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…
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…
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…
Key Points Print Section Listen Distinguish potentially life-threatening (epiglottitis, peritonsillar, and retropharyngeal abscess) and benign (uncomplicated pharyngitis) conditions. Use a scoring system to guide management of pharyngitis. Suspected group A…
Key Points Print Section Listen Intoxication with either alcohol or drugs is very common in patients with hypothermia. Most emergency thermometers cannot accurately read body temperatures below 34.4°C (94°F). Many…
Key Points Print Section Listen Always consider secondary causes of hyperthermia. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke should be diagnoses of exclusion. Do not fluid overload elderly patients while rehydrating them…
Key Points Print Section Listen Cyclic antidepressants remain a leading cause of poisoning-related fatalities among psychoactive medications. Patients will frequently present with minimal signs and symptoms only to abruptly decompensate…
Key Points Print Section Listen Consider carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in all patients with headaches, flu-like symptoms, altered mental status, or an unexplained anion gap metabolic acidosis. Immediately administer supplemental…
Key Points Print Section Listen Salicylate toxicity causes a mixed respiratory alkalosis, metabolic alkalosis, and elevated anion gap metabolic acidosis. Chronically intoxicated patients will be more seriously ill at lower…
