The lysis of tumor cells is one of the goals of successful treatment of cancer. Unfortunately, “Cancer SUCKS!” and even when the tumor is being positively affected, it can still unleash havoc. Oncologic processes are associated with a variety of…
We are often drawn to new techniques and methods. While we may become enamored with exotic management strategies (ex, ECMO in the ED, Delayed Sequence Intubation), focusing on the basics is vitally important to the successful management of even the…
We have previously discussed how saying “It’s JUST a virus,” is not comforting to families and may undermine your credibility. For one, this phrase minimizes the family’s concern… and secondly, viruses can be quite problematic (ex, Influenza, Varicella, HSV, Reye’s…
We do complex mathematics every time we evaluate a patient. Risk:Benefit ratios, Odds Ratios and Likelihood Ratios quickly get weighed and measured. Sometimes, however, simple math problems can trip us up (ok… at least trip me up). This is why…
The diversity of complaints and presentations in the ED keeps us on our toes and requires our continued vigilance. It is not uncommon for me to say, “I did not know that that could happen” during a shift. While we…
HYPER-Emesis sounds gross! It sounds like something from a horror movie and invokes thoughts of demonic possession. Of course we deal with vomiting a lot (ex, Pyloric Stenosis, Malrotation, Testicular Torsion, Ovarian Torsion, Vertigo, Ogilvie’s Syndrome) and fortunately, we have…
Over the years, the Ped EM Morsels have addressed several conditions that historically are considered to be “adult” problems, but are actually concerns that we may need to have for children also (ex, Cholecystitis, Cholelithiasis, Pulmonary Embolism, Glaucoma, Sigmoid Volvulus,…
We all should fear Hypoglycemia! It likes to deceive us; it can cause critical illness; and it can be caused by critical illness. Obviously, many conditions can be associated with hypoglycemia (ex, Burns, Seizures, Gastroenteritis, Inborn Errors). While the detection…
Who doesn’t love a swimming pool or hot tub? They practically equate to fun and relaxation! Well… unless you are an Emergency Medicine clinician… in which case you naturally see hazards everywhere (it is one of our super powers). While…
Often clinicians shy away from caring for children, because of the notion that “they aren’t little adults.” We have previously discussed my disdain for this mantra. They are not aliens! They do, however, have different anatomy and physiology that must…
