Lower Extremity Injuries
Key Points Print Section Listen If a hip fracture is suspected in an elderly patient, but plain radiographs are negative, obtain a computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging. Delay…
Acute Visual Loss
Key Points Print Section Listen History and physical examination alone will lead to the diagnosis in most patients presenting with acute visual loss. The most important first step in addressing…
Abdominal Trauma
Key Points Print Section Listen A normal physical examination cannot be used as the sole means to exclude significant injury in patients with abdominal trauma. Hemodynamically unstable patients with penetrating…
Dental Emergencies
Key Points Print Section Listen Dental caries are the most common dental emergency and can lead to pulpitis. Tooth fractures are categorized and treated according to the Ellis classification. Clean…
Compartment Syndromes
Key Points Print Section Listen Compartment syndrome occurs when tissue pressure in a closed space rises, compromising perfusion to nerves and muscles. The leg and forearm compartments are most commonly…
Low Back Pain
Key Points Print Section Listen The diagnostic approach to lower back pain is facilitated by classifying back pain into (1) nonspecific low back pain, (2) back pain associated with radiculopathy,…
Seizures and Status Epilepticus
Key Points Print Section Listen Always check a bedside glucose level in seizure patients. Monitor airway, breathing, and circulation in actively seizing patients and intervene when needed. Intravenous lorazepam is…
Septic arthritis
Key Points Print Section Listen Septic arthritis can lead to significant morbidity if not treated in a timely manner. Because the history and physical examination has limitations, arthrocentesis should be…
