Emergency Medical Minute

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Traditionally, blood cultures are drawn from two separate sites despite no data to suggest this is better than drawing blood from one site Recent study evaluated multi-site versus single-site blood cultures to determine if there was a difference in accuracy or contamination Positive yield was 20% in the single-site year and 17% in the multi-site year No difference in contamination between the two groups References Ekwall-Larson A, Yu D, Dinnétz P, Nordqvist H, Özenci V. Single-Site Sampling versus Multisite Sampling for Blood Cultures: a Retrospective Clinical Study. J Clin Microbiol. 2022;60(2):e0193521. doi:10.1128/JCM.01935-21 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Olecranon bursitis refers to inflammation in the bursa of the elbow and can be due to infection or trauma Recent study examined treating suspected septic olecranon bursitis with antibiotics versus drainage About 90% of the patients treated with antibiotic therapy for this issue did not require subsequent drainage or hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics Consider treating suspected olecranon bursitis with antibiotic therapy and good return precautions rather than defaulting to drainage References Beyde A, Thomas AL, Colbenson KM, et al. Efficacy of empiric antibiotic management of septic olecranon bursitis without bursal aspiration in emergency department patients. Acad Emerg Med. 2022;29(1):6-14. doi:10.1111/acem.14406 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

On this episode of On the Streets, our host, Jordan Ourada, talks with cardiologist, Dr. Chirag Chauhan, about all things cardiac. Highlighted topics: Wrist versus femoral access in the cath lab The most important prehospital interventions for an MI Nitroglycerin: Who gets it and what are the precautions Lidocaine and amiodarone in a heart attack CPR assist devices

Contributor: Chris Holmes, MD Educational Pearls: Maggots were discovered as a therapy to help wound healing in WWI, but this fell out of favor after the discovery of penicillin One study from Israel used maggots in treating diabetic foot wound with positive results but notable patient discomfort Maggots debride tissue, kill MRSA, promote angiogenesis, and promote fibroblast migration to lay down new tissue While maggots may be very useful in wound healing, the reality of the therapy may make patients very uncomfortable References Gilead L, Mumcuoglu KY, Ingber A. The use of maggot debridement therapy in the treatment of chronic wounds in hospitalised and ambulatory patients. J Wound Care. 2012 Feb;21(2):78, 80, 82-85. doi: 10.12968/jowc.2012.21.2.78. PMID: 22584527. Mohd Zubir MZ, Holloway S, Mohd Noor N. Maggot Therapy in Wound Healing: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(17):6103. Published 2020 Aug 21. doi:10.3390/ijerph17176103 McCaughan, Dorothy et al. "Patients' perceptions and experiences of venous leg ulceration and their attitudes to larval therapy: an in-depth qualitative study." Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy vol. 18,4 (2015): 527-41. doi:10.1111/hex.12053 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm that sometimes requires rate control in setting of rapid ventricular response (RVR) Calcium channel blocker and beta blockers are the most frequently used medications to block the AV node and slow down the heart rate in atrial fibrillation with RVR If a patient is on one of these agents at home, the IV form should be used first Recent systematic review and meta-analysis found 3 trials addressing which medication to use to control heart rate in atrial fibrillation with RVR with a total of 150 patients Found diltiazem, a CCB, was 4x more likely to reduce heart rate than metoprolol 50% of patients had a normal heart rate at 21 minutes with diltiazem versus 22% in those who received metoprolol Both agents had a similar decrease in blood pressure after administration References Jafri SH, Xu J, Warsi I, Cerecedo-Lopez CD. Diltiazem versus metoprolol for the management of atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Emerg Med. 2021 Oct;48:323-327. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2021.06.053. Epub 2021 Jun 30. PMID: 34274577. Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Firearms are a dangerous potential method of committing suicide Death occurs in about 5-15% of suicide attempts overall, but death in suicide attempts using firearms occurs in 85-90% of cases In some states, families can petition a judge to remove firearms from a house although healthcare providers cannot do this References Sarai SK, Abaid B, Lippmann S. Guns and Suicide: Are They Related? Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2017 Dec 21;19(6):17br02116. doi: 10.4088/PCC.17br02116. PMID: 29272571. Anestis MD, Bandel SL, Butterworth SE, Bond AE, Daruwala SE, Bryan CJ. Suicide risk and firearm ownership and storage behavior in a large military sample. Psychiatry Res. 2020 Sep;291:113277. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113277. Epub 2020 Jul 2. PMID: 32886959. Mann JJ, Michel CA. Prevention of Firearm Suicide in the United States: What Works and What Is Possible. Am J Psychiatry. 2016 Oct 1;173(10):969-979. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2016.16010069. Epub 2016 Jul 22. PMID: 27444796. Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Don Stader, MD Educational Pearls: In a secondary analysis of the PART trial, the mortality effect of timing of airway management for patients in cardiac arrest was examined Study looked at whether timing played a part in both laryngeal tube placement or endotracheal intubation during cardiac arrest Did not find any association of timing and survival to hospital discharge High-quality CPR and defibrillation are the only two things that improve outcomes in cardiac arrest References Okubo M, Komukai S, Izawa J, Aufderheide TP, Benoit JL, Carlson JN, Daya MR, Hansen M, Idris AH, Le N, Lupton JR, Nichol G, Wang HE, Callaway CW. Association of Advanced Airway Insertion Timing and Outcomes After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest. Ann Emerg Med. 2022 Feb;79(2):118-131. