FOAMed

EM@3AM: Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Trauma

A 70-year-old female with a past medical history of osteoporosis, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension presents with acute thoraco-lumbar back pain after a ground-level fall. She is stable, but she does have pain at the T-12/L-1 region of her back.  She has full motor strength and sensory function in the lower extremities. Her patellar reflexes are 1+ bilaterally, no ankle clonus is noted, and she denies any saddle anesthesia or bowel/bladder incontinence. 

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EM@3AM: Vaginal Bleeding

 A 22-year-old female presents with three days of vaginal bleeding. She has soaked through multiple pads and has passed clots. She endorses some lightheadedness but no syncope. Her last period was two weeks ago. She has no known past medical history, does not use hormonal contraception, and is sexually active with one male partner. On exam, she is stable, and her abdomen is soft and non-tender. The speculum exam reveals blood in the vaginal vault that appears to be coming from the cervical os. Her urine pregnancy test is negative. What is your next step in evaluation and treatment?

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