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…

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….

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…

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…

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…

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…

Key Points Print Section Listen Patients with severe asthma exacerbations may have such severe restriction of airflow that they do not exhibit wheezing on examination. Beta-2 agonists are the mainstay…

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…

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…

Key Points Print Section Listen Consider acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the initial assessment of all patients presenting with chest pain and/or difficulty breathing. Atypical presentations are common, especially in…