em@3am

An 8-year-old male presents to the ED for 9 days of watery diarrhea. The patient’s mother reports the onset of his symptoms following a family vacation to Mexico. Do you prescribe antibiotics? Read this week’s review for helpful hints.

A 31 year-old female, undergoing ED evaluation for chronic back pain, is found to have microscopic hematuria on urinalysis. She is asymptomatic. Is follow-up advised? Let’s review hematuria.

A female patient, with a previous history of an ectopic pregnancy, presents to the ED with abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding following a positive home pregnancy test. What is the likelihood that the patient is experiencing a second ectopic pregnancy? Read this week’s review to find out.

A 65-year-old male with epididymitis has been compliant with his antibiotic therapy for 4 days duration, but remains symptomatic. Is it time to consider an alternative diagnosis? Read this week’s review to find out.

Painless monocular vision loss: what’s on your differential? Let’s take a minute to review central retinal vein occlusion.

Carotid artery dissection: when is anti-platelet therapy preferred over anticoagulation? Read this week’s review for a brief refresher.

A contact lens wearer presents with a painful red eye. Examination is notable for a hazy cornea. Let’s take a minute to review corneal ulceration.

A young female presents to the emergency department requesting testing for exposure to gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB). How do you advise the patient? Read this week’s review for a number of helpful hints.

Corneal abrasions: when should ophthalmology be consulted? Let’s review a few pearls.

A patient presents to the ED with chest pain following an upper endoscopy. Initial CXR and gastrograffin esophagram are negative. What do you do? Read on for pearls regarding the management of esophageal perforation.