The problem isn’t that we forget to consider aortic dissection, but rather that we forget that aortic dissection has an uncommon presentation. Read this week's post on this chest pain "outlier" and how to best approach diagnosis and management of this deadly clinical entity.
Filtering by Author: Mary Whipple
The Use of the Angiocatheter in Central Venous Line Insertion
There are two techniques for guide wire insertion when performing central line placement. This week we compare the evidence for the two approaches and provide support for the cathether-over-needle (CON) technique which may prove useful in specific situations.
Is High Flow Nasal Cannula Effective for Adults with Acute Respiratory Distress in the Emergency Department?
HFNC is increasing in popularity in multiple clinical environments despite limited evidence regarding its use, and the effects of HFNC on patient outcomes are still being studied. For the emergency physician, HFNC is a potential tool to be utilized in acute respiratory distress, but is there data to support the use of HFNC for acute respiratory distress in the emergency department?
Acute Compartment Syndrome
Acute compartment syndrome (CS) of the extremity is a clinical diagnosis. However, patients without the ability to convey a good history increase our reliance on objective measures. This week's post will review the characteristics of CS injuries by mechanism and location, utility of clinical symptoms, and the use of compartment pressures in the diagnosis of CS.
To Admit or Not to Admit: Initial Results from the Intermediate-Risk Syncope (IRiS) Study
There is not clear guidance on which patients presenting with syncope to the emergency department should be admitted. This week we discuss new evidence from the IRiS trial that may help with determining which patients may be safe for outpatient work up.