Brief Resolved Unexplained Events
HIGH YIELD FACTS Print Section Listen A brief resolved unexplained event (BRUE) is defined as “an event occurring in an infant younger than 1 year when the observer reports a…
The Febrile or Septic-Appearing Neonate
HIGH-YIELD FACTS Print Section Listen The risk of serious bacterial illness (SBI) is greatest during the neonatal period, defined as birth to 28 days of life. Some authorities recommend that…
Approach to the Child in the Emergency Department
HIGH-YIELD FACTS Print Section Listen The emergency physician must have a reasonable knowledge of the developmental stages to identify abnormal or delayed development. Observation of the young child during history…
Approach to the Psychiatric Patient
Key Points Print Section Listen New-onset psychiatric illness requires a comprehensive emergency department work-up. Consider a medical etiology. Prior psychiatric illness with similar presentation does not require an extensive work-up….
Life-Threatening Dermatoses
Key Points Print Section Listen Rapid identification of life-threatening rashes and immediate treatment can be life-saving. If there is any uncertainty of etiology in a given case, treat presumptively for…
Allergic Reactions
Key Points Print Section Listen Epinephrine is the first-line medication for the treatment of anaphylaxis. Second-line treatment consists of antihistamines and corticosteroids. Urticaria may be the first sign of what…
Cervical Spine Injuries
Key Points Print Section Listen Use the NEXUS criteria and/or Canadian C-Spine rules to determine which patients require radiographic imaging. Forego plain films and proceed directly to computed tomography imaging…
Upper Extremity Injuries
Key Points Print Section Listen When assessing a painful extremity, vascular compromise must be excluded first. A patient who has fallen on an outstretched hand and has tenderness in the…
Thoracic Trauma
Key Points Print Section Listen Thoracic trauma is the second leading cause of traumatic death in the United States. All patients require a rapid primary survey focused on patient airway,…
