Potassium Disorders
Key Points Print Section Listen Obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG) early in patients with suspected hyperkalemia and never ignore a K+ >6.0 mEq/L. Patients with ECG changes consistent with hyperkalemia require…
Transfusion Reaction
Key Points Print Section Listen Obtain consent when possible before administering blood transfusions and properly inform patients regarding the risk of developing complications. Always transfuse leukocyte-reduced blood products to recipients…
Anticoagulant Therapy and Its Complications
Key Points Print Section Listen In the anticoagulated patient, have a low threshold to obtain imaging studies after trauma. When initiating warfarin therapy, coadministration with heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin (3–5…
Sickle Cell Emergencies
Key Points Print Section Listen Control pain aggressively. Search for and treat the precipitants of pain crisis. Complications of sickle cell disease, both typical and atypical, must be aggressively sought…
Adrenal Emergencies
Key Points Print Section Listen Adrenal crisis is a medical emergency and must be recognized and treated promptly. Administration of steroids, saline, and vasopressors (as needed) should be instituted when…
Drowning Incidents
Key Points Print Section Listen Drowning is defined as the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid. Consider that drowning may have resulted from a primary medical or…
Cold-Induced Tissue Injuries
Key Points Print Section Listen Address hypothermia, dehydration, and any alternative life threats before focusing on cold-induced tissue injuries. When in doubt, treat all cold-induced tissue injuries as frostbite. Rewarm…
Diabetic Emergencies
Key Points Print Section Listen Hyperglycemia causes an osmotic diuresis that may result in dehydration. Patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) are treated with intravenous fluids…
Oncologic Emergencies
Key Points Print Section Listen Spinal cord compression should be considered in any patient presenting to the emergency department with a neurologic complaint and a history of malignancy. Electrolyte abnormalities…
