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EM Basic - Pocket Guide PDF
EM Basic - Pocket Guide PDF
44
17 Trauma Resuscitation - Part 2........................................................ 46
Chest tube insertion in tension pneumothorax ............................. 48
18 Dizziness ............................................................................................ 49
19 Procedural Sedation Part 1 - Preparation ..................................... 52
20 Procedural Sedation Part 2 - Medications ................................... 54
21 Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)................................ 57
T h is document doesnt reflect the views or opinions of the Department of Defense, the US Army, the
SA USHEC EM residency, or the Fort Hood Post Command 2011-2014 EM Basic LLC. May freely 22 Hyponatremia ..................................................................................60
distribute with proper attribution
23 Hyperkalemia ................................................................................... 62
A uthor: Steve Carroll DO. http://embasic.org/
Com piled/Edited by Samiran Bhattacharya, JHUSOM MS4 24 Testicular pain.................................................................................. 64
25 Non-invasive Ventilation ................................................................ 66
26 Psychiatric Medical Screening ....................................................... 68
Contents 27 Eye Complaints................................................................................. 70
1 Chest Pain .............................................................................................. 2 28 Seizures ............................................................................................. 74
2 Abdominal Pain.................................................................................... 5 Status epilepticus algorithm pocket guide ..................................... 77
3 Female Specific Abdominal Pain ....................................................... 8 29 Anaphylaxis - Diagnosis and Treatment ...................................... 78
4 First Trimester Vaginal Bleeding......................................................11 30 Monoarticular Arthritis ..................................................................80
5 Airway/Intubation ............................................................................. 14 31 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) ....................... 82
6 Headache............................................................................................. 18 32 Pulmonary Embolism I - Risk factors, Symptoms, & Testing ... 84
Neuro Exam ....................................................................................... 18 33 Pulmonary Embolism II - Risk Stratification & Treatment....... 87
How to do a LP................................................................................... 21 34 Asymptomatic Hypertension ......................................................... 89
7 Febrile Infants .................................................................................... 22 35 Acetaminophen (APAP) Overdose................................................. 91
8 Back Pain ............................................................................................ 24 36 Aspirin (ASA) Overdose .................................................................. 93
9 MI and ACS......................................................................................... 26 Generic Drug Reference ....................................................................... 95
10 Altered Mental Status (AMS) ......................................................... 28
11 DKA..................................................................................................... 31
12 Syncope.............................................................................................. 34
13 Sepsis ................................................................................................. 37
Rivers EGDT Flowchart.................................................................... 39
14 Shortness of Breath (SOB).............................................................. 40
15 How to give a good ED patient presentation................................ 43
1 Chest Pain PEARL: a negative cath can still have 30% occlusions- that is
heart disease!
Look at the chart, vitals, EKG - Medications- BP meds, statins, aspirin, Plavix
Rapid EKG interpretation (clopidogrel), coumadin (warfarin), pradaxa (dabigatran)
- Is this a STEMI? (1mm elevation in 2 contiguous leads)
- Look in anatomical locations
o I and AVL (lateral) Physical exam key points
o II, III, AVF (inferior) - Volume status- volume up, down, or euvolemic (wet or
o V1-V3 (anterior/septal) dry?)
o V4-V6 (lateral) - Heart and lung sounds- Murmurs? Wet lungs or
o AVR (isolation) wheezing?
- Rate- look at machine or divide 300 by number of boxes
between two R waves or 300, 150, 100, 75, 60, 50, etc
- Rhythm- P before every QRS (sinus) or not?
- Axis- if upright in I and AVF, normal
- Ischemia
o Flipped T waves- can be ischemia
o ST Elevations= infarction
o ST Depression= infarction opposite of that lead
- Look at computer interpretation and reconcile with your
own reading
If you are suspecting cardiac chest pain: If you are suspecting Pulmonary Embolism
- Labs - Symptoms- pleuritic chest pain, SOB, tachycardia,
o Cardiac set- (major reasons for labs in parentheses) tachypnea, hypoxia
o CBC (anemia) - Risk factors- OCPs, pregnancy, trauma, recent surgery,
o Chem 10 (electrolyte abnormalities) malignancy
o Coags (baseline) PEARL- Therapeutic INR (2-3) is NOT 100% protective against
o Cardiac Enzymes (Troponin, CK, CK-MB) PE
PEARL: One set of enzymes USUALLY means admission - Workup
for rule out ACS o EKG and CXR
- Treatments o CBC (low yield but consultants want it)
o Aspirin 325mg PO o Chem 10 (creatinine for a CT)
o Nitroglycerin (0.4mg sublingual q5 minutes x3 total o Coags (baseline)
doses, hold systolic BP <100 or pain free, PEARL- DONT indiscriminately order D-dimers
contraindicated with Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis
(tadalafil), Levitra (vardenafil) etc. Decision making in PE
PEARL: have an IV in place before giving nitro, if hypotensive - First step- Gestalt (gut feeling)
usually fluid responsive to 500cc NS bolus, avoid nitro in posterior o Low probability- no workup or proceed to PERC
MIs (R. ventricular dysfunction are preload dependent!) criteria below
o If not pain free after aspirin and nitro- can give o Moderate or high probability- CT pulmonary
morphine, Zofran (ondansetron) angiogram (CTPA)
PEARL: Get a pain free EKG and make sure there are no changes!
(always have 2)
PERC criteria- low risk gestalt PLUS all of the following- Other diagnoses
BREATHS - Esophageal rupture (Boerhaaves syndrome)
- Blood in sputum (hemoptysis) o History- recent forceful vomiting, recent endoscopy,
- Room air sat <95% alcoholic, sick and toxic looking patient
- Estrogen or OCP use o Chest x-ray- Free air under diaphragm, rigid
- Age >50 years old abdomen on exam
- Thrombosis (in past or current suspicion of DVT) o Treatment- resuscitation, surgical intervention
- Heart rate >100 documented at ANY time - Aortic dissection - ripping or tearing chest that goes into
- Surgery in last 4 weeks the back or shoulder area
PEARL- Chest pain + motor or neuro deficit OR chest pain but a
If negative- no testing (risk of PE 1.8%, risk of anti-coagulation seemingly unrelated complaint elsewhere in the body - think about
2%) dissection- aorta connects them both
If positive- if negative D-dimer- no further testing, if positive- o Risk factors- HTN (#1), pregnancy, connective
CTPA tissue diseases (Marfans and Ehlers-Danlos)
o Exam- unequal BPs (more than 20 mmHg, 60-70%
- Treatment sensitive), pulse deficits (20% sensitive)
o If you diagnose a PE- get cardiac enzymes and BNP o Chest x-ray- widened mediastinum (60-70%
for risk stratification sensitive)
o Regular PE (vitals stable, no elevation in cardiac o Testing- CT Aorta with contrast, TEE if dye allergy
enzymes or BNP)- lovenox (enoxaparin) 1mg/kg SQ, or creatinine elevated, cardiac MRI
or heparin drip, admit
o Submassive PE (vitals stable with elevation in CEs
or BNP, right heart strain on echo)- lovenox
(enoxaparin) 1 mg/kg SQ, strongly consider ICU
admit for thrombolytics
o Massive PE (unstable vitals, systolic BP less than 90
at any time) - thrombolytics and ICU admit,
?interventional radiology intervention
2 Abdominal Pain o Psoas sign- roll onto left side, extend leg back
o Obturator sign- flex and externally rotate right leg
History o Rovsings sign- push in LLQ, pain in RLQ
- Look at the triage note and vitals and address them o Reverse Rovsings- push in RLQ, pain in LLQ
- Before talking the patient- look at them as they sit on the (diverticulitis)
stretcher o Murphys sign- patient takes a deep breath, push in
o Appendicitis- usually want to remain very still RUQ, positive if patient stops inhaling due to pain
o Kidney stones- usually writhing, cant get PEARL- Do a testicular exam in all males- dont miss a torsion!
comfortable - Summary: Check mucus membranes and eyes heart exam
- OPQRST questions about pain sit up for lung exam, also check for CVA tenderness
o Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, and totally flat: point to pain, bowel sounds, palpation, rebound,
Time guarding, peritoneal signs if male, testicular exam
- Associated signs and symptoms
o Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, chest pain, back pain, Labs - not everyone needs them but if you think its surgical
urinary symptoms abdominal pain, get them (reasons for getting them in
- Female patients parentheses)
o Missed periods, vaginal bleeding, discharge - UA/HCG for females (no cx unless you admit or treat for
- PO intake UTI)
o Relation of pain to food intake, worse pain with - CBC (consultants want them, up to 30% of appys have
movement? normal WBC)
- Medical history - Chem 10 (hypokalemia can cause an ileus, low bicarb=
o Special attention to surgical history, previous acidosis, creatinine for a CT)
colonoscopy - Coags (standard pre-op lab, liver disease elevates coags
before LFTs)
Exam - LFTs (cholecystitis workups, may not need them for an
- Dont dive for the abdomen - do an HEENT exam, appy)
heart/lung exam - Lipase (pancreatitis, amylase is unnecessary - not
- Uncover the abdomen and ask patient to point where it sensitive or specific)
hurts the most (with one finger) - VBG with lactate (for older patients screen for
- Check bowel sounds first mesenteric ischemia, high lactate = bad disease)
o Can press down with stethoscope to see if they are
tender Pain control- dont withhold it!
