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…
Over time we all become quite confident in our clinical exam, which is routinely justified. Occasionally, however, we do have to take a step back and ask ourselves whether our detective skills are refined enough to make the diagnosis all…
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…
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…
I love fireworks! It is fun to say “Ooh and Ah!” while pontificating the amazing chemical reactions that are being displayed (ok, it is a little Geeky, but true). Magnesium is quite brilliant when ignited. Interestingly, the use of magnesium…
We all have great respect for potential airway disasters. The bouncy ball that lodges in the kids airway leading to respiratory arrest is commonly spoken off and often contemplated. We are ever ready to perform transtracheal ventilation in instances such…
Spontaneous Pneumothorax We all see a myriad of patients who complain of chest pain and/or shortness of breath. We can rapidly develop the differential diagnosis and deftly sort through it without much effort; however, we often still end with…