Performing procedures is obviously an important aspect of what we do in the Emergency Department. Our procedural prowess is depended upon by our patients and their families. We have discussed several procedural strategies previously (ex, Suturing, Tongue lacerations, Spinal Tap,…
Pediatric infectious diseases have been a common topic for the PedEMMorsels and rightfully so as kids love to collect numerous viral and bacterial infections (ex, Measles, Flu, Mumps, Omphalitis). With that being said, pneumonia is often the topic of conversation in…
Cough is a very common symptom in children. Certainly, we need to consider that an ominous cause may be lurking (Asthma, Occult Aspirated Foreign Body, Croup, Sinusitis, Pneumonia, Acute Chest Syndrome, etc.). Most often, though, the cough is due to a…
There are many conditions that are rarely encountered, but warrant great concern due to the level of morbidity and mortality associated with them. HSV comes to mind. RMSF is another good example. Some of these conditions were once more common,…
Caring for children in the ED can be challenging for certain. Managing the critically ill child requires a lot of skill and action (ex, Can’t Intubate, Can’t Ventilate and Hypercyanotic Spell). Remaining vigilant for the subtly sick takes a lot of…
Caring for patients is very humbling. I once described the EM Mindset as being one that requires Humble Arrogance (See EMDocs.net) – requiring humility to know you can’t know it all and arrogance to believe that your skills can make a…
Certainly, one of the most common procedures in the Ped ED is the lumbar puncture. We have discussed efforts to ensure that our first attempt is our best attempt: good positioning and analgesia are critical. We have also discussed how to deal with the…