As part of the Arts PRN series, we will intermittently be featuring pieces of historic art that hint at an underlying medical condition. They say a picture is worth 1000 words… can you Spot the Diagnosis after examining only a painting? Read on to learn not only about the art, but about these fascinating medical conditions. Who knows, maybe they’ll help you make a diagnosis some day (or at least help you out on Jeopardy)! …
Highlights from the 2018 AHA Scientific Statement on Resuscitation Education
View PostWhat to do if your Patient is Poisoned by a Nerve Agent
While working in your emergency department, you receive news a number of patients have been found at a bus station unconscious. It is suspected that some sort of attack may have occurred. The first patient is brought to your ER, with obviously soiled clothing, vomiting and aggravated. As you make your way towards the bedside, the patient suddenly begins to seize. Overview: This past month, the assassination attempt of a Russian ex-spy and …
When and how to treat hyponatremia in the ED
Electrolyte imbalances like hyponatremia can be the cause of a variety of vague complaints. At the same time, patients may present with electrolyte abnormalities that are asymptomatic and are incidental findings on bloodwork. Here’s an approach to deciding when and how to treat hyponatremia in the emergency department. We also thank Drs. Joel Topf (@kidney_boy) and Dr. John Neary (@jddneary) for their valuable input on this article! The Case Marjorie, an 83-year-old female, …
Case Report: Pregnancy and Trauma in the Game of Thrones
This is the 3rd Episode of the Game of Thrones Case Series. Be sure to also review Hypothermia and Traumatic Arrest in the Game of Thrones and Toxin-Induced Cardiac Arrest in Game of Thrones. Patient Presentation and History During the wedding of Edmure and Roslin, a young pregnant woman of unknown gestational age was found unresponsive with multiple abdominal stab wounds on the floor of the great hall at The Twins. Lord Frey allegedly planned …
Shocked? Hands On Defibrillation
High quality chest compressions and defibrillation are two of the most meaningful interventions in a cardiac arrest1. If you have taken Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), you’ve heard the mantra “I’m clear, you’re clear, everybody’s clear.”1 During delivery of a shock, valuable seconds of chest compressions are lost. This pause in chest compression translates to a decrease in coronary perfusion pressure, one of the largest predictors of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).2 After chest compressions resume, …