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2021.07.114. Epub 2021 Sep 16. PMID: 34538500. Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Don Stader, MD Educational Pearls: Xylazine, referred to as tranq dope colloquially, is an FDA approved animal tranquilizer that is circulating in the illicit drug markets of the northeastern United states It is a powerful alpha-2 agonist, similar to clonidine, and patients with xylazine overdose may present similarly to opioid overdose Naloxone will not reverse the effects of xylazine and management is supportive care Withdrawal symptoms from xylazine use can be treated with clonidine References https://www.acep.org/tacticalem/newsroom/oct-2021/xylazine-an-emerging-adulterant/ Nunez J, DeJoseph ME, Gill JR. Xylazine, a Veterinary Tranquilizer, Detected in 42 Accidental Fentanyl Intoxication Deaths. Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 2021 Mar 1;42(1):9-11. doi: 10.1097/PAF.0000000000000622. PMID: 33031124. Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Hypotension after cardiac arrest often requires a vasopressor to improve blood pressure Recent observational study from France examined outcomes of patients who received either epinephrine or norepinephrine for post-resuscitation shock Norepinephrine had significantly better outcomes Death from shock was 35% in the epinephrine group vs. 9% in the norepinephrine group Recurrent cardiac arrest was 9% in epinephrine group vs. 3% in norepinephrine group For epinephrine: The all cause mortality was 2.5 times higher than norepinephrine Cardiovascular mortality was 5 times higher than norepinephrine Favorable neurological outcomes was 3 times worse than norepinephrine References Bougouin W, Slimani K, Renaudier M, Binois Y, Paul M, Dumas F, Lamhaut L, Loeb T, Ortuno S, Deye N, Voicu S, Beganton F, Jost D, Mekontso-Dessap A, Marijon E, Jouven X, Aissaoui N, Cariou A; Sudden Death Expertise Center Investigators. Epinephrine versus norepinephrine in cardiac arrest patients with post-resuscitation shock. Intensive Care Med. 2022 Mar;48(3):300-310. doi: 10.1007/s00134-021-06608-7. Epub 2022 Feb 7. PMID: 35129643. Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Dr. Kimberly Nordstrom De-escalation usually takes less time than physical and chemical restraints, which leads to decreased injury to staff members, better patient trust and increased patient throughput as accepting facilities oftentimes delay transfer acceptance following physical restraints Prepare to engage prior to entering their room in two ways: cognitively and emotionally Why do you want to de-escalate the patient? Remind yourself you don't want to introduce more trauma Check your emotions, and ensure you don't bring your emotional state into If possible, engage the patient when they're in mild agitation before their anger is out of control Be authoritative not authoritarian or permissive, impart your expertise in medicine and explain your rationale to them without claiming to be an expert on them personally Small acts of kindness like the provision of a warm blanket, snacks or voluntary medications appropriate to the situation can aid in establishing trust and rapport Take a break to cool off if the interaction is too charged Verbal de-escalation pearls: Respectful introduction, etiquette can be perceived as empathy to a patient in crisis Confirm story and allow patient to offer corrections to what you've been told Utilize active listening techniques, both verbally and nonverbally Avoid assigning blame, but use distant third parties if necessary without being detrimental to your colleagues Offer choices in medications within your clinical comfort zone for the patient Verbal De-escalation videos: Identification and Assessment of Agitation Basic Elements of Verbal De-escalation More Practice with Verbal De-escalation Advanced Skills in De-escalation Personal Safety and Escape Skills References: Berlin JS. Collaborative De-escalation. In: Zeller SL, Nordstrom KD, Wilson MP, eds. The Diagnosis and Management of Agitation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 2017:144-155. doi:10.1017/9781316556702.012 Richmond JS, Berlin JS, Fishkind AB, et al. Verbal De-escalation of the Agitated Patient: Consensus Statement of the American Association for Emergency Psychiatry Project BETA De-escalation Workgroup. West J Emerg Med. 2012;13(1):17-25. doi:10.5811/westjem.2011.9.6864 Summarized by Mason Tuttle

Contributor: Peter Bakes, MD Educational Pearls: 3% of cases of acute coronary syndrome are due to Takotsubo Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or "broken heart syndrome" can occur with severe physiologic or emotional stressors, as these events can result in a profound outpouring of sympathetic neurotransmitters (epinephrine/norepinephrine) Receptors for these catecholamines are very dense around the apex of the heart, so the apical aspect of the heart can balloon outward as a result of this surge Most often cases resolve in several weeks although in rare cases it can lead to congestive heart failure or a thrombus formation References Ahmad SA, Brito D, Khalid N, et al. Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy. [Updated 2022 Jan 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430798/ Bossone E, Savarese G, Ferrara F, et al. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: overview. Heart Fail Clin. 2013;9(2):249-x. doi:10.1016/j.hfc.2012.12.015 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Sam Killian, MD Educational Pearls: Transaminitis refers to the elevation of transaminases, enzymes of the liver (AST and ALT) Elevation of ALT is relatively specific to the liver, but AST is found in more organs than the liver including the muscle If AST is significantly greater than ALT, consider a musculoskeletal origin such as rhabdomyolysis Transaminitis is not always a liver specific issue References Lala V, Goyal A, Minter DA. Liver Function Tests. [Updated 2021 Aug 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482489/ Lim AK. Abnormal liver function tests associated with severe rhabdomyolysis. World J Gastroenterol. 2020;26(10):1020-1028. doi:10.3748/wjg.v26.i10.1020 Jo KM, Heo NY, Park SH, et al. Serum Aminotransferase Level in Rhabdomyolysis according to Concurrent Liver Disease. Korean J Gastroenterol. 