Elbow Arthrocentesis
Used to evacuate abnormal fluid collections from the joint space for synovial fluid analysis Septic arthritis Crystal arthropathy Hemarthrosis Inflammatory process Used to diagnose occult fracture or ligamentous injury Used…
Peritonsillar Abscess
Clinical suspicion Swollen/red peritonsillar region causing uvular shift Fluctuance of area Interim treatment for peritonsillar closed space infection until tonsillectomy CONTRAINDICATIONS Extension into the deep neck tissue Septicemia/toxic appearance Airway…
Lateral Canthotomy
Orbital compartment syndrome (OCS) is an ocular emergency that is characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP). If untreated, optic nerve ischemia will develop, resulting in irreversible vision loss in as…
Intraosseous Vascular Access
Used as emergent vascular access for fluid resuscitation and drug infusion when unable to obtain peripheral venous access Primarily used in pediatric cardiac arrest—generally a faster access than central line…
Bedside Renal Ultrasonography: Limited, Goal-Directed
Confirmation of the diagnosis of obstructive uropathy in patients suspected of ureteral colic Abdominal or flank pain Hematuria Groin pain Acute urinary retention Known or suspected acute renal failure Laboratory…
Perimortem Cesarean Section
Gravid patient with a potentially viable fetus of ≥24 weeks’ gestational age and imminent maternal death or unresponsive to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for 5 minutes Survival of mother and infant…
Vaginal Breech Delivery
Presentation of the infant buttocks or feet before the head Considered a high-risk delivery even among seasoned obstetricians PRESENTATION TYPES Frank breech—fetus with bilateral hip flexion and knees extended with…
Bedside Fast Ultrasonography: Focused Assessment With Sonography For Trauma
Yes or No: Is there intra-abdominal fluid or fluid around the heart? The assessment of blunt thoracoabdominal trauma with significant mechanism of injury The assessment of penetrating torso trauma if…
No Desat: Maximally Aggressive Preoxygenation
Patients requiring endotracheal intubation in the emergency department (ED) are at a much higher risk for hypoxemia, compared to patients electively intubated in the operating room. Pulmonary disease, anemia, low…
Excision of Acutely Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids
A thrombosed, painful external hemorrhoid that has been symptomatic for less than 72 hours, not improved with conservative measures Decision to excise should also be based on severity of pain…
