Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a commonly encountered dysrhythmia in the Emergency Department (ED). Atrial flutter is less common but its management is very similar to that of AF. In patients with chronic AF or unknown time of onset and a rapid ventricular response (RVR), rate control and consideration and initiation of anticoagulation therapy are the standard ED approach.
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Journal Review
Diltiazem vs. Metoprolol for Rate Control in Atrial Fibrillation
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Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia is a frequently encountered and potentially life-threatening electrolyte abnormality. Expert management is essential.
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Rapid Sequence Intubation Medications
Commonly used RSI medications, doses and contraindications.
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Mistakes Made, Lessons Learned in the ED
In reflecting on my wonderfully addicting four-week stint in the NYU/Bellevue Emergency department, I began to wonder what advice I would have given myself before showing up to work that first day, knowing what I know now. What would I be more mindful of? What mistakes would I avoid repeating? This is how I came up with a list of 4 lessons I learned and the mistakes I made.
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Journal Review
Medical Expulsive Therapy (MET) in Renal Colic
Ureteric (renal) colic is a common, painful condition encountered in the Emergency Department (ED). Sustained contraction of smooth muscle in the ureter as a kidney stone passes the length of the ureter leads to pain. The majority of stones will pass spontaneously (i.e. without urologic intervention). For over a decade, calcium channel blockers (i.e. nifedipine) and,
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Ultrasound Guided Pericardiocentesis
Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening disorder + can be rapidly identified by POCUS + relieved with ultrasound guided pericardiocentesis
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Journal Review
CRASH-2: Tranexamic Acid in Major Trauma
Injuries are a major cause of death worldwide. Millions of people die every year from traffic injuries. In fact, they are the 9th leading cause of death around the world. Additionally, another 1.5 million people die every year from interpersonal violence. Hemorrhage accounts for about 1/3 of all trauma deaths and as such, it should be our goal to find treatments to decrease death from hemorrhage.
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Procedural Sedation and Analgesia Resources
This post reviews the concepts of procedural sedation + highlights resources from emupdates.com (PSA checklist + screencast trilogy)
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