Check Serial Methemoglobin Levels in Patients on Inhaled Nitric Oxide Timothy M. Moore MD, PHD Inhaled nitric oxide acutely and locally relaxes constricted pulmonary vascular smooth muscle, resulting in decreased…
Remember that Argatroban Increases International Normalized Ratio But does Not Affect Coagulation in the Extrinsic System Kelly Grogan MD Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an adverse drug reaction characterized by thrombocytopenia…
Do not use a Normal Arterial Blood Gas to rule out a Pulmonary Embolism David N. Hager MD Venous thromboembolic disease affects 200,000 persons in the United States annually. Among…
Remember that Postoperative Hypertension can be a Result of Increased PCO2 Melvin K. Richardson MD Postoperative hypertension is common and can be difficult to manage. When other vital signs are…
Do not Treat Lactic Acidosis with Bicarbonate Prasert Sawasdiwipachai MD Lactic acidosis is one type of anion-gap metabolic acidosis. It occurs when aerobic tissue metabolism converts to anaerobic metabolism, which…
Do not Ascribe an Increased Serum Lactate Level to Renal Insufficiency Susanna L. Matsen MD Lactic acid levels are a useful adjunct in assessing perfusion in the intensive care unit…
Do not Squeeze the Toenails or Administer a Painful Stimulus to the foot to Test Response to Pain in Comatose Patients as this may Trigger a Spinal Reflex that may…
Learn the Cranial Nerve Examination as One Can Obtain a Lot of Information Even in Comatose and Poorly Cooperative Patients Eliahu S. Feen MD Jose I. Suarez MD First Cranial…
Know the Potential Adverse Effects of Valproic Acid Jose I. Suarez MD Valproic acid (Depakote) is useful in treating multiple seizure types including complex partial, generalized tonic-clonic, myoclonic, as well…
Treat Status Epilepticus as a Medical Emergency Laith R. Altaweel MD Status epilepticus is a medical emergency that requires immediate recognition and treatment. It is defined as a series of…