2019;74(4):205-211. doi:10.4166/kjg.2019.74.4.205 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Tramadol is often thought of as a mild-opiate to use for analgesia, but it is a more complicated drug Tramadol needs to be metabolized into an effective drug making it not pharmacologically reliable 3-10% of people cannot metabolize tramadol and it does not work Some others over-metabolize tramadol and it causes greater effect Studies have shown it is not any better as a acetaminophen or ibuprofen for analgesia, it can lower a seizure threshold, and it acts to inhibit serotonin reuptake Recent study evaluated all-cause mortality of tramadol compared to codeine and found tramadol had nearly double the all-cause mortality as those prescribed codeine Overall tramadol has many risks and should be critically evaluated before prescribing References Dhesi M, Maldonado KA, Maani CV. Tramadol. [Updated 2021 May 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537060/ Association of tramadol vs codeine prescription dispensation with mortality and other adverse clinical outcomes Xie J, Strauss VY, Martinez-Laguna D, et al. JAMA. 2021;326(15):1504-1515. Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Retrospective cohort study looked at return rate of discharged patients after receiving either phenobarbital or benzodiazepines or both in the ED for treatment of alcohol withdrawal Patients who received benzodiazepines had a 25% chance of returning in 3 days versus a 10% chance of returning in 3 days for those who received phenobarbital 13% of patients returned in 3 days after receiving both phenobarbital and benzodiazepines Phenobarbital may make it less likely for patients to come back to the ED after receiving treatment for alcohol withdrawal References Lebin JA, Mudan A, Murphy CE 4th, Wang RC, Smollin CG. Return Encounters in Emergency Department Patients Treated with Phenobarbital Versus Benzodiazepines for Alcohol Withdrawal. J Med Toxicol. 2022;18(1):4-10. doi:10.1007/s13181-021-00863-2 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Chris Holmes, MD Educational Pearls: Many are taught that patients with cocaine chest pain should not receive beta-blockers due to unopposed alpha agonism, but is this true? 363 consecutive admissions for chest pain with positive cocaine on urine toxicology were reviewed in a retrospective cohort study 60 patients in this cohort received a beta-blocker and multivariate analysis demonstrated a reduction in myocardial infarction risk Another retrospective cohort study demonstrated no association of negative outcomes with beta-blocker administration in those with a recent positive result on cocaine urine toxicology Two more recent meta-analyses were performed finding no association between adverse clinical outcomes and beta-blocker administration for cocaine chest pain No prospective randomized-controlled trials have been performed to evaluate the use of beta-blockers for treatment of cocaine chest pain in the ED setting References Dattilo PB, Hailpern SM, Fearon K, Sohal D, Nordin C. Beta-blockers are associated with reduced risk of myocardial infarction after cocaine use [published correction appears in Ann Emerg Med. 2008 Jul;52(1):90]. Ann Emerg Med. 2008;51(2):117-125. doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2007.04.015 Rangel C, Shu RG, Lazar LD, Vittinghoff E, Hsue PY, Marcus GM. Beta-blockers for chest pain associated with recent cocaine use. Arch Intern Med. 2010;170(10):874-879. doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2010.115 Pham D, Addison D, Kayani W, et al. Outcomes of beta blocker use in cocaine-associated chest pain: a meta-analysis. Emerg Med J. 2018;35(9):559-563. doi:10.1136/emermed-2017-207065 Lo KB, Virk HUH, Lakhter V, et al. Clinical Outcomes After Treatment of Cocaine-Induced Chest Pain with Beta-Blockers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Am J Med. 2019;132(4):505-509. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2018.11.041 Richards JR, Hollander JE, Ramoska EA, et al. β-Blockers, Cocaine, and the Unopposed α-Stimulation Phenomenon. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther. 2017;22(3):239-249. doi:10.1177/1074248416681644 Lange RA, Cigarroa RG, Flores ED, et al. Potentiation of cocaine-induced coronary vasoconstriction by beta-adrenergic blockade. Ann Intern Med. 1990;112(12):897-903. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-112-12-897 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Septic arthritis can occur at any joint, including the sternoclavicular joint Sternoclavicular joint infections comprise 1% of all bone and joint infections Patients who use intravenous drugs have a higher occurrence of this type of infection compared to the general population, accounting for 17% of all sternoclavicular joint infections Usual treatment includes intravenous antibiotics and, in some cases, surgery References Tapscott DC, Benham MD. Sternoclavicular Joint Infection. [Updated 2021 Dec 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551721/ Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Tune in for a double feature with our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award winners from this fall as Nick asks them about their backgrounds, what brought them into medicine and Emergency Medicine specifically. Patricia is a 4th year medical student at PennMed. As a first-generation immigrant, college, and medical student, she is committed to actively promoting and being an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion because she sees the value in having a diverse workforce to build a more equitable health care system. In diversity, there is beauty, there is growth and there is strength. Leyanet is an MS4 at Caribbean Medical University. As a Cuban refugee, she strives to facilitate better rapport & cultural sensitivity to those who are underrepresented. She believes in the importance of having a workforce paradigm that comprehensively represents the community. Leyanet aspires to be a transformational leader & be a role model for others pursuing medicine to demonstrate that shattering glass ceilings and creating an inclusive workplace is important & possible.

