Dec 30, 2024
Contributor: Megan Hurley MD
Educational Pearls:
What is the mediastinum?
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The thoracic cavity is separated into different compartments by membranes
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The lungs exist in their own pleural cavities, and the mediastinum is everything in between
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The mediastinum extends from the sternum to the thoracic vertebrae and...
Dec 23, 2024
Contributor: Ricky Dhaliwal MD
Educational Pearls:
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Etomidate was previously the drug of choice for rapid sequence intubation (RSI)
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However, it carries a risk of adrenal insufficiency as an adverse effect through inhibition of mitochondrial 11-β-hydroxylase activity
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A recent meta-analysis analyzing etomidate as...
Dec 16, 2024
Contributor: Aaron Lessen MD
Educational Pearls:
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Pregnant patients at high risk of cardiac arrest, in cardiac arrest, or in extremis require special care
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A useful mnemonic to recall the appropriate management of critically ill pregnant patients is TOLDD
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T: Tilt the patient to the left lateral decubitus position
Dec 9, 2024
Contributor: Travis Barlock MD
Educational Pearls:
What is the ST segment?
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The ST segment on an ECG represents the interval between the end of ventricular depolarization (QRS) and the beginning of ventricular repolarization (T-wave).
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It should appear isoelectric (flat) in a normal ECG.
What if the ST segment is...
Dec 2, 2024
Contributor: Alec Coston MD
Educational Pearls:
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Causes of seizures in a fairly well-appearing child with diarrhea:
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Electrolyte abnormalities: hypocalcemia, hyponatremia
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Also hyperkalemia which causes arrhythmias and syncope - can appear like seizures
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Hypoglycemia
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If the child has diarrhea and appears very...