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Tag: Complications

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

Can you have anesthesia with a cold? Here's what you need to know.

5 min read
According to the CDC, adults have an average of two to three colds per year, making it a very common illness. If you have an upcoming surgery, it's natural to wonder, **can you have anesthesia with a cold?** The answer is not always a simple 'yes' or 'no' and depends heavily on the severity of your symptoms and the type of procedure.

What are the symptoms of a PICC migration?

4 min read
While peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC lines) are vital for long-term treatment, a small percentage of patients experience complications like migration. Understanding **what are the symptoms of a PICC migration** is crucial for prompt medical attention and preventing serious health issues.

What is the complication rate of PICC lines?

5 min read
While peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC lines) are a valuable tool for long-term intravenous therapy, studies show that major complications can occur in as many as 15% of patients in some populations. Acknowledging the potential risks and understanding how to mitigate them is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers when considering what is the complication rate of PICC lines.

What is the most common serious complication of a blood transfusion?

3 min read
While severe adverse events are rare, transfusion-related complications can occur. Reports from transfusion monitoring systems, such as the UK Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) report, have shown that transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) and transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) are two of the most reported and serious complications, with different years or regions attributing the highest mortality to one or the other. The following information can help patients and caregivers understand what is the most common serious complication of a blood transfusion, how it is managed, and the measures taken to ensure safety.

Understanding What are the complications of massive paracentesis?

4 min read
While large-volume paracentesis is generally safe and effectively treats severe ascites, it carries roughly a 1% risk of overall complications. A clear understanding of **what are the complications of massive paracentesis** is critical for anticipating potential risks and ensuring patient safety.

Understanding When Should a Drain Be Left in the Abdominal Cavity Upon Surgery?

6 min read
While the use of routine prophylactic drains has decreased in recent years due to evidence showing mixed outcomes, drains remain a critical tool in specific high-risk surgical scenarios. The decision of when should a drain be left in the abdominal cavity upon surgery is a complex one, made on a case-by-case basis to prevent postoperative fluid collections, leaks, and subsequent infections.

Which of the following is a potential complication of an IV insertion?

4 min read
Did you know that up to 50% of peripheral IVs experience complications like infiltration? Answering the question, 'Which of the following is a potential complication of an IV insertion?' requires understanding several risks, including hematoma, phlebitis, and infection. While healthcare providers take precautions to minimize these issues, being aware of them is key for proper patient care and monitoring.

What Happens When Hypothermia Is Left Untreated?

2 min read
According to the CDC, hundreds of accidental hypothermia deaths occur in the United States each year. When this serious medical condition progresses without medical aid, the outcome can be devastating, highlighting the crucial question of what happens when hypothermia is left untreated? Untreated hypothermia progresses through stages of severity, crippling the body's vital functions, from brain activity to cardiovascular stability, and can culminate in death.