Mnemonics to remember differential diagnoses are usually cumbersome, difficult to remember, and unnecessary. However, sometimes one stands above the crowd. Sometimes, one is so perfect that the world around you seems brighter… the greens greener… the sky bluer… your lunch tastier… Feel your mental status exam improve as I present to you “IS THIS PP RED?” for hematuria. The best part about the mnemonic? – The two most important etiologies are first! This …
Clinical Question: Which ultrasound-guided nerve block is best for acute pain management of rib fractures in the ED?
A 72-year-old male presents to the emergency department (ED) with severe chest pain and difficulty breathing after an MVC. Physical examination reveals tenderness and localized swelling over the left lateral chest wall, with X-ray confirming multiple rib fractures. The patient’s vital signs are stable, but he is visibly distressed and struggling to find a comfortable position. What are nerve blocks? Nerve blocks involve administering local anesthetic near specific nerves to block pain signals …
Tiny Tips: Infective Endocarditis FROM JANE
View PostCJEM Visual Abstract – Just the facts: traumatic cardiac arrest
For the September 2023 issue of CJEM, we collaborated with their team to present “Just the facts: traumatic cardiac arrest”1 in a visually simplified format. Traumatic cardiac arrest shares many similarities, yet a few subtle differences from your typical medical resuscitation. Prognostically favourable factors such as shockable rhythm, and organized cardiac activity on ultrasound still exist. Compared to the medical counterpart, neurologically intact survival is often reliant on reversing the cause of the …
CJEM Visual Abstract – Machine learning to identify attributes that predict patients who LWBS in a pediatric ED
For the August 2023 issue of CJEM, we collaborated with their team to present “Machine learning to identify attributes that predict patients who leave without being seen in a pediatric emergency department”1 in a visual abstract format. A mismatch in patient load and ED resources that allow for timely care have led to increased numbers of patients who want to leave without being assessed by a physician or advanced care provider (LWBS). Reported …
Can diltiazem replace adenosine as part of the initial management of stable supraventricular tachycardia?
A 50-year-old female presents to your ER with a chief complaint of palpitations. A 12-lead ECG shows supraventricular tachycardia at a rate of 165 bpm, and she is put on telemetry. She is clinically stable. You attempt the modified Valsalva maneuver with no effect. You explain that you will have to give her medication to bring her heart rhythm back to normal. She asks if you will give her “that adenosine drug” and …