Vasopressor use in patients with sepsis has been studied extensively, with many calling for early, peripheral vasopressors. What is the literature behind this, and are patient outcomes affected? This post examines the studies for vasopressors in sepsis and more.
Septic shock: Who should be treated with early pressors? Read More »
Acute vision loss has a wide differential, and some of these conditions can cause permanent visual deficit. Many of these are time-sensitive, and the emergency physician may improve patient outcome through the consideration of several acute conditions. This post seeks to provide an overview of the evaluation of vision loss in the ED and a summary of several common conditions.
Acute Visual Loss in the Emergency Department: Pearls and Pitfalls Read More »
Emergency department (ED) overcrowding is an issue that not only impacts the ED but impacts nearly all aspects of a hospital system. The ED is the location in the hospital that feels the greatest stress from capacity issues hospital-wide. Emergency providers are uniquely positioned to have a great impact in flow improvement initiatives and this article reviews some of the problems with overcrowding and how to improve patient flow through the ED.
Emergency Department Flow: What works, what does not work, and how can we improve? Read More »
A time-sensitive diagnosis: testicular torsion. This review evaluates the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of testicular torsion, providing an evidence-based update for emergency providers.
Testicular Torsion: Pearls and Pitfalls Read More »
The transient ischemic attack (TIA) places patients at high risk for future stroke. This article reviews the current literature on the diagnosis, management and disposition of patients with TIA. The use of observation and TIA clinics is also discussed.
How can you decrease the risk of the peri- and post-intubation patient decompensation? This post is filled with pearls that you need to know!
Preventing peri- and post-intubation decompensation: Pearls + Pitfalls Read More »
Hand and digital wound bleeding should be managed with hemorrhage control, an adequate exam and proper treatment. There are many tools to help manage bleeding and allow for an adequate exam. Using a topical analgesic such as lidocaine, can be helpful with pain control. The addition of epinephrine to a topical analgesic in hand and digital wounds may not be as scary as once thought and may be considered to help with hemorrhage control in certain wounds.
Bleeding Hand Wounds Read More »
Dizziness is a common chief complaint with a large differential ranging from benign to a life-threatening bleed. How should you approach the patient with dizziness, and what do you need to consider?
A Simplified Approach to the Patient with Dizziness Read More »
Third degree, or complete, heart block indicates complete dissociation between the atria and the ventricles. It is a cardiac emergency that has numerous causes including primary cardiac, electrolyte and medication toxicity. It needs to be managed with emergent pacing, either trancutaneous or transvenous. This article describes complete heart block and its management.
The new, updated sepsis definitions have been released. What are the changes, and what should you know?
Ready for the New Sepsis 3.0? Read More »
