MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'bad ideas'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:38:19 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1911356&cid=t_138438_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Ftranquilizer-dart.html I have long wondered if these might be a good idea in the ER instead of the two imperfect options we currently use for involuntary sedation:1) The long drawn-out negotiation followed (sometimes) by grudging acceptance of sedativeOR2) The takedown followed by physical restraints and surprise manual injection of sedative into whatever meaty body part is availableIf the patient is going to get a shot against his will, then a tranquilizer gun might be safer for everyone involved.But would it work?via CollegeHumor.I wish the video was just a little bit longer.... (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1911356 Tue, 28 Oct 2008 05:04:00 +0100 1911356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1640258&cid=t_138438_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fwhats-my-name.html This is the f**kin' shit I be talkin' aboutHalf rappin' ass mothaf**kersYou think it's a game? You think it's a f**kin' GAME?- "What's My Name?" by DMXRapper DMX was arrested at a Phoenix mall Saturday on suspicion that he gave a gave a false name and Social Security number to a hospital to get out of paying for medical expenses.Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said that when DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, went to Scottsdale's Mayo Clinic in April, he used the name "Troy Jones" and failed to pay a $7,500 bill. (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1640258 Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:29:00 +0100 1640258 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1581913&cid=t_138438_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Ffireworks-fun.html An oldie but a goodie. Ouch! (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1581913 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 04:47:00 +0100 1581913 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1522085&cid=t_138438_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F06%2Fdreaded-hand-tissue.html An unfortunately common practice around these parts is for patients to hold onto a Kleenex for a prolonged period of time. Not a thin, billowy pristine one fresh out of the box, nor one carefully folded for convenient storage just in case it's required. No, I'm talking about the dreaded hand tissue, molded into a crusty tubular shape by the combination of absorbing various bodily secretions and applying what's left of Grandma's grip strength.Now I don't know about you, but when I'm done with a Kleenex I throw it away immediately. The sole purpose of such tissue is to use it to collect stuff that you don't want to get on your hands. Otherwise you'd just blow your nose in your hand and wipe it on your jeans, right? These patients missed that memo, it seems. They clandestinely hold onto their... Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1522085 Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:26:00 +0100 1522085 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1419297&cid=t_138438_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fhorror.html I've seen some pretty nasty things happen to people over the years. Severed limbs, faces blown off with shotguns, electrocutions and other terrible burns, drownings, and plenty of deforming injuries, to name a few. The adrenaline rush tends to overpower the horror I might otherwise naturally feel about those situations.For me, personally, the active lower gastrointestinal bleed is a completely different matter. I hate stool, particularly when it's someone else's stool and especially when it's bloody. I'll take the liberty of speaking for my colleagues by suggesting that the second worst package we can be given in the ER is the dreaded stool sample, brought from home."It's over there," said my patient Deborah Peel as she gestured toward the innocent-looking bag on the table. On a better day... Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1419297 Sun, 04 May 2008 08:28:00 +0100 1419297 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1405357&cid=t_138438_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fcutters.html From the Self Injury Community Forum:"I haven't cut in about two weeks and i'm going ok, but i constantly find myself thinking about it way more often. But i have had self control, up until now...Today though, we had art class and we are doing smth to do with carving and we use a tool that is really sharp [and it cuts real well, i've tried it].So I was sitting there looking at them [it is a set of 5] and i just wanted to cut, i needed to so badly but i was thinking i can't do it now, everybody can see me...So i got away with it this time, but i'm afraid that later today, especially when i'm in the bathroom, i will give in and i don't want to...Actually, i don't know what i want..."Wow. There's lots more where that came from. (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1405357 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:16:00 +0100 1405357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1396262&cid=t_138438_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2F277042850%2Fcontinuing-coverage-abortion-as-art.html The debate around Aliza Shvarts' abortion as art project/social commentary continues as Yale officials now say that without a disclaimer clearly stating the entire project is a work of fiction/hoax... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1396262 Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:17:08 +0100 1396262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1393729&cid=t_138438_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fnutty-buddy.html Discussion hereh/t InstapunditEven funnier clip below: (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1393729 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 20:00:00 +0100 1393729 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1385433&cid=t_138438_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2F273654182%2Fabortion-as-art-debate-continues.html Aliza Shvarts abortion as art Yale senior art project is continuing to create controversy. Originally billed as a student deliberately impregnating and aborting over the span of many months, and... