During the course of a shift in the Emergency Department, I occasionally need to remind myself to rethink my diagnosis. Fighting diagnostic momentum can be difficult. That is why we look thoroughly for “Red Flags” (like we’ve talked about with…
We have all been there: listening to the family describe, with great concern, the apparent tremendous volume of emesis that their child produced prompting the ED visit. Everyone is knowledgeable about “dehydration” and is aware of the potential dangers it…
Over the years (yes, we have been doing the Ped EM Morsels that long), we have covered several intestinal disasters: for example, HSP and Intussusception, Malrotation, Intussusception, Hirschsprung’s and Enterocolitis. Yes, the differential for the neonate or young child with…
Growing up, we all knew “the kid who eats dirt” and if you don’t remember “the kid,” it is likely because you were that kid. And look at you now… you’ve grown up so nicely. So how can eating dirt…
Morphine and Appendicitis “Don’t give the kid with potential appendicitis morphine!” the pediatric surgeon exclaims. Doing so will obscure their exam and delay the diagnosis… and that will make the surgeon angry… and you wouldn’t like it when the surgeon…
Probiotics for Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) We are all very familiar with the battle that is waged daily in pediatric emergency departments everywhere: the battle against dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea! We are well versed in the determination of degrees…
Crohn’s Disease Red Flags We are all certainly familiar with the patient who presents with abdominal pain and all of the various concerns that we mentally filter through. We are also aware that Chronic Recurrent Abdominal Pain (CRAP) can be…