“The delayed phase consists of cns and respiratory depression, dyspnea, bradycardia, hypotension, shock, mydriasis, weakness, muscle paralysis, and coma”
We are very pleased to present you with this overview on the potential dangers of electronic cigarettes and liquid nicotine from the toxicologists at UT Southwestern.
Electronic Cigarettes and Liquid Nicotine Poisoning Read More »
“We should only intervene under very specific circumstances”
Asymptomatic hypertension in the ED: Should we be screening for end-organ damage? Should we intervene? Joshua Bucher, MD covers the 2013 ACEP Clinical Policy addressing these common questions.
Asymptomatic Hypertension Read More »
“Untoward patient-centered effects had not definitively been demonstrated until recently”
Nick Johnson, MD (@NickJohnsonMD) discusses the recent evidence comparing isotonic saline with balanced fluids for resuscitation of septic patients.
Fluid Resuscitation: Isotonic Saline vs Balanced Fluids Read More »
“The LMA also serves as a well documented rescue device for ‘can’t intubate, can’t ventilate’ situations”
Daniel Ostermayer, MD compares the various extraglottic airway devices available for adult and pediatric patients.
Supraglottic Airway Review Read More »
“Higher d-dimer levels correlate with more segments of the aorta involved, with false lumen type dissections, and with higher mortality rates”
D-dimer has great sensitivity for aortic dissection, but its true clinical utility in the workup of this high-risk diagnosis remains undefined. Tim Schaefer, MD reviews diagnosis and management, as well as the recent literature on the role of the d-dimer.
D-Dimer in Aortic Dissection Workup Read More »
“Pleuritic chest pain […] is not in a validated clinical decision rule despite having a higher OR for PE than hemoptysis and recent immobilization”
The PERC rule can be a wonderful thing, but requires judicious use. Jason West, MD reviews the literature, discussing applicability and limitations of the PERC rule, so you’ll know when to feel confident foregoing the D-dimer and when to be more cautious.
PERC Rule: Application and Limitations Read More »
“Ketamine provides excellent analgesia with no or minimal effects on perception or emotion”
We are very excited to bring you a post from Reuben Strayer, MD (@emupdates) on ketamine as an alternative to opiates for pain relief in the ED. The discussion highlights indications for use, dosing recommendations, and how to avoid potentiating the medication’s psychiatric effects.
Ketamine for Analgesia in the ED Read More »
“Targeting light sedation within the first twelve hours of intubation decreases morbidity and mortality”
Taking a thoughtful approach toward keeping your intubated patient comfortable is not just the humane thing to do – it can make a big difference in their ultimate outcome. Rachel Shard, MD discusses strategies for pain relief and sedation in these patients, including prioritization of analgesia and the pros/cons of propofol, benzos, and dexmedetomidine.
Update: Analgesia and Sedation in the Intubated ED Patient Read More »
“Some have questioned exactly which parts of the bundle are beneficial, which parts are not, and which parts may be causing harm”
Steven Whelpley, DO reviews the recent literature on sepsis recognition and treatment in the ED.
Sepsis Update: Lactate, Antibiotics, and Procalcitonin Read More »
“Significant cause of strokes in young/middle aged patients”
Olabiyi Akala, MD summarizes the signs, symptoms, and imaging options for making the diagnosis of carotid artery dissection, and discusses current controversies in management.
Carotid Artery Dissection Read More »
