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FOAMED

The EM Educator Series: Bleeding until proven otherwise…

Welcome back to the EM Educator Series. These posts provide brief mini-cases followed by key questions to consider while working. The featured questions provide important learning points for those working with you, as well as vital items to consider in the evaluation and management of the specific condition discussed. This week we have a case where you should assume bleeding until proven otherwise.

practice updates

A Case of Rare Cause of DVT in the Young, Healthy Patient

A 44-year-old female comes to the ED with left lower extremity swelling. The patient notes increased swelling and discoloration to her entire left leg for three days, associated with aching pain. In a patient without any risk factors for thrombus or any other medical reason for hypercoagulability, what could cause an unprovoked left lower extremity thrombus?

em@3am

EM@3AM – Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

A 37-year-old trauma patient, involved in a motor vehicle collision six hours prior to arrival and stabilized at a county hospital, is transferred to your ED. A nurse notes blood oozing from the man's central and peripheral lines. What laboratory studies do you order? If you're in need of a refresher, take a look at this week's review of disseminated intravascular coagulation.