Contributor: Jared Scott, MD Educational Pearls: Variability of organisms in infecting the myocardial valves Duke Criteria for Infective Endocarditis includes three categories that can be used to definitively diagnose endocarditis Pathologic Criteria pathological evidence of infection Major Clinical Criteria positive blood cultures positive echocardiogram findings (TEE is more sensitive than a TTE) Minor Clinical Criteria (must include all of the below criteria) Fever Underlying heart condition or IV drug use Vascular phenomena (includes Janeway's lesions) Immunologic phenomena (includes Osler's nodes, Roth spots) Positive blood cultures or serologic evidence of infection with bacteria known to cause endocarditis Some studies show up to a 33% one-year mortality of people diagnosed with endocarditis This criteria was developed by David Durack, MD and he was affiliated with Duke University, shout out to Dr. Pete Bakes! References https://www.mdcalc.com/duke-criteria-infective-endocarditis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NLtNg-pqv0 Holland TL, Baddour LM, Bayer AS, Hoen B, Miro JM, Fowler VG Jr. Infective endocarditis. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2016;2:16059. Published 2016 Sep 1. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2016.59 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Jared Scott, MD Educational Pearls: Often present with complaints of sore throat, pain with swallowing, difficulty swallowing, voice change, and possible fever Retrospective study from 2018 evaluated outcomes of peritonsillar abscess with two management arms, surgical vs. non-surgical treatment Non-surgical treatment only included IV fluids as well as IV ceftriaxone + clindamycin; Surgical treatment included either needle aspiration or incision and drainage of the abscess as well as the medical treatment from the non-surgical arm Failure rate in both arms were statistically equivalent, but patients in the surgical arm had more days missed from work and more use of opioid medications for pain References Battaglia A, Burchette R, Hussman J, Silver MA, Martin P, Bernstein P. Comparison of Medical Therapy Alone to Medical Therapy with Surgical Treatment of Peritonsillar Abscess. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2018;158(2):280-286. doi:10.1177/0194599817739277 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Don Stader, MD Educational Pearls: Fentanyl's common administration route through pills has lowered the psychological barrier of using opioid compared to injecting and smoking heroin Fentanyl is showing up in all illicit drugs with documented cases even in marijuana Testing for fentanyl is difficult and requires a send out test because UA does not show up not common in ED but can better inform our care Fentanyl doesn't show up on UA drug screen and requires a send out test, thus we should ask patients if they're using fentanyl specifically Send any patient using an illicit drug home with Narcan to protect them from potential opioid overdoses Start patients on buprenorphine for opioid withdrawal in the ED Fentanyl is very lipophilic, thus patients require longer washout times (sometimes over 24 hours) before buprenorphine induction to avoid precipitated withdrawal References: Adams, K.K., Machnicz, M. & Sobieraj, D.M. Initiating buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder without prerequisite withdrawal: a systematic review. Addict Sci Clin Pract 16, 36 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13722-021-00244-8 Moustaqim-Barrette, A., Dhillon, D., Ng, J. et al. Take-home naloxone programs for suspected opioid overdose in community settings: a scoping umbrella review. BMC Public Health 21, 597 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10497-2 *Image from NIDA Summarized by Mason Tuttle

Contributor: Nick Tsipis, MD Educational Pearls: Acute hyperkalemia is characterized as serum K of 5.4 or higher in non-hemolyzed samples Hyperkalemia is commonly associated with end stage renal disease, acute kidney injury or acute renal failure Cardiac dysrhythmias are the primary concern with hyperkalemia, common EKG changes (and approximate serum levels) can include: Peaked T waves that start to show at serum K of 6 Second sign is lengthening of PR and QRS intervals due to extended repolarization Severe hyperkalemia manifests as a sine wave around serum of 8-9 Three approaches to treat hyperkalemia: Stabilize cardiac membrane with calcium Shift potassium back into the cell, insulin and albuterol are common agents used. Potassium binding for excretion Cochrane review showed no significant effects of Kayexalate on serum K in 4 hours Bowel necrosis is a rare adverse event that can occur with Kayexalate More myths and misconceptions about hyperkalemia addressed in reference below! References: Gupta AA, Self M, Mueller M, Wardi G, Tainter C. Dispelling myths and misconceptions about the treatment of acute hyperkalemia. Am J Emerg Med. 2022;52:85-91. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2021.11.030 Mahoney BA, Smith WA, Lo DS, Tsoi K, Tonelli M, Clase CM. Emergency interventions for hyperkalaemia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005;2005(2):CD003235. Published 2005 Apr 18. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003235.pub2 Li T, Vijayan A. Insulin for the treatment of hyperkalemia: a double-edged sword?. Clin Kidney J. 2014;7(3):239-241. doi:10.1093/ckj/sfu049 Summarized by Mason Tuttle| Edited by Nick Tsipis, MD

Dr. Kim Nordstrom, a practicing emergency psychiatrist and associate professor with the University of Colorado, discusses various work-up models alongside valuable bedside tools for elderly patients with acute psychosis. In this podcast, she explores the methods to differentiate primary psychiatric psychosis from medically mediated psychosis in the elderly using an empirical bedside tool. Furthermore, Dr. Nordstrom educates our listeners on the treatment modalities available and currently recommended for new psychosis in the elderly. Key Points: Non-psychiatric causes of psychosis include lobar degeneration, sensory deficits, pharmacologic mediators, and others. ADEPT tool, developed by CPE under an ACEP sponsorship, is a useful guideline for rapid and reliable assessment of psychosis in the elderly. DTS (delirium triage screen) tool, embedded in the ADEPT, is 98% sensitive to rule-out delirium. BCAM (brief concussion assessment method) is used if DTS is positive to rule-in delirium with high specificity. ADEPT Tool: https://www.acep.org/patient-care/adept DTS Tool: http://eddelirium.org/delirium-assessment/dts-calculator/ BCAM Tool: http://eddelirium.org/delirium-assessment/bcam-calculator/ Source: Shen​vi C, Kennedy M, et al. Managing delirium and agitation in the older emergency department patient: The ADEPT Tool. Ann Emerg Med. 2020 Feb; 75(2): 136–145.

