Arthrocentesis is the removal of fluid from a joint.  It is indicated for diagnostic and therapeutic reasons.  It can help to differentiate infection, hemorrhagic, and rheumatologic etiologies of joint effusion.  Fluid should be sent for cell count and differential, gram stain, crystals, and culture.  Gout:  monosodium urate (MSU) crystals and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals […]

What imaging should you use to diagnose PE? Based on PIOPED study, patients with high clinical probability of PE and a high-probability V/Q scan had a 95 percent likelihood of having PE. Patients with low clinical probability of PE and a low-probability V/Q scan had only a 4 percent likelihood of having PE.  A normal […]

Dx: Jones fracture Ankle and foot paint are common presenting complaints to the emergency department.  It is important to be able to tell the difference between a Jones fracture displayed above and a Pseudo-jones fracture.  Both of these fractures involve the base of the 5th metatarsal. A Jones fracture goes through the diaphysis of the […]

Dx: Subarachnoid hemorrhage Risk factors include hypertension, smoking, polycystic kidney disease, family history, and connective tissue disorders. Subarachnoid hemorrhages are related to ruptured arteriovenous malformations, bleeding disorders, cerebral aneurysms, trauma, use of blood thinners, and idiopathic causes. Symptoms include but are not limited to sudden onset severe headache, decreased level of consciousness, vomiting, seizure, vision […]

Safe wishes to everyone from TR A disaster  is defined as an inability to meet current needs due to some event either internal or external (ie. Natural disaster, terrorist, man-made) Disaster Preparedness and Response – follow these steps (courtesy of Titinalli) activate EOP set up command center assess hospital capacity, create surge establish communications provide supplies […]