- Start pressing opposite of where they have pain - Morphine 0.1mg/kg IV, most start with 4-6mg IV
o Start lightly and presser harder though. Write PRNs if you can Morphine 4mg IV, may
o If they have trouble relaxing, bend knees to 45 repeat q15 min for 3 total doses, prn pain. Hold for
degrees somnolence, hypoxia, or SBP <100.
- Peritoneal signs- usually indicate appendicitis or other - Give Zofran (ondansetron) 8mg IV to counteract
surgical pathology nausea/vomiting.
o Lightly shake stretcher- for kids- have them jump up - Benadryl (diphenhydramine) 25mg IV PRN for itching
and down
o All of these signs are positive if increased pain in RLQ
PEARL- Demerol (meperedine) is a poor choice of opiate to use. How to image the abdomen effectively by quadrants
It has lots of side effects and causes lots of euphoria. It doesnt (female specific causes excluded!) (CT A/P= CT abdomen and
cause clinically significant sphincter of oddi spasm- that is a myth, pelvis)
theres really no reason to use it all. Morphine, fentanyl and
dilaudid (hydromorphone) are all excellent painkillers Epigastric
- Rarely require imaging
Give IV fluids- younger people 1-2 liters, older patients- 500cc at a - May get it for pancreatitis to check for pseudocyst but
time probably doesnt need it in the ED.
- If you find pancreatitis, check a RUQ US for gallstone
Differential Diagnosis pancreatitis
- Appendicitis
RUQ LUQ
- Cholecystitis - US is the best test for - Rarely requires
- Pancreatitis cholecystitis imaging unless rigid
- Diverticulitis - Also get US to search abdomen or suspect
- Bowel obstruction for gallstone for bowel obstruction
- Bowel perforation pancreatitis
- Mesenteric ischemia RLQ LLQ
- Kidney stone - CT A/P for - CT A/P for
- Gastritis appendicitis. Can be diverticulitis, once
- Gastroenteritis done without contrast again +/- IV and or PO
- AAA with same results, contrast
some institutions
require PO and/or IV
contrast
Suprapubic
- in isolation- usually a UTI
Ovarian Torsion NO
YES
- Classic- Sudden onset of sharp stabbing pain in lower
- Immeadiate OB consult - Get quantitative serum
abdomen with nausea or vomiting often a clinical
hCG
diagnosis - Laparoscopy or
PEARL- A negative pelvic ultrasound DOES NOT rule out torsion laparotomy
- Intermittent torsion is possible
- Time sensitive diagnosis- ovary salvage rate greatly declines
hCG < 1500-2000
after 4 hours hCG >1500-2000
- High suspicion= OB/GYN consult and admission for - Transvaginal US
- Transvaginal US
observation - Repeat hCG in 48 hours
- Most torsions have large cysts but not all
PEARL- If radiologist doesnt want to do TVUS after hours because Normal rise >66% IUP Seen
an ultrasound doesnt rule out torsion, say you are concerned for
- Probably viable IUP - Observe
tubo-ovarian abscess or large hemorrhagic cyst
- Repeat US when hCG >
threshold
Ovarian Cyst No IUP
- Cyst on same side as pain with good blood flow to ovary
- Hi risk ectopic
- Can be discharged with pain control, OB/GYN followup Abnormal rise
- Probably nonviable
STDs Trichomonas
- Treatment depends on how fast your GC/Chlamydia test is - Motile organisms on Wet Prep. Sxs- itching, discharge,
o Send-out = Empirically treat all patients with dysuria dyspareunia
discharge and/or CMT - Tx- Flagyl (metronidazole) 2 grams PO x1 or 500mg PO BID
PEARL- ALWAYS treat for gonorrhea and chlamydia for 7 days
(Often co-exist and missing it can have long term fertility - Treat partner as well- men are often asymptomatic
consequences) - No alcohol while on flagyl (disulfaram reaction = vomiting)
Why we intubate PEARL- Get the patient on 100% oxygen (O2) via non-rebreather
1) Cant protect the airway (GCS <8, obtunded) (NRBM) ASAP, use Bi-PAP/CPAP to get oxygenation as high as
2) Cant maintain oxygenation/ventilation possible if needed
o O2 sat <90 with non-rebreather mask PEARL - BVM with self-refilling reservoir doesnt provide oxygen
o Patients who are tiring from increased work of unless you are squeezing it (dont just place it on the patients face)
breathing
o Severe asthma/COPD (airway obstruction) SOAP-ME
1) Expected Clinical Course - Suction- at least one working suction, place it between
o Drunk and rowdy trauma patient (cant cooperate) mattress and bed
o Going to CT scanner with a tenuous airway - Oxygen- NRBM and BVM attached to 15 LPM of O2
o Pain control- patient with multiple long bone - Airways- 7.5 ET tube with stylet fits most adults, 7.0 for
fractures going to the OR anyway smaller females, 8.0 for larger males, test balloon by filling
2) Airway obstruction with 10 cc of air with a syringe
o Deep space neck infection/mechanical obstruction o Stylet- placed inside ET tube for rigidity, bend it 30
degrees starting at proximal end of cuff
o Blade - Mac 3 or 4 for adults- curved blade
Predicting a difficulty airway o Miller 3 or 4 for adults- straight blade
ED airways = difficult airways automatically o Handle - attach blade and make sure light source
EVALUATE LEMON LAW positive = airway is more difficult works, DONT keep it attached until you are ready to
- Look- incisors or buck teeth, dentures, obese?, beard intubate
- Evaluate 3-3-2 o Backups - ALWAYS have a surgical cric kit available!
o 3 finger breadths- open mouth o Have glidescope, LMA and bougie at bedside
o 2 finger breadths- mandible to neck - Pre-oxygenate- 15 LPM NRBM (should probably be first
o 2 finger breadths- neck to thyroid thing)
- Mallampati Score- look inside mouth - Monitoring equipment/Medications
o Cardiac monitor, pulse ox, BP cuff opposite arm with
IV
o Medications drawn up and ready to be given
- End Tidal CO2- out of the package, keep sticker in place
until the patient is intubated
- Obstruction- foreign body or abscess, tumor, epiglottitis, Premedication- not used frequently except for some situations
stridor? - Head injury- Lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg IV 3-5 minutes prior to
- Neck mobility- in c-collar?, any limitation in neck intubation
movement? o Theoretically decreases ICP but not great evidence
- Children <10 years old- Atropine- 0.02 mg/kg IV,
minimum 0.1 mg
o Prevents reflex bradycardia from intubation
RAPID SEQUENCE INTUBATION - how we intubate in the Paralytics - IV push rapidly after sedative meds
ED - Succinylcholine (suxs)- depolarizing paralytic (initially
binds to motor endplate and causes depolarization then
#1 point is that you DO NOT bag the patient once they go apneic relaxation
o Most favored paralytic for ED RSI
Overall- rapid administration of sedative followed by paralytic to o Dose- 1.5 2 mg/kg IV, 3-4 mg/kg IM
produce unconsciousness and reduce aspiration risk o Onset- 60 seconds
o Duration- 4-5 minutes
PEARL- Dont need RSI in patients in cardiac arrest o Considerations - causes transient rise in potassium,
PEARL- Dose medications off patients actual body weight- 20 of use with caution in those on dialysis, crush injuries or
etomidate and 100 of suxs wont be enough for everyone burns more than 24 hours old, patients with a history
of malignant hyperthermia or muscular dystrophy
Sedative medications - Rocuronium - non-depolarizing paralytic (competitive
- Etomidate - ultra short active sedative inhibitor that competes for motor end plate sites with
o Most favored for ED RSI acetylcholine)
o Dose- 0.3 mg/kg IV o Dose- 1.2 1.5 mg/kg IV
o Onset- 30-45 seconds o Onset- 60 seconds
o Duration- 10 minutes o Duration- 30-45 minutes
o Considerations- single dose with cause adrenal o Considerations- causes long paralysis, some prefer
suppression but probably not clinically significant, suxs so that the patient recovers from the paralysis if
biggest concern is in sepsis (can use ketamine) ET tube cant be placed
- Ketamine - PCP derivative- analgesia and sedation- - Vecuronium - non-depolarizing paralytic- not used
dissociative agent frequently for RSI but can be used for long term paralysis if
o Patient maintains airway reflexes, good for needed
asthmatics (bronchodilator) o Dose- 0.1 mg/kg IV but 10 mg IV is a common dose
o Dose- 1-2 mg/kg IV or 3-4 mg/kg IM across the board
o Onset- 30-45 seconds o Onset- 2-3 minutes
o Duration- 30 minutes o Duration- 45 60 minutes
o Considerations- concern that it causes ICP rise but o Considerations- dont use it routinely, titrate sedation
this is being debunked, some wont use it in head aggressively to ensure patient is awake but paralyzed
injured patients
- Propofol (aka Diprivan)- ultra short acting hypnotic with
NO analgesic properties
o Very rapid onset and very short duration of action
o Dose- 1mg/kg IV rapid push
o Duration- 3-4 minutes
o Considerations- causes hypotension so use caution in
patients who are already hypotensive, excellent to use
for post intubation sedation
Relevant Anatomy a. Have assistant place fingers on thyroid cartilage and
you move their fingers until you get the best view,
whatever direction you need to get the best view
12. Insert the tube
13. Pass through the right side of the mouth, place balloon just
past the cords and have your assistant inflate it
14. Tube depth- 3 times the tube length- (7.0 ET tube = 21 cm)
15. Confirm placement - Use end-tidal CO2 detector- yellow=
YES, check the stomach for breath sounds then bilateral
breath sounds on the chest and look for equal chest rise and
fall
16. Order a post-intubation chest x-ray
References:
T h e Manual of Em ergency Airway Management- Dr Ron Walls, et. al.
