Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Key Points Print Section Listen Diagnosis of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is frequently missed or delayed. The most common misdiagnosis is renal colic. AAA must be considered in any…
Acute Cholecystitis
Key Points Print Section Listen Biliary colic frequently presents with epigastric or right upper quadrant pain that resolves in a few hours and is not associated with fever or leukocytosis….
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Key Points Print Section Listen Aggressive resuscitative measures (intravenous access, crystalloid bolus, and blood products) are necessary in unstable patients with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. A negative nasogastric lavage does not…
Appendicitis
Key Points Print Section Listen The absence of leukocytosis or the presence of diarrhea does not rule out appendicitis. Appendicitis is a clinical diagnosis, with imaging aiding in atypical presentations…
Acute Abdominal Pain
Key Points Print Section Listen primary survey should be conducted to rapidly screen for vascular catastrophes, abdominal sepsis, or perforated viscus. Appendicitis should always be on the differential diagnosis for…
Dysrhythmias
Key Points Print Section Listen Quickly address airway, breathing, and circulation (the ABCs), provide supplemental O2, secure intravenous access, and initiate continuous cardiac monitoring. Rapidly distinguish between stable versus unstable…
Airway Management
Key Points Print Section Listen Rapid-sequence intubation (RSI) is the preferred method for endotracheal tube placement in the emergency department. The decision to intubate should always be made on clinical…
Aortic Dissection
Key Points Print Section Listen Always consider aortic dissection in patients presenting with the acute onset of chest or thoracic back pain. Initiate a rapid reduction in heart rate and…
