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Emergency Medical Minute

 

Mar 25, 2024

Contributor: Travis Barlock, MD

Educational Pearls:

Cancer-related emergencies can be sorted into a few buckets:

  • Infection

    • Cancer itself and the treatments (chemotherapy/radiation) can be immunosuppressive. Look out for conditions such as sepsis and neutropenic fever.

  • Obstruction

    • Cancer causes a...


Mar 18, 2024

Contributor: Travis Barlock MD

Educational Pearls:

  • There are three indications for IV albumin in the ED

  • Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)

    • Patients with SBP develop renal failure from volume depletion

    • Albumin repletes volume stores and reduces renal impairment

    • Albumin binds inflammatory cytokines and...


Mar 11, 2024

Contributor: Ricky Dhaliwal, MD

Educational Pearls:

What are DKA and HHS?

  • DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) and HHS (Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State) are both acute hyperglycemic states.

DKA

  • More common in type 1 diabetes.

  • Triggered by decreased circulating insulin.

    • The body needs energy but cannot use glucose...


Mar 4, 2024

Contributor: Aaron Lessen MD

Educational Pearls:

  • Button batteries cause alkaline corrosion and erosion of the esophagus when swallowed

  • Children swallow button batteries, which create a medical emergency as they can perforate the esophagus

  • A recent study compared various home remedies as first-aid therapy for...


Feb 27, 2024

Contributor: Ricky Dhaliwal, MD

Educational Pearls:

What can you do to control bleeding in a penetrating wound?

  • Apply direct pinpoint pressure on the wound as well as proximal to the wound.

  • Build a compression dressing.

How do you build a compression dressing?

  • Think about building an upside-down pyramid with the...