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.
Simple Steps To Auricular Hematoma Drainage
A step-by-step guide to management of auricular hematoma.
A Highly Gifted Juice
An Evidence Based Approach To Opening Pressure in CSF Analysis and its Role in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Diagnosing Pneumothorax With Bedside Ultrasound
Ultrasound is superior to chest x-ray in diagnosing pneumothorax, especially in the supine trauma patient, so consider adding it to your armamentarium of diagnostic tools in the trauma bay. Read on to learn how.
LVAD Management In The ED
Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) are surgically implanted pumps that essentially “take over” the job of the failing left ventricle, restoring normal blood flow to the body. While they sound complicated, learning a few key pearls can help you successfully management LVAD patients in your emergency department.
The Rockets' Red Glare: Tips For Firework Safety
For many Americans, the Fourth of July holiday brings parades, cookouts, and of course, fireworks. While the colorful displays are enjoyed across the country, fireworks can be dangerous and require a special attention to safety.
Quick Guide To Minor Facial Trauma: Part 2
In the emergency department, we commonly encounter minor injuries to the face and mouth. In a two part series, we will provide a short overview of some helpful strategies for dealing with these cosmetically sensitive injuries in an effective manner.
Perimortem Procedures: Yes or No?
We delve into the heated topic of perimortem procedures specifically concerning the ethics, legality, and repercussions of performing procedures on the recently deceased.
Owning The Ankle Arthrocentesis
As ER doctors, we stick a lot of needles into a lot of different body parts. Sometimes into vessels, sometimes into the area around the spinal cord, and of course, sometimes into hot, swollen joints. The ankle is included in this which can often prove difficult to access. To help you through your next angry ankle, here are a couple of pointers.
Incorporating Diagnostic Testing Into Your Clinical Decisions
Understanding the mathematical breakdown of how we incorporate testing into our medical decisions is tough. This post will provide you with some structure and understanding into the processes behind the decisions you make and the tests you order.
The Best Agent For Digital Nerve Blocks
Explore the evidence behind previously held beliefs regarding local anesthetic use in digital nerve blocks.
Quick Guide to Minor Facial Trauma: Part I
In the emergency department, we commonly encounter minor injuries to the face and mouth. In a two part series, we will provide a short overview of some helpful strategies for dealing with these cosmetically sensitive injuries in an effective manner.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation: Not Your Ovarian Average Cyst
Pregnancies resulting from assisted reproduction are more complicated, with higher rates of ectopic, heterotopic and multifetal pregnancies, in addition to higher rates of abortions and premature deliveries. Other complications include venous thromboembolism as well as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. These are high risk pregnancies that will present to your emergency department and you should be aware of key management principles.
Complications of Central Venous Catheters
We review the recent randomized-controlled trial by Parienti et al in the New England Journal of Medicine which sought to determine the complication rate of central venous catheters (CVC) at the 3 primary sites of insertion.
Transfusion Reactions In The ED
Blood products, despite what may be commonly believed, are a scarce and valuable resource. While overall, there are many systems to ensure the safety of the products, any transfusion poses a certain degree of risk. We review the spectrum of transfusion reactions, from the common to the uncommon.