Slit Lamp Examination
Key Points Print Section Listen Familiarity with the controls is critical to performing a slit lamp examination. When positioning the patient for the exam, make sure that their forehead is…
Envenomation
Key Points Print Section Listen In addition to any focused or antidotal therapy available, aggressive symptom-based supportive care is important for all envenomations. Knowledge of local venomous species may be…
Altered Mental Status
Key Points Print Section Listen Do not delay bedside glucose determination, administration of glucose, and naloxone, if indicated. These interventions may prevent the need for endotracheal intubation. Talk to the…
Thyroid Emergencies
Key Points Print Section Listen In a critically ill patient with a goiter or history of hyperthyroidism, consider and treat thyroid storm early. Thyroid storm and myxedema coma are clinical…
Potassium Disorders
Key Points Print Section Listen Obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG) early in patients with suspected hyperkalemia and never ignore a K+ >6.0 mEq/L. Patients with ECG changes consistent with hyperkalemia require…
Transfusion Reaction
Key Points Print Section Listen Obtain consent when possible before administering blood transfusions and properly inform patients regarding the risk of developing complications. Always transfuse leukocyte-reduced blood products to recipients…
Anticoagulant Therapy and Its Complications
Key Points Print Section Listen In the anticoagulated patient, have a low threshold to obtain imaging studies after trauma. When initiating warfarin therapy, coadministration with heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin (3–5…
Sickle Cell Emergencies
Key Points Print Section Listen Control pain aggressively. Search for and treat the precipitants of pain crisis. Complications of sickle cell disease, both typical and atypical, must be aggressively sought…
Adrenal Emergencies
Key Points Print Section Listen Adrenal crisis is a medical emergency and must be recognized and treated promptly. Administration of steroids, saline, and vasopressors (as needed) should be instituted when…