Contributor: Nick Tsipis, MD Educational Pearls: Observational study in Israel evaluated cohort of vaccinated pregnant women receiving the initial Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine Looked at 24,288 newborns with about 16,697 exposed to maternal vaccination in utero Longitudinal follow up showed no significant difference in preterm births, neonatal hospitalizations, post-natal hospitalizations, congenital abnormalities, or mortality While this is not a randomized-controlled trial, this observational trial has a very large population that was studied supporting the safety profile of birth outcomes relating to receiving COVID mRNA vaccines during pregnancy References Goldshtein I, Steinberg DM, Kuint J, et al. Association of BNT162b2 COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy With Neonatal and Early Infant Outcomes [published online ahead of print, 2022 Feb 10]. JAMA Pediatr. 2022;e220001. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.0001 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Chris Holmes, MD Educational Pearls: Dr. Carl Reinhold August Wunderlich, of the mid-1800s, was the first physician to suggest temperature was related to disease processes and his measurements set the 37˚C (98.6˚F) as the baseline temperature Thermometers were adapted to be sold to the public with guidelines for temperature measurement interpretation Taller and thinner individuals, anyone taking a temperature in the morning, and the elderly have decreased temperatures Temperature averages have been decreased and the actual average temperature appears to be closer to 97.5˚ currently References Wright WF. Early evolution of the thermometer and application to clinical medicine. J Therm Biol. 2016;56:18-30. doi:10.1016/j.jtherbio.2015.12.003 Geneva II, Cuzzo B, Fazili T, Javaid W. Normal Body Temperature: A Systematic Review. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2019;6(4):ofz032. Published 2019 Apr 9. doi:10.1093/ofid/ofz032 Chen W. Thermometry and interpretation of body temperature [published correction appears in Biomed Eng Lett. 2019 Feb 25;9(1):19]. Biomed Eng Lett. 2019;9(1):3-17. Published 2019 Feb 9. doi:10.1007/s13534-019-00102-2 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD

Contributor: Jared Scott, MD Educational Pearls: ACEP survey was done in 2018 looking at violence towards staff in the ED with only 10% of those solicited responding Survey found 47% of respondents were assaulted and 71% had witnessed violence towards staff Regarding what was done about the violence, 28% said patients were flagged by the hospital, 21% said patient was arrested by police/hospital security, 6% of the cases resulted in the hospital pressing charges, and in 3% of cases the staff were advised to press charges Analyzing the type of violence that occurred, it was found that in 44% of the incidents staff were hit/slapped, 30% were spit on, 28% were punched, 27% were kicked, 17% were scratched, 6% were bitten, 2% were assaulted with a weapon, and 1% were sexually assaulted ED violence is a very serious matter and you can learn more about the survey and initiatives at the links below References https://www.acep.org/administration/violence-in-the-emergency-department-resources-for-a-safer-workplace/ https://www.emergencyphysicians.org/press-releases/2018/10-2-2018-violence-in-emergency-departments-is--increasing-harming-patients-new-research-finds https://stopedviolence.org/ Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Peter Bakes, MD Educational Pearls: Tubo-ovarian abscess is a rare complication of pelvic inflammatory disease Usually presents with chief complaint of abdominal pain and is often diagnosed by CT of the abdomen/pelvis Hospitalization is indicated 60-80% of patients improve with an IV anaerobic cephalosporin (cefoxitin or cefotetan) with doxycycline or using clindamycin and gentamicin Mortality can occur in up to 5% of patients, often as a result of progression to septic shock References Kairys N, Roepke C. Tubo-Ovarian Abscess. [Updated 2021 Jul 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448125/ Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account.

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Normal saline is thought to interfere with renal function and cause an acidosis and balanced fluids (like lactated ringers) are a better option The SALT-ED trial and SMART trial showed a small benefit with renal injury and need for dialysis using balanced fluid in critically ill patients Recent multicenter RCT in Brazil evaluated balanced fluids versus normal saline and looked at 90-day mortality Found no difference in 90-day mortality or secondary outcomes like renal function PLUS trial is currently being done in Australia and New Zealand to further evaluate fluid choice Larger trials don't show a major difference at this point, keep an eye out for future trials References Semler MW, Wanderer JP, Ehrenfeld JM, et al. Balanced Crystalloids versus Saline in the Intensive Care Unit. The SALT Randomized Trial. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2017;195(10):1362-1372. doi:10.1164/rccm.201607-1345OC Semler MW, Self WH, Wanderer JP, et al. Balanced Crystalloids versus Saline in Critically Ill Adults. N Engl J Med. 2018;378(9):829-839. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1711584 Zampieri FG, Machado FR, Biondi RS, et al. Effect of Intravenous Fluid Treatment With a Balanced Solution vs 0.9% Saline Solution on Mortality in Critically Ill Patients: The BaSICS Randomized Clinical Trial [published online ahead of print, 2021 Aug 10]. JAMA. 2021;326(9):1-12. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.11684 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02721654 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Techniques regarding ring removal in the ED were evaluated in a recent study which looked at using trauma shears versus the motorized ring cutters A certain type of trauma shear has a ring-cutter attached to it, 7 seconds to remove vs. about 70 seconds for motorized ring cutters Both the users of the devices and the patients preferred the ring-cutter shears References Walter J, DeBoer M, Koops J, Hamel LL, Rupp PE, Westgard BC. Quick cuts: A comparative study of two tools for ring tourniquet removal. Am J Emerg Med. 2021;46:238-240. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2020.07.039 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Recent study evaluated budesonide for outpatient COVID-19 infection treatment to see if there was a decrease in length of illness or hospitalization rates Found patients who received a budesonide inhaler had recovery times that were about 3 days shorter and there was a slight (non-significant) decrease in hospitalizations References Berezowski I, Patel J, Shaw M, Pourmand A. High-dose budesonide for early COVID-19. Lancet. 2021;398(10317):2146-2147. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(21)02441-7 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: An endotracheal tube introducer or bougie are often used as a rescue device during difficult intubations as they are small and can be placed blindly Large randomized-controlled trial looked at first-pass bougie use versus standard intubation to determine if there was improvement in first-pass success rate No difference in first-pass success rate, about 80% for both techniques This does not mean that bougies are not great rescue devices or options for managing an airway References Driver BE, Semler MW, Self WH, et al. Effect of Use of a Bougie vs Endotracheal Tube With Stylet on Successful Intubation on the First Attempt Among Critically Ill Patients Undergoing Tracheal Intubation: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2021;326(24):2488–2497. Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Dr. Kim Nordstrom discusses a valuable bedside tool for evidence-based assessment in patients that visit the ED and are at risk for suicidality. Dr. Nordstrom is a practicing emergency psychiatrist and associate professor with the University of Colorado. As a developer and user of the tool, Dr. Nordstrom gives us invaluable insight into a new avenue for psychiatric care in emergency medicine. Educational Pearls: An app-based tool made in conjunction with ACEP Identifying suicidal risk for each patient, including assessment of clues like bodily injuries Communicating with patients to create a safe space and enhance rapport Assessing for threats such as environmental or personal objects Risk assessment; previous attempts, mental state, life stressors, etc. Risk reduction once discharge is thought possible Extension of care once patients leave the ED Link to Access the ICAR2E Tool References Wilson MP, Moutier C, et al. Emergency department recommendations for suicide prevention in adults: The ICAR2E mnemonic and a systematic review of the literature. Am J Emerg Med. 2020; 38:571-581. Summarized by Jorge Chalit The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Think about giving take home naloxone kits for anyone on long-term opioids as well as anyone with an opioid use disorder, those in opioid withdrawal, or those who recently overdosed on opioids Also consider for individuals with non-opioid substance use disorders For patients seen in the ED with an opioid overdose the 1-year mortality is about 5% and 1-month mortality is about 1% Also 50% of accidental pediatric overdose deaths are due to opioids, so ensuring naloxone is present in the household can save lives Prescriptions have a very low fill rate, so getting naloxone in the hands of people before they leave is important References Strang J, McDonald R, Campbell G, et al. Take-Home Naloxone for the Emergency Interim Management of Opioid Overdose: The Public Health Application of an Emergency Medicine. Drugs. 2019;79(13):1395-1418. doi:10.1007/s40265-019-01154-5 Katzman JG, Takeda MY, Greenberg N, et al. Association of Take-Home Naloxone and Opioid Overdose Reversals Performed by Patients in an Opioid Treatment Program. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(2):e200117. Published 2020 Feb 5. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.0117 Weiner SG, Baker O, Bernson D, Schuur JD. One-Year Mortality of Patients After Emergency Department Treatment for Nonfatal Opioid Overdose. Ann Emerg Med. 2020;75(1):13-17. doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2019.04.020 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Nick Tsipis, MD Educational Pearls: Prothrombin complex concentrate (Kcentra) and Vitamin K are used to reverse life-threatening bleeds in patients on warfarin (Coumadin) Factors II, VII, IX, and X are included in four-factor PCC PCC/Kcentra dosing is 500-2000 units based on INR and patient weight PROPER3 RCT was a non-inferiority trial done to evaluate standardized dosing of PCC/Kcentra versus variable dosing based on INR and weight Looked at end-points to assess hemostasis, but ultimately this trial did not show non-inferiority of standardized dosing compared to variable dosing References Abdoellakhan RA, Khorsand N, Ter Avest E, et al. Fixed Versus Variable Dosing of Prothrombin Complex Concentrate for Bleeding Complications of Vitamin K Antagonists-The PROPER3 Randomized Clinical Trial. Ann Emerg Med. 2022;79(1):20-30. doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2021.06.016 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Nick Hatch, MD Educational Pearls: Botulism requires a prompt clinical diagnosis as lab results can take about 5 days to return Whale blubber, honey, home fermented foods, homemade wine (especially the wine made in prison), and improperly stored canned food can all contain the toxin The botulinum toxin is create by a Clostridium botulinum that is prevalent on our food and in the soil, but the toxin is readily degraded with heat and light Blocks release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction preventing release of neurotransmitter and therefore the propagation of an electrical nerve potential Descending paralysis, often first including bulbar muscles, and anticholinergic symptoms can be present on exam Infantile botulism, classically seen as floppy baby syndrome, occurs up to a week after ingestion, because the infant GI tract is not acidic enough to deactivate the toxin Antitoxin is available to neutralize the botulism toxin present, but it cannot prevent the already established symptoms References Jeffery IA, Karim S. Botulism. [Updated 2021 Jul 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459273/ Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Ricky Dhaliwal, MD Educational Pearls: Esophageal food impaction can be managed in the ED prior to calling GI for endoscopy Coca-cola, glucagon, benzodiazepines, calcium channel blockers, and dissolved nitroglycerin are all options to try For pediatric patients, weighted bougies can be used under sedation to attempt retrieval of the food bolus Always evaluate airway status, especially if the patient cannot maintain secretions References Long B, Koyfman A, Gottlieb M. Esophageal Foreign Bodies and Obstruction in the Emergency Department Setting: An Evidence-Based Review. J Emerg Med. 2019;56(5):499-511. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2019.01.025 Khayyat YM. Pharmacological management of esophageal food bolus impaction. Emerg Med Int. 2013;2013:924015. doi:10.1155/2013/924015 Schimmel J, Slauson S. Swallowed Nitroglycerin to Treat Esophageal Food Impaction. Ann Emerg Med. 2019;74(3):462-463. doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2019.04.003 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Biggest study to date examined new protocol for repeat head CT in anticoagulated elderly patients with head trauma and an initial negative head CT 0.5%-6% of patients in this category will get a delayed ICH and this can occur up to a week out from initial injury 18% of the study group had an ICH on initial head CT, but the rest who had negative head CT initially received a repeat head CT at 6 hours 0.9% had a bleed identified on repeat head CT 6 hours after initial imaging, but of this group no one had an intervention for this bleed Suggests repeat head CT may not be needed and that good counseling for return precautions and discharge is a reasonable disposition in caring for these patients Supratherapeutic INR was a risk factor for delayed bleed, so they should be treated as a higher risk group of patients References Borst J, Godat LN, Berndtson AE, Kobayashi L, Doucet JJ, Costantini TW. Repeat head computed tomography for anticoagulated patients with an initial negative scan is not cost-effective. Surgery. 