MRSA is the main cause of cutaneous abscesses. You treat them with incision and drainage. remember the lidocaine field block, and break up those locations with a hemostat. Packing isn't necessary for most abscesses.
At least 40% of the time when someone faints they have some abnormal movements. These aren't seizures! Convulsive syncope is what we call it when someone faints and jerks a bit.
Cellulitis is like an infection of the icing - if you imagine the skin as a piece of cake that it. Treat with cephalexin - red, hot, swollen, and tender - and sometimes fever and systemic symptoms. I could've wrote a song about erysipelas but it doesn't rhyme with anything.
Ketamine is an amazing drug for procedural sedation in the Emergency Department. Kids also look wild when they're on it - some people call that look the "K-Hole." Imagine a creepy industrial metal song about that... go ahead... I'll wait.
Maybe this is true for you too, but I always remembered what the X-Ray findings for Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis are by imagine a scoop of ice cream falling off a cone. Just search for an image online. You'll see what I mean. Also this needs Orthopedic intervention within 24 hours.
Slapped cheek rash? It's Parvovirus B19 causing erythema infectiosum, aka fifth disease. the characteristic rash shows up after the fever, malaise, aches and GI symptoms. Also, remember it can cause fetal anemia, non-immune fetal hydrops and fetal death if a pregnant person is infected. Also bees don't carry it.
The concurrent circulation of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and norovirus during peak viral seasons presents a diagnostic challenge in pediatric emergency settings. Differentiating these pathogens based on clinical presentation is crucial for targeted management, minimizing unnecessary diagnostic tests, and optimizing healthcare resources.
Migraines are terrible. In the Emergency Department the "Migraine Cocktail" successfully treats 90+ percent of patients. Prochlorperazine and Toradol to the rescue! Also, it's hard to make an AI Radiohead inspired song.
In this episode of PEM Currents, we’re sniffing out the facts on inhalant misuse. From glue to “galaxy gas,” nitrous oxide is leaving kids in a huff. We’ll explore its rise on social media, clinical signs, and strategies to clear the air in pediatric care.
Here in early 2025 we are seeing a norovirus outbreak. That's a lot of vomiting and diarrhea. I wanted to share my podcast episode on norovirus that is only 7 minutes and 13 seconds long! If you listen at 1.5x speed - I know there are those of you out there - that's only 4 minutes and 49 seconds.