Meningococcemia
On this first Ped EM Morsel of the New Year (HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!), I feel like it is a great opportunity to emphasize a common theme of the Morsels: remaining vigilant and looking for the severe illness masquerading as…
Category Critical Care
Hypertonic Saline for TBI
There has been a lot of focus on the appropriate evaluation of pediatric MINOR head injury (we’ve even covered the 3 month old caveat and concussions); however, let us not forget that MAJOR head injury is a serious public health…
Delayed Sequence Intubation
We often instruct with absolutes. “Never let the sun set on a pleural effusion.” “You’re not dead until you’re warm and dead.” “Never intubate an asthmatic.” Well, often medical decisions exist in a much less dichotomous realm. It is great…
Typhlitis
We all care for many children who present with fever, nausea, and vomiting. Naturally, one of our first goals is to consider severe and life-threatening conditions and, fortunately, many times these are apparent on clinical exam. Unfortunately, certain patient populations,…
Avoid Oxygen Desats
Recently we discussed the use of noninvasive ventilation in kids presenting with respiratory distress. Despite enjoying procedures, I do fell good about myself when I have been able to avoid intubating a child. Unfortunately, that is not always possible…
Acute Chest Syndrome
We have discussed previously (in Splenic Sequestration – Be a Spleen Detective!) how being vigilant for “badness” is paramount when caring for patients with sickle cell disease. Often, the dreaded complications that we are taught to look for don’t present…
Noninvasive Ventilation
The decision to intubate a patient is, unquestionably, one of the most significant (and at times intimidating) decisions that we make. In preparation and consideration for all of the potential complications and outcomes of the intubation, it is common to…