2021;170(2):623-627. doi:10.1016/j.surg.2021.02.024 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Alicia Oberle, MD Educational Pearls: Nitrous oxide (N2O) can cause a vitamin B12 deficiency in patients after regular use N2O is used in procedural sedation but also as a popular recreational drug N2O binds and inactivate B12 in the body, therefore decreasing usable supply Lack of B12, which is essential for myelinating nerves, can lead to subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord Presentation may include paresthesias, ataxia, gait changes, or bilateral lower extremity motor weakness B12 can be normal on labs, as the B12 is present but inactivated Treatment is daily B12 injections and oral supplementation References Stockton L, Simonsen C, Seago S. Nitrous oxide-induced vitamin B12 deficiency. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2017;30(2):171-172. doi:10.1080/08998280.2017.11929571 Samia AM, Nenow J, Price D. Subacute Combined Degeneration Secondary to Nitrous Oxide Abuse: Quantification of Use With Patient Follow-up. Cureus. 2020;12(10):e11041. Published 2020 Oct 19. doi:10.7759/cureus.11041 Edigin E, Ajiboye O, Nathani A. Nitrous Oxide-induced B12 Deficiency Presenting With Myeloneuropathy. Cureus. 2019;11(8):e5331. Published 2019 Aug 6. doi:10.7759/cureus.5331 *Image obtained from Wikimedia author Hansmuller and licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license. Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Educational Pearls: Glucagon can be used to treat hypoglycemia and esophageal foreign body, but it can also be used in beta-blocker toxicity to bypass cardiac beta-blockade The superior option for treating bradycardia due to beta-blocker toxicity is glucagon Glucagon has decreased efficacy in patients with heart failure, so increased doses up to 10 mg might be required in the event of beta-blocker toxicity References Khalid MM, Galuska MA, Hamilton RJ. Beta-Blocker Toxicity. [Updated 2021 Jul 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448097/ Rotella JA, Greene SL, Koutsogiannis Z, et al. Treatment for beta-blocker poisoning: a systematic review. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2020;58(10):943-983. doi:10.1080/15563650.2020.1752918 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Jared Scott, MD Educational Pearls: A rust ring can occur after a metallic foreign body is left in the eye for a prolonged period of time Issues occur when the rust ring is left as it can epithelialize and become a permanent spot in the patient's vision An eye burr or Alger brush can help to gouge out the rust ring in the emergency setting These tools have a failsafe mechanism to prevent the eye burr from going through layers past the cornea (though this does not work if the foreign body is already through the cornea) Referral to ophthalmology, antibiotic drops, and dilating drops are recommended options upon discharge Complications include poor wound healing, scarring, and infection References Camodeca AJ, Anderson EP. Corneal Foreign Body. [Updated 2021 Apr 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536977/ https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/article/no-insult-to-injury-managing-foreign--body-removal Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Pulse checks are necessary during CPR to check for return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) Previous studies have shown that assessing ROSC with palpating for pulse are not a very consistent Study compared palpating pulses at carotid/femoral artery versus a newly contrived gold standard for pulse checks The gold standard used was an increase in end tidal CO2 + cardiac activity on ultrasound + perfusing rhythm on ECG Carotid artery palpation was the best location to confirm pulse during pulse check, although femoral artery palpation Carotid artery palpation was 92% accurate versus 82% accuracy with femoral pulse check Regardless of chosen site, remember 10 seconds is the maximum amount of time for a pulse check before resuming CPR References Yılmaz G, Bol O. Comparison of femoral and carotid arteries in terms of pulse check in cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A prospective observational study. Resuscitation. 2021;162:56-62. doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2021.01.042 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Study of nearly 400 patients evaluating giving calcium during cardiac arrest with the endpoint as return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) Compared giving 1 amp calcium chloride with each round of epinephrine for the first two rounds of epinephrine versus saline placebo ROSC occurred in 19% of patients in the calcium groups versus 27% in saline placebo group No magic drugs in cardiac arrest, good CPR and early defibrillation are still the most important factors for ROSC in cardiac arrest References Vallentin MF, Granfeldt A, Meilandt C, et al. Effect of Intravenous or Intraosseous Calcium vs Saline on Return of Spontaneous Circulation in Adults With Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2021;326(22):2268-2276. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.20929 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Peter Bakes, MD Educational Pearls: High concern causes of third trimester vaginal bleeding include placenta previa, placental abruption, or vasa previa In placenta previa, the placenta implants over the cervix and this condition Often noted during routine prenatal care on transabdominal ultrasound Patients present with painful vaginal bleeding, usually in the absence of trauma Avoid pelvic exam, transvaginal ultrasound, or digital vaginal exam in placenta previa Risk factors for placenta previa include multiple gestations, previous medical abortions, advanced maternal age, and previous placenta previa Management usually includes admission to the hospital >37 weeks: admission for c-section 34-37 weeks: judgment call based on maternal/fetal stability References Anderson-Bagga FM, Sze A. Placenta Previa. [Updated 2021 Jun 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539818/ Young JS, White LM. Vaginal Bleeding in Late Pregnancy. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2019;37(2):251-264. doi:10.1016/j.emc.2019.01.006 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD *Image from BruceBlaus via Wikimedia Commons licensed under Creative Commons license The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Study examined patient perceptions of providers wearing traditional white coats, fleece coats and soft-shell jackets Found that white coats were seen as more professional than other types of dress Also found that female physicians were viewed as less professional than their male counterparts regardless of dress Older respondents thought more of white coats than younger respondents Patient perspective should be considered and reiterating roles may help build relationships with patients References Xun H, Chen J, Sun AH, Jenny HE, Liang F, Steinberg JP. Public Perceptions of Physician Attire and Professionalism in the US. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(7):e2117779. Published 2021 Jul 1. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.17779 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Ian Gillman, PA-C Educational Pearls: Acute mesenteric ischemia is a condition where bowel loses blood supply from an acute occlusion of the mesenteric arteries A frequent sign is abdominal pain that is out of proportion to the exam Atrial fibrillation is one risk factor for mesenteric ischemia Treatment includes anticoagulation and possible surgical intervention depending on the extent of the ischemia References Monita MM, Gonzalez L. Acute Mesenteric Ischemia. [Updated 2021 Jun 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Kühn F, Schiergens TS, Klar E. Acute Mesenteric Ischemia. Visc Med. 2020;36(4):256-262. doi:10.1159/000508739 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Study evaluating patient outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI) over 1 year Trial followed patients with severe TBI (GCS 3-8) and moderate TBI (GCS 9-12) At 1 year out ½ of the severe TBI group were able to be independent for at least 8 hours per day; ⅔ were independent to this level at one year in the moderate TBI group ¼ of the patient who were in a vegetative state 2 weeks after the traumatic brain injury had good outcomes at 1 year References McCrea MA, Giacino JT, Barber J, et al. Functional Outcomes Over the First Year After Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in the Prospective, Longitudinal TRACK-TBI Study. JAMA Neurol. 2021;78(8):982-992. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2021.2043 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Adam Barkin, MD Educational Pearls: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) a form of seasonal depression which can result in trouble sleeping, concentration difficulties, changes in appetite, and decreased mood SAD is a common condition affecting millions of people in the US Coupling this with the stresses of COVID, these affects may be compounded To reduce the effects of SAD: Stick to a routine Exercise Light therapy Engage with your community Meditation Tangible bucket list to set goals for the winter Nostalgic activity References Melrose S. Seasonal Affective Disorder: An Overview of Assessment and Treatment Approaches. Depress Res Treat. 2015;2015:178564. doi:10.1155/2015/178564 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute offers AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: End tidal CO2 is accurate to 1-4 mmHg in intubated patient but use with those on positive pressure ventilation like BiPAP is unclear Study looked at patients on BiPAP for COPD or CHF and found end tidal CO2 measurements were significantly underestimated when compared to VBG levels End tidal CO2 measurements for those on positive pressure ventilation appears to be inaccurate References Uzunay H, Selvi F, Bedel C, Karakoyun OF. Comparison of ETCO2 Value and Blood Gas PCO2 Value of Patients Receiving Non-invasive Mechanical Ventilation Treatment in Emergency Department [published online ahead of print, 2021 Apr 27]. SN Compr Clin Med. 2021;1-5. doi:10.1007/s42399-021-00935-y Casati A, Gallioli G, Scandroglio M, Passaretta R, Borghi B, Torri G. Accuracy of end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring using the NBP-75 microstream capnometer. A study in intubated ventilated and spontaneously breathing nonintubated patients. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2000;17(10):622-626. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2346.2000.00731.x Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today! Diversity and Inclusion Award

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Recent study at a hospital in Chicago with a shortage of normal saline decided to push IV ceftriaxone rather than the typical infusion of the antibiotic Retrospective chart analysis of about 800 patients to determine safety of giving a push dose of ceftriaxone Only 1 complication due to the ceftriaxone causing a patient to vomit References Agunbiade A, Routsolias JC, Rizvanolli L, Bleifuss W, Sundaresan S, Moskoff J. The effects of ceftriaxone by intravenous push on adverse drug reactions in the emergency department. Am J Emerg Med. 2021;43:245-248. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2020.03.022 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today!

Contributor: Nick Hatch, MD Educational Pearls: Inhaled nitric oxide or Flolan may be considered in COVID Flolan is a prostaglandin can be inhaled or given IV These medications are classically used for right-sided heart failure, but may be used in COVID Causes pulmonary vasodilation to reduce the resistance against the right ventricle Complications include hypotension and hemolysis, but nitric oxide can be turned off very quickly if needed Be careful and wean patients on nitric oxide for pulmonary hypertension References Lotz C, Muellenbach RM, Meybohm P, et al. Effects of inhaled nitric oxide in COVID-19-induced ARDS - Is it worthwhile?. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2021;65(5):629-632. doi:10.1111/aas.13757 Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today! Diversity and Inclusion Award

Educational Pearls: Organophosphates affect the cholinergic system by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase affecting muscarinic and nicotinic receptors Symptoms include lacrimation, salivation, bronchoconstriction, blurred vision, bradycardia, bronchorrhea, emesis, and diarrhea Initially, the patient should be decontaminated to prevent further organophosphate exposure Treatment consists of atropine every 5 minutes, 1-3 mg to start and doubling the dose each time it is given until reversal of symptoms is seen Atropine only works on muscarinic receptors, so nicotinic receptor activation continues despite atropine administration resulting in muscle contractions and eventually respiratory arrest Pralidoxime (2-PAM) should also be given to prevent the nicotinic effects and maturation of the organophosphate-acetylcholinesterase complex References Robb EL, Baker MB. Organophosphate Toxicity. [Updated 2021 Jul 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470430/ Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD ********************* The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. Donate to EMM today! Diversity and Inclusion Award