A irway Cam Pocket Guide t o Intubation- Dr. Richard Levitan
6 Headache o Nose to finger- have patient touch their nose then
your finger
Triage note- be sure that the patient isnt here for weakness or o Rapid alternating movements- hands in lap, rapidly
syncope which is a different workup pronate/supinate
o Finger movements- touch 2nd finger to thumb, move
History- OPQRST questions to 3rd-5th fingers
Headache red flags (concerning for subarachnoid hemorrhage Gross sensation- check upper extremities on both sides for
(SAH) differences
- Sudden or gradual in onset Lower extremity motor strength
- Worst of life? (Ask patient how does this compare to your o Hip flexors- place hand above knee, have patient
other headaches?) push upwards
- Maximal at onset (worst when it started or did it gradually o Hip extensors- place hand under thigh, have patient
get worse?) push downwards
- Associated symptoms- sensitivity to light/sound, o Leg extension- hold knee up, extend lower leg
nausea/vomiting, vision changes, slurred speech, weakness, o Leg flexion- hold knee up, flex lower leg
syncope, ataxia, dizziness, fever, neck pain o Foot flexion- push down on the gas pedal with foot
- Previous headaches/workups- previous CT/MRIs? o Foot extension- push up towards your head with
- Rest of history: any fever, neck pain, chest pain, SOB, ab foot
pain? Gross sensation lower extremities
Gait- very important to test
DOCUMENTATION- on every headache whom I am not suspecting o Walk towards and away from you- look for instability
a SAH I write I doubt SAH/ICH given headache is not worst of o Walk on heels and then toes
life, not maximal or sudden in onset with multiple normal neuro o Romberg- face away from you with palms and arms
exams up, closes eyes, stand behind patient, swaying is ok,
falling backwards is positive
Neuro Exam Reflexes- low yield in headaches but part of a full neuro
Cranial nerves exam
o Pupil response, papilledema
o Extraocular movements (any nystagmus?) Headache differential
o Facial sensation - Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)- sudden onset of
o Puff out cheeks worst headache of life that is maximal at onset, headache
o Smile symmetry with syncope, ruptured aneurysm or trauma
o Shrug shoulders - Bacterial meningitis/encephalitis- fever and headache,
o Turn head left and right, flex and extend stiff neck, toxic appearing
Upper extremity Motor strength - Temporal arteritis- Classic presentation- 60 year old
o Grip strength female with unilateral throbbing temporal or frontal
o Push towards/away while still holding grip headache with tenderness on temporal area
o Pronator drift- palms up, arms at shoulders, close - Carbon monoxide poisoning- cold climate with a
eyes furnace at home
Positive if asymmetry or if one arm falls - Tumor or mass- neuro deficit with insidious onset
Fine motor and cerebellar exam
- Subdural hematoma- spontaneous bleed in a patient on o Best if you can get RBC counts <100 but if story is
anticoagulation or an alcoholic patient without trauma, or a concerning, may need CTA brain (with contrast) or
patient with major trauma MRI to rule out SAH
- Epidural hematoma- trauma to temporal area (middle
meningeal artery), lucid interval with decompensation, Special populations
blown pupil - Pediatrics- persistent vomiting, vomiting first thing in the
- Acute angle glaucoma- older patient in a dark area then morning may be a tumor
has their pupil dilated (movie theatre), non-reactive pupil - Elderly- low threshold to CT, be aware of temporal arteritis-
- Hypertensive emergency- very elevated blood pressure elevated ESR and/or CRP need high dose steroids and
in the setting of end organ damage (renal failure, stroke, urgent temporal artery biopsy to confirm diagnosis (by
intracranial bleeding, MI, aortic dissection; > 180/120 ophthalmology/general surgery), dont delay steroids
should be concerned)
- Tension headache- most common discharge diagnosis, Treatment
band-like pain that is non-pulsating and dull - IV Fluids 1-2L NS
- Migraine headache- unilateral pulsating or throbbing - Compazine (prochlorperazine)- 10mg IV; anti-nausea,
pain, increases with activity, nausea/vomiting, antipsychotic, anxiolytic
photo/phonophobia, visual changes/aura o (Compazine/prochlorperazine is Class C in
- Cluster headache- younger male with unilateral sharp pregnancy)
stabbing pain to the eye, associated injection and tearing, o Run this slowly to prevent akasthesia from
responds well to high flow oxygen Compazine
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine) 25mg IV, can run in 1 liter of
Labs normal saline; antihistamine
- Low yield- get a pregnancy test on females (some meds class PEARL- Compazine/Benadryl proven more effective in ED patients
C and D) than triptans
- If doing an LP- CBC (platelets), Chem 10 (electrolytes), - Reglan (metoclopramide)- 10mg IV; prokinetic, antiN/V
Coags (coagulopathy) o instead of Compazine/benadryl, class B in pregnancy
- LP labs- cell count tubes 1 and 4, glucose/protein, gram Adjuncts
stain/culture (if suspecting meningitis) - Toradol (ketorolac)- 30mg IV; NSAID
Imaging o Caution in older patients, those with renal failure or
- CT head without contrast- detects acute bleeds, sensitivity insufficiency (check creatinine)
about 90%, current practice is that a negative head CT is o Class C in third trimester only but generally not given
followed by an LP (CT can miss 5-10% of SAH) to any pregnant patient
Lumbar Puncture (LP) (How to do an LP) o Dont use if suspecting subarachnoid without doing
- Looking for xanthachromia (yellowish tinge of fluid from CT first (anti-platelet medication)
RBC breakdown) or elevated RBC count - Decadon (dexamethasone)- 10mg IV- shown to reduce
o Usually in the 1,000s- 10,0000s with SAH but no return rates in patients with migraine
cutoffs have ever been defined
o No cutoff below which SAH can be excluded
(reported as low at 800 RBCs), clearing of RBCs
between tubes 1 and 4 does not rule out SAH
Big points
1) Get a good headache history - was headache sudden or
maximal at onset or worst of life?
