Episodes (Page 12)
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Always compare a current EKG to a previous one if available.
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Pediatric exam mnemonic: ABCDEF (Appearance, Breathing, Color/Circulation, Distress, Eyes, Fever).
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Pediatric history mnemonic: PISS (Peeing, Intake, Sleeping, Stool).
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Consider malaria in any returning traveler with a fever.
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Non-toxic children with diarrhea and no red flags can often go home.
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Appendicitis is often misdiagnosed as gastroenteritis; presentation varies.
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Eye complaints require assessing visual acuity first.
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Bradycardia differential: HE DIES (Hypothyroidism, Elevated ICP, Drugs, Ischemia, Electrolytes, Sick Sinus).
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Anaphylaxis involves two or more body systems after antigen exposure.
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Identify sinus tachycardia and treat the underlying cause.
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Status epilepticus is a seizure lasting >5 minutes or recurrent seizures.
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Describe the seizure: aura, consciousness, movements, postictal phase, trauma.
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Perform hard, fast, unrelenting chest compressions during cardiac arrest.
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RUQ pain often indicates gallstones or biliary colic.
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Evaluate gunshot wounds for vascular injuries using HARD.
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Core asthma/COPD treatments include albuterol, ipratropium, and steroids.
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Upper GI bleeds cause coffee ground emesis and melena.
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Pulmonary embolism arises from deep vein thrombosis.
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Mild hemoptysis is often bronchitis; rule out pneumonia/PE.
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Suspect salicylate overdose with CNS stimulation and tachypnea.