) is a viable treatment to achieve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and improved patient survival. The results of the studies were mixed with some showing positive outcomes, and others showing …

Opioid Use Disorder: The Timeline For Medication Assisted Therapy, Alexander Cristofori

Capstone Showcase

Opioid Use Disorder is patterns of opioid use leading to withdrawal, giving up important life events in order to use opioids, and excessive time spent using opioids, to name a few diagnostic criteria. The clinical progression of the disorder involves periods of acute exacerbation and remission that are cyclic in nature. Treatment is most effective when it includes both pharmacological and psychosocial modalities, referred to as medication assisted therapy (MAT). Three drugs used commonly in MAT-based treatment for OUD from oldest to newest include Methadone, Buprenorphine-naloxone, and Naltrexone. Treatment program models that prioritize total abstinence from the addictive substance attached …

A Reevaluation Of The Importance Of Timing To Antibiotic Administration In Patients With Sepsis And Septic Shock In The Emergency Department, Melissa Yoon

Capstone Showcase

Sepsis is a life threatening organ dysfunction that is caused by the body’s dysregulated response to an infection. A crucial component of treatment includes intravenous antibiotic administration and is recommended within 1 hour of suspected sepsis. However, research conducted over the past two decades have produced mixed results regarding the relationship between mortality rates and this 1 hour time limit. In light of issues such as increasing antibiotic resistance and limited resources in emergency departments, this study reviewed current literature to critically evaluate the effects of modest delays in antibiotic administration in sepsis and septic shock. The studies suggest that …

Effect Of Epinephrine On Outcomes In Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest, Ian Lumsden

Capstone Showcase

Abstract

Introduction

Epinephrine administration during cardiac arrest has been the standard of care for decades. In the United States, epinephrine administration has been recommended by the American Heart Association since the first cardiac arrest guidelines were published in 1974. However, epinephrine use became the standard of care with strong medical rational but with limited data on outcomes. The intent of this research is to review available literature and determine if in (P) an adult population in non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (I) treatment with epinephrine administration (C) compared to cardiac care without the administration of epinephrine (O) results in improved survival …