2) Do a thorough neuro exam and walk the patient
3) If suspecting SAH, do CT and LP
4)Treatment- IV fluids, Compazine/Benadryl, toradol and
decadron- adjuncts
How to do a LP - With bevel up and stylet inserted, insert needle pointing
- Consent the patient prior to meds- explain risk of bleeding, towards umbilicus
infection, worsening headache (post LP headache), nerve - Take stylet out after first few millimeters of skin
damage (exceedingly rare) - Advance slowly and feel for pops, stop if you hit bone, get
- Lying down vs. sitting up- lying down can get an opening clear fluid or blood
pressure (often not necessary in the ED), sitting up easier o If you get clear fluid- collect 1 cc in each tube (1/2 cc
for the patient to hold position for kids)
o If suspecting benign intracranial hypertension o If you get blood- let some drops fall and see if it clears
(formerly pseudotumor cerebri) then get opening o If you hit bone- retract the needle until you are
pressure (needs to be lying down) - usually obese almost at the skin surface, redirect either towards the
young white female head or the sacrum by 5 or 10 degrees, try again
- Find the L4/L5 interspace- level with the top of the iliac - When done, replace the stylet, turn the needle 90 degrees
crests on the midline and remove it (can help prevent post LP HA)
- Put a bandaid on the puncture site, clean off betadine with
damp cloth
- TIGHTEN EACH TUBE, LABEL THEM, AND WALK THEM
TO THE LAB!
ST elevation MI (STEMI)
- Pathophysiology
o Coronary plaque that has ruptured, causing platelet
aggregation and acute clot that compromises blood
flow
Presents with severe chest pain pressure,
diaphoresis, nausea, radiation to left arm and
jaw, etc
- Definition
o 1 mm or more of ST elevation in 2 or more
contiguous leads OR new LBBB
- Treatment
o Immediate cath lab activation or transfer to cath
capable facility (90 min door to balloon time)
o Aspirin- 325mg PO
o Plavix 600mg PO with zofran (ondansetron) 4-8mg
IV
o Heparin drip- 60-70 units/kg bolus, 12-15
units/kg/hr, max 5,000/1,000
MAJOR POINTS:
1) All patients with AMS are hypoglycemic until proven
otherwise
2) Broad categories of AMS- TINE- Trauma/Tox, Infection,
Neuro/Electrolytes
3) Have a low threshold for non-contrast head CT
4) Get a good neuro exam- quickest is Cincinnati Prehospital
Stroke Scale- Face, Arms, Speech, Time
11 DKA Physical exam
- Kussmaul respirations- rapid deep breathing without
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)- mostly a disease of Type 1 respiratory distress- compensation for acidosis by blowing
Diabetics off CO2
Hyperglycemia Hyperosmolar State- mostly a disease of Type - Fruity odor on breath- only in 20-30% of patients, some
2 Diabetics people are unable to smell this- dont hang your hat on it
HOWEVER- either condition can happen in Type 1 or Type 2
Diabetics History
- look for precipitating cause to DKA and treat appropriately -
DKA any stressor can cause DKA
Definition- Use the abbreviation- DKA - 7 Is pneumonic
- Diabetic- blood sugar over 250 o Infection- signs/symptoms of pneumonia, UTI,
- Keto- ketones in the urine or blood appendicitis/cholecystitis?
- Acidosis- pH of 7.3 or lower o Infarction- CVA or MI
Pathophys- lack of insulin leads to body to burn fat for fuel -> o Iatrogenic- change in insulin dose by provider
ketone production -> acidosis (ketones disassociate H+ ions at o Incision- surgery can be a precipitating cause
bodys normal pH) o Intoxication- ETOH or illegal drugs
PEARL- A high blood sugar alone doesnt make the diagnosis of o Initial- initial diagnosis of Type 1 DM
DKA- they need the ketosis and acidosis as well- process that o Insulin- too little or no insulin being taken by the
evolves over hours to days patient
HHS PEARL- Many patients with DKA will have nausea, vomiting, and
Definition- also use the abbreviation- HHS abdominal pain (thought to be from ileus 2/2 electrolyte
- Hyperglycemic- blood sugar over 800- much higher than abnormalities). If the abdominal exam is concerning or the pain
DKA persists after you have corrected the acidosis, image appropriately
- Hyperosmolar- serum osmolarity over 320 for underlying surgical pathology
- State- its a state (so maybe this one doesnt totally work
like DKA does) INITIAL MANGEMENT
No ketones produced in HHS since patient has some circulating - Fingerstick glucose, 2 large bore IVs, blood draw for labs
insulin and stat VBG
(May have small ketones from vomiting but not large ketones like - Labs
in DKA) o CBC- high H and H = dehydration
o Chem 10- electrolytes are very important in DKA
PEARL- Major difference management
DKA- 4 to 6 liters volume down o VBG- serum pH, CO2, and bicarb measurements are
HHS- 9 to 10 liters volume down, often with altered mental status necessary for management
o UA- urine ketones and signs of UTI
o Serum Ketones- +/-, if urine ketones are absent and
you suspect DKA
o Serum or urine HCG for females- females = pregnant
until proven otherwise
- Chest x-ray- + or if respiratory symptoms suggesting o Only give bicarb drip if initial pH < 6.9
pneumonia o Bicarb drip- 3 amps of sodium bicarb in one liter of
PEARL- Patients may produce both acetoacetate and beta- D5W (NOT NORMAL SALINE!) (NS + bicarb =
hydroxybuterate as ketones but only acetoacetate is detected by precipitation and a very hypertonic solution)
urine dipstick, order a serum beta-hydroxybuterate if necessary o Drip rate- Give 400cc over 2 hours
BIG POINTS
- DKA- blood sugar >250, ketones in blood or urine, pH 7.3
or less
- HHS- blood sugar >800, serum osmolarity over 320
- IV fluids- normal saline rapid bolus if in shock, otherwise
one liter in first hour
- DONT START INSULIN UNTIL YOU KNOW THE
POTASSIUM
- Potassium- add K+ to IV fluids as appropriate (see above)
- Insulin- + or bolus 0.1 units/kg regular insulin IV, drip 0.1
units/kg/hr
- When blood sugar <200- add dextrose to fluids, reduce
insulin drip by
- DONT STOP INSULIN DRIP UNTIL THE ANION GAP IS
NORMAL (CLOSES)
- Pediatric DKA- limit fluid boluses to one 20 cc/kg bolus,
consult peds endocrine early
12 Syncope - Syncope + confusion= seizure
- Syncope + chest pain= MI, PE, or aortic dissection
Definition of syncope- a rapid loss of consciousness followed by a - Syncope + back/abdominal pain in older patient=
rapid return to baseline abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
- Pure syncope- usually cardiac in nature- rapid loss of blood - Syncope + positive HCG= ectopic pregnancy
flow to the brain
- Vasovagal syncope- stressor causes increased vagal tone that Past medical history- is this recurrent syncope or is this new? Ask
causes bradycardia and hypotension -> syncope for history of seizures, MI, stroke/TIA, known AAA, family history
of heart disease
(if the patient has other symptoms like chest pain or headache, is
confused after awakening or is unconscious for an extended period PEARL- In younger patients say Im not saying this is going to
of time- that is not pure syncope and demands a different workup) happen to you but did anyone in your family die suddenly and they
couldnt find out why? (Screen for inherited
History- its all about the history for this chief complaint arrhythmias/cardiomyopathy)
PEARL- Dizzy does not equal syncope!
- Dizziness- sense of the room spinning or loss of balance Physical exam- check for head trauma, do a good neuro exam,
(disequilibrium)= different workup than syncope workup listen for murmurs (both with valsalva and with standing and
- Ask the patient: Was the room spinning or did you feel like squatting in younger patients), abdominal/back tenderness
you were going to pass out? (Spinning= dizziness, pass
out= syncope) Differential diagnosis (with triggers)
PEARL- Near syncope (or lightheadedness) is the same as Syncope - Seizure- sustained generalized tonic/clonic movements
(in regards to the workup) with eyes open with post-ictal confusion
- Stressors- try to identify preceding stressors- dehydration, - Subarachnoid/intracranial hemorrhage- syncope plus a
emotional distress, rapid temperature changes, painful headache or a neuro deficit
condition, insufficient food or water intake - Ruptured AAA- older patient with hypertension with
- Symptoms- prodrome of feeling flushed and hot, tingling in back/abdominal pain or hematuria +/- unstable vital
extremities, nausea = more suggestive of vasovagal syncope signs- stat bedside ultrasound
- Activity- what was the patient doing? Were they exercising - Stroke/TIA- syncope with neuro deficit
at the time of collapse (VERY IMPORTANT! arrhythmia - GI Bleed- syncope plus black or bloody stools
or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) - MI/ACS- chest pain and syncope
- Witnesses- ask them if the patient hit their head, any seizure - Aortic dissection - sudden onset of ripping or tearing
activity (more than a few muscle jerks?), how long until the chest/back pain +/- pulse or neuro deficit
patient woke up, any confusion after waking up? - Aortic stenosis- older patient with a systolic ejection
PEARL- to diagnose a seizure there has to be sustained generalized murmur that radiates into the carotids
tonic/clonic movements followed by a period of post-ictal - Pulmonary embolism- sudden onset of dyspnea/pleuritic
confusion chest pain +/- risk factors for PE
- Arrhythmia- see below- WPW/HOCM/Long
Preceding symptoms and red flags QT/Brugada
- Syncope + headache= subarachnoid or intracranial - Carotid sinus sensitivity- syncope with activities that put
hemorrhage pressure on carotid sinus (tying a necktie, shaving,
- Syncope + neuro deficit= stroke/TIA or intracranial bleed checking carotid pulse)
- Orthostatic hypotension- medications such as alpha and Long QT syndrome- congenital disorder causing prolonging of
beta blockers, dehydration refractory period = greater chance of R on T phenomenon (PVC on
- Hypoglycemia- diabetic patient or ingestion of diabetic downslope of T wave causing v-fib).
