We do not doubt that PE can be a factor in syncope, but we have concerns over possible over testing for PE among undifferentiated syncope patients secondary to the PESIT study conclusions.
TXA In Epistaxis
Sixty percent of the general population experiences a nosebleed at least once in their lifetime, making this a common emergency department (ED) presentation. This week we discuss a novel use of TXA and its potential as an effective adjunct to management of epistaxis.
Managing Alcohol Withdrawal In The ED
Over 16.3 million adults have an alcohol use disorder as defined by the NIH. Though the emergency department (ED) sees its fair share of intoxicated patients, many patients also present to the ED with withdrawal symptoms. This week we cover a few tips on management.
Methadone Induced Torsades
Torsades de Pointes (Tdp) is a term that is often used synonymously with polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PVT) but it is important to understand the differences. This week we take a deep dive into an interesting case of Tdp with expert commentary by Amal Mattu!
Ask The Expert: Acute Right Ventricular Failure in the ED
This post will introduce key concepts regarding the pathophysiology of RV failure and provide you with answers to high yield questions in management of these difficult patients.
Understanding Inhalation Injury
Smoke inhalation injuries are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. In emergency medicine, we must be aware of harbingers of impending airway issues that come along with this deadly injury. We discuss pathophysiology, diagnosis and management in this week's post.
Blood Cultures In Community Acquired Pneumonia
The reflex of obtaining blood cultures before the initiation of antibiotics has pervaded the practice of medicine; however, this practice may not necessarily be evidence-based. Learn more in this week's post.
Modern Headache Management: Best Practices Update
Headache is one of the most common chief complaints for patients in the emergency department (ED). In this week's post we discuss the evidence behind our common management strategies.
Physician Burnout
Over the past decade, medical practice has become increasingly difficult due to worsening stressors in the workplace, leading to a rising prevalence of physician burnout. Learn the scope of the problem and what we can do as individuals to prevent burnout from happening to us.
Understanding An Enigma: Lumbar Puncture After A Negative CT in SAH
Acute headache is a common emergency department complaint, and in the right clinical setting, subarachnoid hemorrhage can often be high on the differential. We review an article that delves into the data on whether patients with a negative head CT still need an LP. The jury may still be out.
Nursing Communication 101
Good communication with nursing staff is not rocket science but it does take deliberate practice and effort on the part of the physician. Here are a few tips to help new physicians become an effective communicator and team leader.
Influenza Like Illness Mimics
Before labeling a patient as an “influenza like illness” what other potentially life-threatening flu mimics should be considered? Specific clinical questioning will help you to narrow your differential diagnosis.
Infantile Colic
Most infants cry more during the first three months of life than at any other time. As an emergency medicine physician, it’s crucial to rule out other etiologies of fussiness before discharging with pediatrician follow up. You can find some tips and tricks here to help you with this difficult diagnosis in the emergency department.
The Penicillin Allergy Conundrum
The dreaded penicillin allergy has haunted us for many years. Learn how to assess if your patient truly has a penicillin allergy in the follow post.
Vocal Cord Dysfunction
Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is a condition characterized by paradoxical vocal fold motion with inspiration leading to stridor, air hunger, tachypnea, chest tightness, and a feeling of suffocation. A clear mimic of status asthmaticus, this is definitely something to keep on your differential.
The ED Approach To The Comatose Patient
Approximately 3% of all ED patients arrive in some sort of altered mental state. In this post we dive into the emergency department evaluation of these patients and highlights key components of the physical examination and initial evaluation to help you narrow your differential diagnosis.
Neonatal Sepsis: A Brief Visual Guide
Mitali Parmar makes understanding neonatal sepsis ridiculously simple with visual guide to this uncommon but cannot miss diagnosis.
Code Applications: Putting Your Smartphone To Work
Smartphone application use during cardiac arrest has the potential to provide what is termed cognitive offloading which is necessary for optimal care in medical emergencies. We review 3 applications here that may be useful for your next code.
Steroid Selection In Pediatric Asthma
Pediatric asthma exacerbations account for a significant portion of trips to the emergency department (ED), comprising 2-4.5% of ED visits each year. As a common disease of the pediatric population, effective ED management is key. The current mainstay of treatment is beta-agonist and corticosteroid administration. Here we discuss the evidence behind steroid selection in the pediatric asthmatic presenting to the emergency department.
The GRIEV_ING MNEMONIC: A Simple Approach To Death Notification In The ED
Death notification in the ED is not easy. Using the simple steps in the GRIEV_ING mnemonic, Dr. Hobgood found a significant increase in residents’ confidence with and competence in delivering a death notification. Here we simplify how to incorporate this effectively into your practice.