Summer Chavez

A significant number of patients in the ED present with psychiatric complaints. Unfortunately, the resources available for these patients have not kept up with with the increase in psychiatric issues. Emergency medicine acts as a safety net for a large percentage of these patients. These patients present significant challenges to emergency providers. This post is full of pearls for providers managing the psychiatric patient.

Drug reactions are commonly managed in the ED. Approximately 90-95% of all drug rashes are “drug-induced exanthems”, or morbilliform or maculopapular drug eruptions. Widespread erythematous macules or papules appearing a week after drug exposure are usual. However, drug rash severity varies drastically. This post will cover conditions ranging from the simple drug rash to the deadly DRESS and TEN.

We are masters of the airway, often managing life-threatening scenarios and conditions. However, the patient who decompensates around the time of intubation, or directly after the procedure, can be frightening. What can you do to mimize these events?