medications - EKG- Long QT defined as >440 milliseconds in males, >460
- Tox- drugs, ETOH, environmental (carbon monoxide)- ms in females (some experts say QTs >500 are most
look for a toxidrome concerning)
- Sepsis- fever and signs of infection
Syncope Workup
- EKG and an HCG in females are a MUST- other testing
guided by clinical picture
PEARL - Troponins and head CTs are positive only 0.5% of the
time and in all cases were suggested by the history (chest pain,
neuro deficit, etc.)
Sepsis = 2 out of 4 SIRS criteria + known or suspected source of Early Goal Directed Therapy for Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock
infection Rivers, et al. New England Journal of Medicine. 2001; 345:1368-
PEARL- Again, just because you meet criteria for sepsis doesnt 137
mean you get a central line and get admitted to the MICU. (http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa010307)
Technically if you are febrile and tachycardic from strep
pharyngitis then you are septic Criteria: Patients with severe sepsis or septic shock
Main points of protocol- very aggressive fluid resuscitation-
Severe Sepsis- Sepsis + signs of end organ damage intubate if necessary, early initiation of antibiotics
- Systolic BP <90 after 2 liters of normal saline bolus (OR
more than 40 points below the patients established Step 1: Early antibiotics- broad spectrum/tailored for source (if
outpatient baseline) known)
- Lactate >4 (byproduct of anaerobic metabolism and a - Popular broad spectrum combo:
marker of global hypoperfusion) - Zosyn (piperacillin/tazobactam)- 3.375 or 4.5 grams IV
- Altered mental status good gram neg and gram pos coverage + pseudomonas
- New onset (or worsening) renal failure - Vancomycin- 15-20 mg/kg IV (usually capped at 1 gram per
- Hyperglycemia in a patient who is not diabetic dose but latest guidelines recommend giving full weight
based dose up to 2 grams IV for the first dose) works well
Septic Shock- Severe sepsis requiring vasopressors for MRSA and gram pos
Antibiotics for other clinical situations
Severe sepsis/Septic Shock= initiate early goad directed therapy - Healthcare associated pneumonia aka HCAP (patients at
(EGDT) risk for drug resistant organisms- long term care facility
resident, admitted to the hospital for 2 or more days in the
past 3 months, dialysis patient, outpatient IV antibiotics or
chemo in the past month)- add levaquin to zosyn/vanc
o Levaquin (levofloxacin)- 750mg IV double covers Step 4: Assess SCVO2
pseudomonas - SCVO2- a measurement of oxygen saturation of the blood in
- Rocephin (ceftriaxone)- preferred for urosepsis and the superior vena cava (as it returns to the heart)
meningitis - Need a central line above the diaphragm to measure this
o Dose: 1 gram IV (urosepsis) or 2 grams IV - Two methods- Edwards catheter provides continuous
(meningitis in combination with vancomycin) SCVO2 readings (expensive) or draw serial VBGs from
central line and look at O2 sat
Step 2: Aggressive fluid resuscitation - If SCVO2 <70%- check hemoglobin/hematocrit
- Start with a 2 liter normal saline bolus o If H and H less than 10 and 30 - transfuse pRBCs
- Insert a central line above the diaphragm (subclavian, until its above 10/30
supraclavicular, internal jugular) o Once H and H is >10/30- if SCVO2 still <70% - start
- Measure central venous pressure (CVP) dobutamine
- If CVP <8 (or less than 12 in a ventilated patient)= more Dobutamine- strong B1 agonist
fluids Dose- 5-20 mcg/kg/min
PEARL- septic patients can get 13-14 liters in their first 24 hours!
- Give fluids until CVP goal is met, even if it means intubating Step 5: Reassess response to therapy (also continuously)
the patient for pulmonary edema - It may take 6-12 hours or longer to reach this step. Once
PEARL- the actual act of breathing can take up to 30% of a you are here, go back and reassess each step and make sure
critically ill patients metabolism so by intubating early you will you have optimized each one.
improve their hemodynamics and their response to therapy - Follow serial lactates
o if they are decreasing then you are doing something
Step 3: Vasopressors right.
- Once CVP above 8 or 12, if MAP is less than 65, start o if they are staying the same or increasing- try
vasopressors something different
- Will probably require an arterial line at this point
o Levophed (norepinephrine)- 2-20 mcg/min- strong BIG POINTS:
alpha and beta agonist (increased myocardial squeeze 1) Know the definitions of SIRS, sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic
and increased vasoconstriction) central line, most shock
clinicians preferred 1st line pressor 2) Early broad spectrum antibiotics- Zosyn/Vanc, Levaquin,
o Dopamine- 2-20 mcg/kg/min- can be given through Rocephin
a peripheral IV- gives more tachycardia than 3) FLUIDS FLUIDS AND MORE FLUIDS!- these patients can get
levophed 13-14 liters in the first 24 hours- be aggressive even if you have to
PEARL- you can start peripheral dopamine while you are putting intubate
the central line in 4) CVP <8 or <12- pressors to MAP >65 (norepinephrine,
- Other treatments- vasopressin/steroids (not covered in the dopamine)
podcast) 5) MAP >65- check SCVO2- less than 70%, transfuse to H and H
- Goal: get MAP above 65 >10/30
6) H/H >10/30- add dobutamine
Rivers EGDT Flowchart
Riv ers E, Nguyen B, Havstad S, et al. Early goal-directed therapy in the treatment of severe sepsis
a n d septic shock. N Engl J Med. 2001;345: 13681 377.
14 Shortness of Breath (SOB) Exam
- Work of breathing- may have to take down the patients
Vitals- special attention to respiratory rate and pulse ox gown. Look for accessory muscle use (clavicles) or
PEARL- A respiratory rate of 16, 18, or 20 in an adult probably retractions (usually).
means that it wasnt counted accurately - it says I think the o Retractions- paradoxical contraction of muscles with
respiratory rate is normal- think of anything over 20 as tachypenic inspiration (for children check subcostal)
- HEENT- assess the upper airway for foreign bodies and for
Rapid assessment- look at the patients work of breathing and predictors of difficult intubation (poor mouth opening,
make a decision as to whether they have increased work of visibility of soft palate, etc.)
breathing - Heart- Listen to it first before lungs (better exam that way),
listen for valve disorders (aortic stenosis most common in
PEARL- The decision to intubate is based on clinical situation- not older patients avoid meds that preload!)
numbers- a severe COPD patient may live at a pCO2 of 70 and a - Lungs- Assess both sides all of the way up, full lung sounds
pulse ox of 92- if they are talking without distress they probably vs. quiet chest?, listen for crackles, rhonchi, and wheezing
dont need a tube. Its about mental status and work of PEARL- In young children- count out respiratory rate while you
breathing- not numbers listen to lung sounds- easier than counting by watching- do it for a
full minute!
History- ask standard OPQRST questions about when the SOB - Abdomen- assess for tenderness- dont miss a peritonitis
started - Extremities- lower extremity edema, calf tenderness (DVT?)
