AIR Series: GU/Renal Module 2015
Welcome to the eighth ALiEM Approved Instructional Resources (AIR) Module! In an effort to reward our residents for the reading and learning they are already doing online we have created an Individual Interactive Instruction (III) opportunity utilizing FOAM resources for U.S. Emergency Medicine residents. For each module, the AIR board curates and scores a list of blogs and podcasts. A quiz is available to complete after each module to obtain residency conference credit. Once completed, your name and institution will be logged into our private database, which participating residency program directors can access to provide proof of completion. [+]
Four reasons not to order a Rapid Flu test
Every year emergency departments are inundated with cases of influenza-like illness. Rapid flu testing (RFT) offers the promise of a quick and relatively noninvasive rapid diagnostic test. However, the use of this test has significant limitations that can lead to increased risk for both the patient and the provider. [+]
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I am Dr. Sean Fox, Star Educator and Creator of Peds EM Morsels: How I Work Smarter
When I first contacted Dr. Sean Fox (@PedEMMorsels) regarding participating in the How I Work Smarter series he described his work style as “a bull in a china shop”, questioning if he was a worthy participant. This, in fact, makes him an ideal contributor as most of us can relate to the difficulties of achieving organizational zen. But Dr. Fox is also being humble. He is double boarded in Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics. In his young career, he has already received several teaching awards including the ACEP National Faculty Teaching Award. He’s also embraced teaching through FOAM via his great [+]
MEdIC Series | The Case of the FOAM Faux Pas
The use of online open access secondary has increased recently. Many clinicians are turning to these resources for continuing education. There is debate about these resources that can occasionally result in conflict between early adopters and those with a more traditional approach. Please join us in discussing the case this of the FOAM Faux Pas. We would love your thoughts and advice. [+]
Hyperkalemia Management: Preventing Hypoglycemia From Insulin
Insulin remains one of the cornerstones of early severe hyperkalemia management. Insulin works via a complex process to temporarily shift potassium intracellularly. Though insulin certainly lowers plasma potassium concentrations, we often underestimate the hypoglycemic potential of a 10 unit IV insulin dose in this setting. The purpose of this post is to highlight the need for proper supplemental glucose and blood glucose monitoring when treating hyperkalemia with insulin. This is such an important medication safety issue, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) highlighted it in a February 2018 Safety Alert. [+]
Trick of the Trade: TRUST ultrasound confirmation of pediatric endotracheal tube placement
Following intubation the confirmation of endotracheal tube placement and depth is essential. While dynamic etCO2 monitoring has revolutionized the confirmation of endotracheal placement, there are still several circumstances in which this modality may be misleading (e.g. prolonged arrest, severe status asthmaticus/PE/pulmonary edema, etCO2 detector contamination with drugs/gastric contents). Additionally, EtCO2 detectors cannot confirm appropriate endotracheal tube depth, leading to delayed recognition of mainstem placement. [+]
Diagnose on Sight: Lip Swelling
Case: A 24 year old male presents with right sided lip swelling that began several hours ago. This is the second time he has had this type of swelling. His mother has also had this before. He currently has no urticaria, dyspnea, wheezing, or stridor. What is the cause of this patient’s symptoms? [+]
I am Dr. Sam Ghali, EM Faculty and Ultrasound Expert at The University of Kentucky: How I Work Smarter
As you can see from our How I Work Smarter (HIWS) mapping post, Lexington Kentucky is emerging as a powerhouse of EM leaders and social media gurus. After WildcatEM HIWS contributions from Matt Dawson, Rob Rogers, and Chris Doty, we have Dr. Sam Ghali (@EM_ResUS) taking a swing. Dr. Ghali is an up and coming member of the SoMe circuit with a focus on point-of-care ultrasound, resuscitation, and critical care. Nominated by Haney Mallemat, Dr. Ghali generously shares his thoughts about career and life management. [+]
I am Dr. Nadim Lalani, Assistant Program Director and Life Coach: How I Stay Healthy in EM
Dr. Lalani (@ERMentor) is no stranger when it comes to wellness. He is without a doubt an individual who is always striving to improve himself on every level. Currently, he is the Assistant Program Director of the University of Saskatchewan FRCPC EM Program, creator of the blog ERMentor, and has recently completed his certification to be a Life Coach (check out his personal website here). When he’s not in the ED torturing his residents with his top secret set of tough questions, he can be found on the golf course working on his pro swing. Dr. Lalani is a mentor to many, [+]
A cost-effective, two-layer wound closure task trainer
Performing a two layer wound closure can be a challenging procedure in the Emergency Department for clinicians with limited wound care experience. Challenges include suture choice, suture placement, and the technique of burying the knot in the deep layer of the wound, and the availability of ready ‘volunteers’ with complex wounds willing to let novices practice on them. Commercially available suture models are expensive, and can be cumbersome to store, and difficult to obtain in a timely manner to provide the learner with opportunities to practice prior to wound repair on a patient in the department. [+]