Approach to EM Flashcards
(53 cards)
What is EM always looking for?
the worst case scenarios
What do we care more about in a EM diagnosis?
what it is NOT
What does the EM live for?
Acute resuscitations
Airways and procedures
Variety of presentations and etiologies
Making a tangible difference NOW
Who is the sickest of the sick?
Acute resuscitations
What are the DDX for EM based on?
threat to patient safety, not commonality
What type of patients are seen in the ER now?
primary care or chronic illnesses
Why are primary care being seen in the ER?
NO access to care, shortage of primary care providers
What is the order of work for EM?
Discharge patients
Checking for pending results
See new patients
Review results and prep for discharge or admi
When does preparation start for the EM?
day before
What are 3 common courtesies in the EM?
Shake their hand
Introduce your self
Don’t interrupt for at least 30 sec
When should the patient not be interrupted for at least 30 secs?
after asking why your in the ER
What things are crucial for knowing during the patient turnover?
History Exam Assessment Labs Imaging Necessary orders/results, consults Tentative Disposition
When picking up a new patient what must be reviewed?
age, sex, c/c, vital signs
When should staff be notified about sick patients?
early
What type of physical exam should be performed?
focused w/ basics
What component of the physical exam should be performed on EVERYONE?
HEART AND LUNGS!
Should you adjust doses on pt chronic meds?
NO, DO NOTHING!
What guides imaging and labs?
differentials
What shouldn’t you be stingy with?
EKGs
When it comes to charting what must be performed?
mark every box and don’t chart at the bedside
What is flow of clinical decision making?
history > physical exam > differential and tentative dispositions > data gathering > diagnosis or differentials + what it’s not
What things make up the ED Safety Net?
Peripheral IV O2 Supplementation Vital sign monitor Chest Xray CBC, CMP \+/-Pregnancy, UA, Tox screen \+/-EKG \+/-Finger stick glucose
What is considered the most dangerous time in the ED?
patient turnover
When should DNR questions be asked?
upfront