- Important associated symptoms
o Chest pain (PE or MI) Differential Diagnosis
o Fever (pneumonia) - Tubes- upper airways- airway obstruction or burns, dental
o Lower extremity edema (CHF) or neck abscess, foreign body, croup, epiglottitis
o Increased sputum (COPD) - Lower airways- bronchitis, asthma, COPD, bronchiolitis
- Aggravating factors- dyspnea on exertion or orthopnea (SOB (kids <2 y.o.)
with rest) - Lungs- Pneumonia
PEARL- bad bronchitis or COPD can cause some blood tinged - Pipes- Pulmonary embolism
sputum- clarify the amount- blood tinged or dime sized is not as - Pump- Congestive heart failure, valve disorders
worrisome- nothing but blood is worrisome - Outside the lungs- pneumo/hemothorax, pleural effusion,
abdominal process
Medical history
- Focus on asthma, COPD, cardiovascular history. Tubes/Upper Airway
- Hx of MI, strokes, CABG, catheterizations - Dental or neck abscess- most worrisome is Ludwigs angina-
- Ever intubated for COPD or asthma? deep space neck infection- classically in diabetics with poor
Medications- recently on antibiotics or steroids? Recent med dentition, look toxic, have brawny edema of floor of the
changes? mouth, drooling- need broad spectrum antibiotics and OR
Social history- most important is tobacco use emergently with ENT to drain infection and secure airway
- Foreign Body- most common in kids- sudden onset of
stridor without a cough and no other viral symptoms
- Croup- Viral infection in kids caused by parainfluenza, - Chest x-ray- Low threshold but can withhold it if it seems
causes upper airway swelling and barking seal cough, like an obvious asthma exacerbation or clear cut
worse at night, stridor at rest is more severe (see below) bronchiolitis (PNA, Pulm edema, Pleural effusion, PTX)
- Epiglottitis/tracheitis- upper airway infections, usually in PEARL- If patient is in distress or has chest pain, get a 1 view
children but today is more seen in adults (waning vaccine portable CXR at the bedside, otherwise send for a 2 view PA and
immunity), toxic appearing, drooling, hoarse voice. Dont lateral, 2 view is better, cant tell cardiomegaly from 1 view
agitate- get immediately to the OR - CT Pulmonary Angiogram- if considering PE
Interventions
- Massive extremity hemorrhage- immediately apply
tourniquet and tighten until you lose a pulse and the
bleeding stops, continue with resuscitation and evaluation
- Airway- always be prepared to take the patients airway for
decreased mental status, respiratory failure/desaturation,
pain control
PEARL- be sure desaturation is not due to a tension pneumothorax
PEARL- if EMS report suggests patient may need their airway
protected, have RSI meds actually drawn up in the syringe prior to
arrival- 30mg of etomidate and 200mg of succhinylcholine
- Breathing- unequal breath sounds is a pneumothorax until
proven otherwise
PEARL- if the patient is intubated with decreased breath sounds on PEARL- one exception- spinal shock- patient with a spinal injury
the left side, check tube depth (3x tube length), if tube is deep, pull with hypotension in which bleeding has been ruled out, caused by
back slowly 1 cm at a time and recheck breath sounds lack of vascular tone- in that case, put a triple lumen (regular)
o Tension pneumothorax- pneumothorax where central line in for vasopressors (norepinephrine probably best)
there is a one way valve created where air cannot o Fluids- ATLS advocates 2 liters of warmed normal
escape- life threatening- needs immediate saline but current practice is to go straight to blood
decompression products in trauma patients- saline doesnt carry
o ATLS- advocates needle decompression- 14 gauge oxygen or glucose, dilutes clotting factors and
needle at the 2nd intercostal, mid-clavicular line hemoglobin
Problems- available needles are usually too Blood products- practice is to give blood
short, patients with thick chest walls are hard products- pRBCs, plasma, platelets in a 1:1:1
to penetrate with needle ratio to approximate whole blood
o Current practice- rapidly insert a chest tube but with Blood pressure goal- permissive
an emphasis on rapidly cutting through the chest hypotension- not trying to normalize blood
wall- most important thing is to relieve the tension pressure- give enough volume to maintain
pneumothorax, not actually inserting the tube- that mental status- roughly systolic of 90 but
can come later younger patients will tolerate lower systolics
- Circulation-First step is to establish IV or IO access
PEARL- If you cant get an IV within 1 minute or 2 attempts in a
critically ill trauma patient, go immediately to an intraosseous line
(IO)
o IO locations- medial tibia (preferred), proximal
humerus, distal femur
History of dizziness Exam- do a complete exam including examining the ear and ear
- Sudden or gradual onset? canal (foreign body, bulging TM, etc?)
- Recent onset or weeks to months? - Neuro exam - really focus on cerebellar testing (finger to
- Dizzy all the time or just episodes? nose, rapid alternating movements, pronator drift, and gait)
- Have you had this dizziness before? - Extra-ocular movements- if extra-ocular movements induce
- What makes it better or worse? patients dizziness and resolves with visual fixation- it
o Head or body position changes? suggests BPPV
- Other neuro symptoms?
o Limb weakness, ataxia, slurred speech PEARL- patients with BPPV may have difficulty walking and
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)? positive Romberg as long as no neuro deficits and no red flags
Bells palsy- stroke mimic, unilateral facial droop and cant close
eye w/o any other neuro symptoms, may have viral symptoms,
MUST involve the forehead or could represent a central stroke
(forehead sparing = BAD)
- CT not required for dx- usually caused by viruses
- Steroids effective: prednisone 60mg PO daily for 6 days,
taper by 10mg per day over next 4 days.
- Antivirals with less evidence
o Acyclovir- 400mg PO five times a day for 10 days
o Valcyclovir (Valtrex) - 500 mg PO BID for 5 days,
tape eye shut at night
- Lubricating eye drops during the day and lacrilube at night
22 Hyponatremia o Inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone
(ADH) leads to increase free water retention and
Hyponatremia - serum sodium less than 135 meq/L dilution of sodium level
- First decision point- seizing, obtunded, or altered mental - Volume losses
status? o Vomiting and diarrhea
o If yes - go to critical care section - Leaky fluid states
o If no - then DO NOTHING (dont try to start o Severe liver disease, congestive heart failure (CHF)
correcting the patients sodium level in the ED) - Renal failure
- Endocrine causes
Symptoms o Hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency
- Can be vague and non-specific - Beer potomania
- Weakness, fatigue, headache, confusion, etc o Excessive alcohol consumption - alcohols lack
- May be relatively asymptomatic and hyponatremia electrolytes so drinking large amounts without eating
discovered during workup for something else solid food can deplete sodium levels
- Usual patient - older patient with weakness who is alert - Cancer
and oriented with a sodium of 130 meq/L o Lung cancer is notorious for causing hyponatremia
o This patient accounts for the vast majority of ED o Ask about red flags (unexplained weight loss, night
patients with hyponatremia sweats, increased fatigue, unexplained bone or
muscle pain, new back pain in an elderly patient)
Management- alert and oriented patient
First step- water restrict Fourth Step- Admit the patient and DO NOTHING
- Write a nursing order to make patient NPO ***PEARL*** Correcting the sodium too rapidly can lead to
- Tell patient that they have to be water restricted Central Pontine Myelinolysis which can cause permanent
neurological damage and death
Second step- investigate for whether this is acute or - Dont try to correct sodium level in the ED- JUST WATER
chronic RESTRICT!
- Look back in the medical record - Resist the urge to gently hydrate with normal saline - even
- If patient has 3 sets of labs over past 3 months with same this can raise the patients sodium too fast
- sodium level then not that worried - Inpatient team may want urine electrolytes, osoms, etc.