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1385433 Sat, 19 Apr 2008 17:57:24 +0100 1385433 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1380561&cid=t_138438_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2F272418783%2Fabortion-as-art.html I'm coming off a two week conference rush and rounding the bend right into final exams and papers, a condition that generally dramatically decreases the amount of news I ingest or general attention I... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1380561 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:22:33 +0100 1380561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1322383&cid=t_138438_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2F256794581%2Fsigma-more-than-scifi.html I've heard rumours of a science fiction writers group that advises national/homeland security officials for years, but this is the first time I've actual confirmation of the group, called SIGMA. (Of... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1322383 Mon, 24 Mar 2008 02:47:39 +0100 1322383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1179679&cid=t_138438_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Frefuser.html An older gentleman presented with vague complaints of not feeling well, just getting over "the flu," maybe a little dizzy, etc. He really didn't want to be there, and he definitely wouldn't have come if his family hadn't insisted. He minimized his complaints and wouldn't elaborate on any of them. He was alert and looked fit for his age, as one might expect of a man who did 100 pushups every day. Of course his troponin was elevated."Sir, I know you didn't really want to come in to see us, but I think you'd better let us put you in the hospital for a couple of days.""Well, I can tell you right now son, that ain't going to happen."I didn't think so. After I explained the risks of going home and the need for further testing, and he explained his philosophies about God, death, and doctors, I on... Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1179679 Sat, 26 Jan 2008 20:25:00 +0100 1179679 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3029890&cid=t_138438_111_f&fid=38039&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsomedaynurse.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F01%2F16%2Fthere-is-no-other-time%2F This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password: (Source: How I Spent My Nursing Education) How I Spent My Nursing Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3029890 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 07:14:35 +0100 3029890 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1148307&cid=t_138438_93_f&fid=36528&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpandabearmd.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F01%2F14%2Ffreeloader-mothership%2F (Let us delve, oh my long-suffering and indulgent readers, into the realm of real economics, an area of study much neglected in the utopian groves of academe.  It’s almost as if our isolated professariat, protected behind the great bulwark of tenure as they are, have become afraid to get their hands a little dirty discussing economics in any but the emotionally satisfying but ridiculous terms of various strengths and and flavors of marxism. -PB) Can’t Fight Human Nature The bottom line is this: We are, most of us, potential freeloaders and it is only fear of the wolve prowling outside the door that keeps us working as hard as we do.  For my part, if I could find a job that paid as well as Emergency Medicine but required less work, I’d jump on it like a bum on quarte... PANDA BEAR, MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1148307 Mon, 14 Jan 2008 06:41:02 +0100 1148307 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1097656&cid=t_138438_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Feating-flour.html I've seen two different patients recently who admitted to eating flour right out of the bag with a spoon. One young lady said that she was consuming two pounds of flour every day, eating little else. That was her chief complaint...."I need help to stop eating flour."Sometimes it would make her stomach cramp up, but she had no other complaints. She seemed like an otherwise normal person, but she was embarrassed about her addiction.Some things they don't teach us in medical school or residency. Or if they did, the specifics have been long forgotten by your humble narrator. I remember the pica lecture, of course, but I don't recall the management part. So as with many situations that present to the ER, I found myself shooting from the hip.Is she in danger from eating flour? Of course not...it... Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1097656 Sun, 16 Dec 2007 17:23:00 +0100 1097656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1064213&cid=t_138438_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fcan-i-give-you-paper-cut.html EMRs produce some weird charts sometimes. This is an actual notation from a patient's electronic medical record:Patient complains of pain.On a scale 0-10 patient rates pain as 0Comfort Goal: 2-5.I'd rather give a paper cut to the pencil-pushing genius who came up with the concept of the "comfort goal." I'm sure he was also involved in the decision to create a paragraph with a misleading opening sentence to help us document information which should only require two words to convey. No pain. (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1064213 Sat, 01 Dec 2007 19:35:00 +0100 1064213 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1061033&cid=t_138438_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fmore-jcaho-nonsense.html Dear Dr. Scalpel:In accordance with Joint Commission regulations, we are required to request an evaluation of your clinical performance. The Credentialling Committee now requires the completion of an evaluation form by a peer in your specialty who is not a member of your group practice. Attached, you will find a letter and accompanying evaluation form which you should forward to a peer of your choice for completion. In order to proceed with the processing of your reappointment application, it is necessary that you ensure that the required evaluation form is forwarded to a peer and returned to us in a timely manner. A return envelope is provided for this purpose. Please note that the evaluation form must be returned to us by the person completing the form. If we do not receive the evaluatio... Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1061033 Fri, 30 Nov 2007 02:55:00 +0100 1061033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1034630&cid=t_138438_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fmy-first-needlestick-part-1.html It's really amazing how much progress has been made in the treatment of AIDS. It seems like the only really sick AIDS patients I see now are street people who don't take their medications. But only 15 years ago, our ICUs were full of dying young men with ravaged immune systems; skeletal petri dishes clinging to life with glazed eyes and cottony mouths. Unfortunately, it was just such a patient whose blood touched mine early one morning.He was 19 years old and probably weighed 100 pounds. His CD4 count was hovering around zero, and while we didn't test for viral load in those days, I'm sure his was maxed out.I was the senior Medicine resident in the ICU, it was 0530, and I'd been awake for more than 24 hours. Most of that time was spent on high alert, putting out fires, juggling life and de... Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1034630 Sun, 18 Nov 2007 10:05:00 +0100 1034630 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=991826&cid=t_138438_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Fchronic-painer-pain-scale.html Courtesy of Sean Conlon, a chronic pain sufferer in New York who used to be anonymously known as Redhawk but who now blogs under the pseudonym Payne Hertz. I won't link him, but with a little internet sleuthery you can find his whiny blog yourself, if you are so inclined. He thought I was on the wrong track with my pain scales, so he came up with this:"This has led me to create my own pain scale, one which uses very objective criteria and which has the advantage of firmly establishing an objective, empirical baseline in the doctor's mind from which he can better understand and rate his patient's pain as well as measure its impact on the patient's life. Unfortunately, this scale only works with male doctors.To use my scale, first grasp the doctor firmly by the lapels. Now, while simultaneou... Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=991826 Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:09:00 +0100 991826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=882588&cid=t_138438_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fandrew-meyer-should-have-watched-this.html Language Warning.Come to think of it, he probably should have watched this too. (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=882588 Tue, 18 Sep 2007 23:10:00 +0100 882588 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=875182&cid=t_138438_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fmost-blatant-drug-seeker-ever.html Our award-winner presented with a chronic condition that admittedly had the potential to be painful. With the right story, he might have scored some decent narcs. Unfortunately, he lacked that certain finesse that his more expert colleagues have polished to a glistened luster. So after we had ruled out the potentially life-threatening conditions that his presentation mimicked, it was time for the all-important disposition. Since I'm the friendly sort of ER doc that typically makes my patients as comfortable as a kitten curled up on the end of the bed on a quiet sunny morning, I suppose I gave him the wrong impression. After I wheeled him to the bathroom myself, he eagerly pushed his entire stack of chips forward and went all-in. He whispered:"Say, doc...can you write me for 90 Somas and so... Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=875182 Sun, 16 Sep 2007 16:19:00 +0100 875182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=838065&cid=t_138438_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fsocialism-or-fascism.html John Edwards' universal health care proposal would require that Americans go to the doctor for preventive care."If you are going to be in the system, you can't choose not to go to the doctor for 20 years. You have to go in and be checked and make sure that you are OK."He noted, for example, that women would be required to have regular mammograms in an effort to find and treat "the first trace of problem."Sieg Heil! (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=838065 Mon, 03 Sep 2007 17:58:00 +0100 838065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=806935&cid=t_138438_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Fwhy-administrators-suck-chapter-xlvii.html So I need a female chaperone to stand inside the room for 30 seconds while I do a quick breast exam. All the nurses are busy with other patients, and the techs are doing ECGs or transporting patients. My favorite unit secretary is sitting at her desk literally five steps away from the patient's room in question. The phone is not ringing, and she is contentedly surfing the internet."Can you help me out with a quick breast exam?" I ask nicely."Sorry, I'm not allowed to do that anymore."Blank stare. "You've chaperoned me hundreds of times over the years. Who said you can't?""Mrs. Peaker, the new hospital administrator.""Wait a minute. You can take a break, can't you? I've seen you get up and eat once already during the shift.""Yes, I get two 15 minute breaks per shift.""And they still sometim... Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=806935 Sat, 18 Aug 2007 22:38:00 +0100 806935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=790556&cid=t_138438_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Fbad-idea.html "The doctors said that cocaine had weakened my heart for good. What do I have to lose? Gimme another rock, man.""I know when they brought me into the ER that I couldn't walk or move my left side. But I'm almost back to normal now. I think I'll go home.""I know I need to be admitted, but there is nobody at home to feed my dog. Can't I just come back tomorrow?""You ain't no REAL cop. You just a rent-a cop.You can't do nothin' to me.""The intergalactic space commission has authorized me to complete my assignment to dissect the brains of the children. You can't keep me here against my will! I'm gonna sue your ass!""Yeah, my boyfriend gave me another black eye. But he's really a sweet guy, except when he drinks. We can still work it out." (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=790556 Thu, 09 Aug 2007 19:54:00 +0100 790556