Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Paracetamol, APAP) is a commonly used analgesic and antipyretic agent found in many over the counter and prescription medications. It is one of the most common toxic exposures responsible for an estimated 450 deaths annually in the United States, and it is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States.
Chvostek’s sign is momentary contraction of the nose and/or lips in response to tapping the facial nerve at the angle of the jaw. Associated with hypocalcemia, it has been found to be poorly sensitive and specific. It is seen in 10-25% of healthy individuals with normal calcium levels, whereas approximately one third of patients with hypocalcemia will not demonstrate this sign.
Review the basics on the can't miss diagnosis of compartment syndrome in 2 minutes.
What may appear (and smell) impressive in the ED does not always require emergent intervention, yet understanding how to determine the severity of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, need for aggressive resuscitation, and diagnostic/consultant resources are key for the emergency provider.
Using basic terminology, you should be able to describe any fracture to your consults without embarrassing yourself. Here is your 3 minute review.
For some, this topic may be more bread and butter than others. Many of you may work in cold areas where you are likely to see patients with hypothermia on a regular basis, especially in the winter. Whether you work shifts in a mountainous region or are simply catching up on EM topics while studying for boards in your in you flip flops by the beach, here are a few pearls regarding patients who present with hypothermia and their management.
Does the sight of a slit lamp intimidate you? Then look no further! Review this quick "how to" guide to get started with assessing the anterior chamber on slit lamp exam.
Do you sound like a first year medical student when discussing hand injuries by phone with consultants? Forget all the tendon anatomy you crammed for in anatomy? FDP? FDS? FPL? Then check out this post for a "Back to Basics" online hand exam lecture by Dr. Fred Heckler from UPMC.
25-35% of patients with chronic liver disease with experience variceal bleeding. Today we provide high-yield pearls in the evaluation and acute management of this common ED complaint.
The post introduces the basics behind that diagnosis we learned in medical school: pill esophagitis.