o May be possible to discharge patient if they dont
need admission for something else Hyponatremia critical care - patient is seizing, altered or
- If this is new for the patient then go to the next step obtunded
- Much different patient
Third step- investigate for possible cause of - Hypertonic saline to correct sodium until they stop seizing
hyponatremia - Only need to raise sodium about 3-5 points to do this
- Causes of hyponatremia o Hypertonic saline 3%
- Medications are a common cause 3 ml/kilogram IV with theoretical max of 100
o Hydrochlorothiazide and SSRIs are common causes mls
SSRIs- Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline) Rapid sequential boluses over max 10 minutes
- MDMA (street drug ecstasy) also a cause pts drink lots of or until seizures stop
water, and inappropriate ADH release
Central access preferred but can give it
through a GOOD peripheral IV (AC peripheral,
not small hand vein)
- Sodium Bicarbonate
o A substitute for hypertonic saline in a pinch
o Equivalent to about 11% hypertonic saline
o One amp usually is 50 ml but more Na than 3%
o One amp approx. 210 ml of 3% hypertonic saline
o Push this slower since more concentrated than 3%
- Benzodiazepines
o Give Ativan (lorazepam) or Valium (diazepam) in
case hyponatremia is not causing seizures and it is a
primary seizure disorder instead
- Patient with low sodium (115) but just a little altered and not
seizing
o Give 3% hypertonic saline- 100 ml over one hour
o Will raise sodium by 2 points
- Calcium
o Calcium gluconate- start with 3 amps IV
o Calcium chloride- 3 times more calcium, should be
given through central line or good peripheral (18
gauge AC, NOT a small hand vein)
o Mechanism- stabilizes the cardiac membrane,
prevents cardiac arrest from hyperkalemia
PEARL- Calcium is the most important treatment to give up front
and quickly to critically ill patients, most say that you should have
EKG changes but calcium is very safe to give
Disposition
Acting bizarrely with a known history of psychiatric
illness- if history/exam, workup, and sensorium is normal may be
able to discharge if the patient doesnt want to stay (you have a
right to act bizarrely on the streets as long as you arent hurting
anyone or breaking any laws)- get social services help if you can
Corneal Abrasion Dendritic lesion Seidels sign Subconjunctival hemorrhage- usually a benign diagnosis-
patient freaked out when they or someone else notices blood in
Intra-ocular pressure (IOP) sclera- should be painless- usually something more serious if
- Done after you have ruled out an open globe- check a associated with pain
Seidels sign or defer exam if you are very suspicious of one - Can be spontaneous or related to vomiting, coughing, child
- Apply topical anesthesia first birth
- Calibrate tonopen (most common brand in US)- put cover - If visual acuity and exam are normal,
on, press button, hold tip down, flip up quickly to the ceiling discharge with re-assurance that will re-sorb
when it says UP in a few weeks
- Hold patients eye open, hold tonopen perpendicular to - If on warfarin (Coumadin)- check INR and
center of pupil, tap lightly multiple times treat PRN- if re-current, outpatient workup
- Will hear a soft, quick beep with each tap, keep tapping until for bleeding disorder
you get a long, loud beep
- Check the measurement- normal IOP is 10-20 Hyphema
Final part of exam- do a head to toe exam- dont miss - Usually a result of trauma but can be
anything! spontaneous in those with sickle cell
- Blood collects in anterior chamber
Common eye diagnoses with treatments - If hyphema + open globe- emergent optho
consult
Corneal abrasions- caused by foreign body or blunt trauma to - Head of bed to 30 degrees, eye drops as advised
the eye, dense uptake on fluorescein exam by optho
- Treatment- pain control and antibiotics (patching doesnt - Usually admitted but some studies say outpatient
work) management ok in select cases (about 5% will require
o Pain control- tetracaine/proparacaine in ED only, surgery)
discharge with Tylenol/motrin +/-
oxycodone/hydrocodone (vicodin/percocet) Extra-ocular muscle entrapment
o Antibiotics - Usually a result of direct orbital trauma- pt complains of
Contact lens wearer- have to cover double vision
pseudomonas and throw out current contacts, - May be able to see EOM deficit on exam
no wearing until they see optho in followup - CT orbits to make diagnosis
Polymyxin/trimethoprim (polymixin) - Optho, ENT, or Oral Maxillofacial Surgery consults or
Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) transfer as appropriate (institution and call schedule
Ofloxacin (Oculflox) dependent)
Tobramycin (Tobrex)
Retrobulbar hematoma happens suddenly- needs admission for IV and topical
- EXTREME ocular emergency antibiotics, observation for perforation
- Suspect this if orbit is tense and/or large difference in IOP
in setting of trauma Herpes simplex infection
- If not rapidly decompressed, can lead to vision loss - Pain +/- vesicles in V2 distribution on face
- See section on lateral canthotomy below - Dendritic lesions on fluorescein exam (see above)
- Optho consultation for further management
Chemical burns
- Important- what patient got in their eye (alkalis worse than Acute angle glaucoma
acids) - Older patient with sudden eye pain and unilateral vision loss
- With few exceptions- need copious irrigation with - Usually when going into dark room, pupil dilates which
water/saline until pH is normal (6.5-7.5) blocks outflow of vitreous humor through canal of schlemm
- Give topical anesthesia as well - Diagnosis hinges on large difference in IOP between eyes
- Can do this at sink or with bottle of water/saline or morgan - Treatment- lower IOP
lens o Timolol and pilocarpine eye drops
- Can also use a bag of saline attached to nasal cannula placed o With optho input- prednisolone & acetazolamide IV
over nose PEARL- dont use acetazolamide in patients with sickle cell
- Exceptions- elemental metals (sodium/potassium), dry
lime, sulphuric acid (drain cleaners)- water will make Central Retinal Artery Occlusion- acute clot in retinal artery
worse- brush off chemical first - Painless unilateral loss of vision with cherry red spot on
- If job related exposure- should have materials safety data macula or whitening of retina on funduscopic exam
sheet (MSDS) available or look this up online - Usually has risk for clot or emboli like a-fib
- Intermittent digital massage of eye to dislodge clot
Foreign bodies- if any doubt as to foreign body (for example- - Lower IOP with timolol, pilocarpine, acetazolamide
working with metal grinder but nothing on external exam), get CT - Rebreathe into paperbag to increase CO2 and lower IOP
orbits, Ultrasound may be more sensitive but CT shows damage - May need paracentesis of anterior chamber
caused by FB - IV TPA has been used but not standard treatment
RSI in status
- Medications- etomidate fine, ketamine or propofol
(diprivan) may be better in status- some evidence for benefit
- Paralytics- hotly debated
o Succinylcholine (aka suxs) - gets neuro exam back in
5-10 minutes, has downsides of hyperkalemia,
malignant hyperthermia, etc.
o Rocuronium- no downsides of suxs but lose neuro
exam for 30-45 minutes
- Some prefer to have neuro exam back with suxs, however in
these patients will be getting stat EEG and admitting to
ICU- rocuronium is ok to use as long as you continue
aggressive treatment for status
- Any patient in status should get a neurology consult for a
stat EEG
Anticoagulation before CT
- Low risk for PE- dont need anticoagulation before CT if you
can get CT in reasonable amount of time
- Medium risk for PE- AHA says it should be considered but
probably not needed if you can get CT in a reasonable
amount of time- these patients have a risk of PE thats
probably less than 50% and heparin/lovenox wont start to
dissolve clot (only prevents clot extension/growth)
- High risk for PE and unstable- start heparin prior to CT and
bring thrombolytics to the scanner as you accompany the
patient, may even need to start thrombolytics prior to CT if
patient is very unstable- especially if signs of right heart
strain on echo.
Rule number one- DONT FREAK OUT! At this point- make a decision- is this truly asymptomatic (non-
- Calm down the patient and everyone around them concerning headache doesnt count as asymptomatic)?
(including the staff) - If you discover something concerning in your H and P (chest
- Do a good history and physical exams pain, stroke symptoms, SAH) then go down that diagnostic
o What caused the patient come into the ED? pathway
o Pt had a headache and happened to check BP? - If the patient is truly asymptomatic THEN DO NOT LOWER
o Routine home BP monitoring with high BP with their THE PATIENTS BLOOD PRESSURE IN THE ED
devil machine? o If bad thing happens slowly over time, should be
o Feeling fine at the pharmacy? fixed in a slow manner as well; If bad happens
- Do a thorough review of systems suddenly, needs to be corrected rapidly
o Headache
o Slurred speech, ataxia, limb weakness, sensory Rule number two- DO AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE!
changes, facial droop, change in vision? - HTN Pathophys - Your brain wants to see the same BP all
o Chest pain, shortness of breath, dyspnea on exertion the time- if your systemic BP is high, your brain constricts
o Blood in the urine its blood vessels slowly over time so that the pressure
remains the same
*Headache* o If you rapidly drop the patients BP, the blood vessels
- Patients will often say BP high and that is giving them a will still be constricted-> decreased bloodflow to the
headache brain -> ischemic stroke
- This has been disproven - its the opposite (patient has a o SO DONT RAPIDLY LOWER BP IN
headache, this causes rise in BP- same for epistaxis) ASYMPTOMATIC HTN!
- Check for red flags
o Stroke symptoms? Testing- not required routinely (to look for end organ damage)
Slurred speech - May consider EKG if strong cardiac history
Motor weakness - Labs only useful if you choose to start oral BP meds
Facial droop
Ataxia Starting oral BP meds- find out what access the patient has to their
o Subarachnoid hemorrhage? PCP
Headache that is sudden in onset - If the patient has good access to their PCP (can get in within
Headache that is maximal at onset the next few days) - can discharge without starting oral BP
Worst headache of their life meds or talk with PCP to ask what meds they would prefer
PEARL: Dont straight up ask Is this the worst headache of your - If the patient doesnt have good PCP access or doesnt have a
life? Ask patient to compare it to their previous headaches PCP - can consider starting oral BP meds from the ED
o Check a basic metabolic panel - need to know
sodium, potassium and creatinine before starting oral
BP meds
If abnormal Cr dont start Lisinopril
If abnormal Na dont start HCTZ
Disposition
- Patient treated with NACadmitted
- Patient asymptomatic/mild symptomsadmit to medicine
or obs unit
36 Aspirin (ASA) Overdose - ABG (most patients have primary respiratory alkalosis and
Dr. Andrea Sarchi primary metabolic acidosis)
- EKG (occult ingestion-TCAs cause widening of QRS, QTc
Background prolongation, tall R wave in aVR)
Aspirin aka acetylsalicylic acidhydrolyzed to salicylate in - Serum acetaminophen level (occult ingestion- common
intestinal wall, liver, and RBCs coingestion in suicide, part of combo preparations with ASA
Other preparations containing salicylate salicylic acid (acne and such as Excedrin)
warts), bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol-antidiarrheal), methyl PEARL an EKG and serum acetaminophen level should be
salicylate (oil of wintergreen-cream for MSK pain) ordered in ALL intentional poisonings to r/o occult ingestions
History Imaging
- Ask for ALL poisonings: - CT Head if patient has AMS not clearly d/t a non-
o What did you take? cerebral cause such as hypoglycemia
o Dosage dose per tablet and how many tablets? - CXR if patient c/o SOB or there are any + findings on
o Time? lung exam
o Suicide attempt?
o Single ingestion or repeated ones? Management
o Any coingestants? - ABCs
o Any comorbid conditions? o O2 as necessary
- Associated signs and symptoms o Replace insensible fluids losses: NS at 10-15
o Nausea/vomiting, tinnitus, hearing loss, AMS, SOB, ml/kg/hr first 2-3 hrs, then titrate to urine output of
hyperpnea, diaphoresis 1-2 ml/kg/hr
- Medical history/Medications PEARL only intubate if pt has rising CO2 (intubation can worsen
o Any conditions requiring chronic aspirin use? acidosis and cause CNS toxicity)
- Activated Charcoal (AC) 1 g/kg up to 50 g PO (only in
Exam acute cases
- General A & O x 3? Confused? Agitated? Restless? - Dextrose add 50-100 g dextrose to each liter of
- Vital Signs Tachypnea, hyperthermia, hypotension, or maintenance fluid
tachycardia? PEARL dextrose given regardless of serum glucose concentration
- Lungs Hyperpnea? Crackles or signs of pulmonary bc pt can still have decreased cerebral glucose (neuroglycopenia)
edema? - Bicarbonate - 1-2 mEq/kg IV bolus, then infusion of 100-150
- GU oliguria? mEq in 1 L sterile water with 5% dextrose; titrate until pH is
7.5-8
Labs - Potassium bicarb K+ level, so add K+ to fluids if in low
- Serum salicylate level (10-30 mg/dL = therapeutic; >40 normal range
= toxicity) PEARL an alkalotic pH is NOT a contraindication to bicarb
- BMP (anion gap, kidney function, hypoglycemia, therapy
hypokalemia)
Hemodialysis
- Indications
o Serum salicylate level > 100 mg/dL in acute; > 50 in
chronic
o Endotracheal intubation other than for coingestants
o Oliguric renal failure
o Pulmonary or cerebral edema
o AMS
o Clinical deterioration despite appropriate supportive
care
Patient Monitoring
- Continuous respiratory and cardiac monitoring
- Serial serum salicylate levels q 1 -2 hours until these criteria
met:
o Decrease from peak measurement
o Most recent measurement < 40 mg/dL
o Pt asymptomatic with normal rate and depth of
breathing
- Serial BMPs, ABGs, and urine pH levels q 1-2 hours
PEARL: Do not stop monitoring ASA levels until they are
downtrending. Classic mistake is to admit patient to a psych floor
with one therapeutic ASA level when it is still rising.
Disposition
- Acute intoxication admit for pulmonary edema, CNS
symptoms other than tinnitus, acidosis and electrolyte
disorders, dehydration, renal failure, or increasing serum
salicylate levels
- Chronic intoxication high mortality rate, most
admitted
- Infant intoxication all admitted
Generic Drug Reference
Abdominal pain episode
The following is a list of generic names for the drugs that I have
mentioned in the podcast. There are some drugs that I have Zofran (odansetron)- antiemetic
mentioned only by generic name- they are listed as well just so Phenergan (promethazine)- antiemetic
there is no confusion. Ive also included the class of drug and a Benadryl (diphenhydramine)- antihistamine
PEARL or two. Demerol (meperedine)- but dont use it!- narcotic
Dilaudid (hydromorphone)- narcotic
Chest pain episode
Mentioned by trade names only
Erectile dysfunction medications Fentanyl (brand- sublimaze)- narcotic
Viagra (sildenafil) Morphine (multiple brand names)- narcotic
Cialis (tadalafil)
Levitra (vardenafil) Female abdominal pain
(If the patient is on these medications, dont give them nitro within Flagyl (metronidazole) antibiotic (Trichomonas and Bacterial
24 hours for Levitra/vardenafil and Viagra/Sildenafil and 72 hours Vaginosis)
for Cialis/Tadalafil)
Mentioned by trade names only
Zofran (odanesatron)- anti-emetic Ceftriaxone (Brand- Rocephin)- Cervicitis/PID
Azithromycin (Brand- Zithromax)- Cervicitis
Blood thinners Doxycycline (Brand- Vibramycin)- PID
Coumadin (warfarin) Fluconazole (Brand- Diflucan)- yeast infections
Lovenox (enoxaparin)
Pradaxa (dabigatran) First Trimester Vaginal Bleeding
Macrobid (nitrofurantoin with BID dosing)- antibiotic for UTI in
Mentioned by trade names only: pregnancy (NB- macrodantin is nitrofurantoin with QID dosing)
Aspirin (multiple names)- antiplatelet/antipyretic Keflex (Cephalexin)- antibiotic for UTI in pregnancy
Morphine (multiple names)- narcotic
Heparin (multiple names)- blood thinner RhoGAM- Rho(D) immune globulin- prevents alloimmunization in
Rh negative mothers who are carrying Rh positive babies
Flagyl (metronidazole)- antibiotic (Trichomonas and Bacterial
Vaginosis)
Vicodin (hydrocodone/acetaminophen)
Percocet- (oxycodone/acetaminophen)
Motrin- (ibuprofen)
Generic name only: Reglan (metoclopramide)- class B in pregnancy
Fluconazole (Brand- Diflucan)- yeast infections
Headache treatment adjuncts-
Airway episode Toradol (ketorolac)- NSAID, dont use if suspecting ICH/SAH
Decadon (dexamethasone)- steroid- may prevent bouncebacks for
Propofol (diprivan)- RSI sedation and post intubation sedation headache
Versed (midazolam)- post intubation sedation- rarely for RSI Febrile infants episode
Atropine (no brand name) anti-cholinergic- premedication for Ampicillin (no generic name)
pediatric RSI Genatmicin (no trade name)- antibiotic for <28 days old
Fentanyl (Brand- Sublimaze)- narcotic- head injury premediation Cefotaxime (alternative to Gentamicin for <28 days old)- Brand-
Lidocaine (Brand- Xylocaine)- anti-arrhythmic- head injury Claforan
premedication
Acyclovir (Brand- Zovirax)- antiviral if suspecting HSV infection
RSI sedatives:
Etomidate (Brand- Amidate)-ultra short acting sedative Ceftriaxone (Brand- Rocephin)- antibiotic for >28 days old to
Ketamine- (Brand- Ketalar)- dissociative sedative adults
Vancomycin (Brand- Vancocin)- antibiotic for >28 days old to
Neuromuscular blocking agents (paralytics) adults
Succinylcholine (Brand- Anectine)- short acting neuromuscular
blocker Back pain episode
Rocuronium (Brand- Zemuron)- long acting neuromuscular
blocker Toradol (ketorolac)- IV NSAID
Vecuronium (Brand- Norcuron)- long acting neuromuscular Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)- muscle relaxer/sedation
blocker Valium (diazepam)- spasm reduced/sedation
Vicodin (hydrocodone/acetaminophen)- oral narcotic
Headache episode
Generic name only
Headache treatment Morphine (multiple brand names)
Compazine (prochlorperazine)- phenothiazine, classically used
with benadryl MI and ACS Episode
Benadryl (diphenhydramine)- antihistamine
Plavix (clopidogrel)- Anti-platelet
Erectile dysfunction medications Syncope- no brand names mentioned!
Viagra- sildenafil
Cialis- tadalafil Contact- [email protected]. Please email me with any
Levitra- vardenafil corrections!
(If the patient is on these medications, dont give them nitro within
24 hours for Levitra/vardenafil and Viagra/Sildenafil and 72 hours
for Cialis/Tadalafil)
Aspirin
Heparin
Nitroglycerin