Join George Willis, an endocrinology expert, as he unpacks the 2024 ADA consensus report on diabetic emergencies. They delve into revised diagnostic criteria for DKA and HHS, shedding light on new glucose testing methods and the vital role of beta hydroxybutyrate. Discover advancements in treatment protocols, including fluid administration and potassium management, while challenging old beliefs. Willis emphasizes the critical differences between DKA and HHS, the importance of patient education, and innovative approaches to diabetic emergencies.

Join Dr. George Willis, an expert in endocrinology, as he dives into the latest American Diabetes Association guidelines on DKA and HHS management. The discussion unveils the rising prevalence of these hyperglycemic crises and emphasizes the critical role of mental health in effective diabetes care. Dr. Willis highlights the complex pathophysiology of DKA, the importance of sodium levels in HHS, and offers vital insights for recognizing these conditions in pediatric patients, especially during respiratory illnesses.

In this discussion, Dr. Crafton Schreier, an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, and Dr. Maureen Kanaeus, a pioneering researcher on boarding costs, dive into the pressing issue of patient boarding in emergency departments. They reveal its adverse effects on patient care, staff wellness, and hospital finances. With insights from a recent study, they discuss the complexities of pricing patient boarding and the innovative time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) method. Their conversation emphasizes the need for systemic changes to optimize patient outcomes.

Struggling with rare medical procedures? This discussion delves into the skills decay that can occur with high-pressure tasks like cricothyrotomy and transvenous pacing. Discover innovative learning strategies to keep you sharp, including the power of mental practice. Learn how mental imagery techniques can aid in skill acquisition and reduce stress, ensuring you're prepared when it matters most. It's a fresh take on staying competent in emergency medicine.

Explore a radical shift in understanding how calcium influences hyperkalemia. Traditional views focus on membrane stabilization, but new research highlights its surprising connection to cardiac conduction velocity. Discover practical guidelines for using calcium in treatment, challenging long-held beliefs and opening the door to innovative clinical practices. Tune in for a fresh perspective that might change how you approach hyperkalemia!

In this discussion, Dr. Evie Marcolini, an emergency medicine and neurocritical care physician, sheds light on the intricate world of stroke management in community hospitals. She shares insights on the advancements in stroke care, including endovascular therapies like mechanical thrombectomy. Dr. Marcolini also delves into the complexities of administering TPA, emphasizing collaboration with neurologists. She highlights the significance of the NIH Stroke Scale in treatment decisions and reinforces the importance of patient education for informed consent in stroke management.

Dylan Warr, an emergency medicine physician, tackles the intriguing world of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES). He shares a compelling case involving a young pregnant woman facing acute neurological symptoms, underscoring the urgency of diagnosis and intervention. The discussion dives into the complexities of managing hypertension and the nuances of blood transfusion-related complications, all while highlighting the importance of teamwork in patient recovery. Get ready for a fascinating mix of clinical insights and real-life challenges!

Fever in infants under 60 days old poses a significant diagnostic challenge. The discussion focuses on how clinical decision rules and biomarkers perform differently based on fever duration. A recent study explores the effectiveness of these tools in identifying serious infections when the fever is still fresh. Insights are given on navigating these early clinical assessments to improve diagnosis and treatment.

Raise a glass to the GRACE-4 guidelines! This lively discussion dives into managing substance use disorders in emergency settings. Discover effective strategies for alcohol withdrawal and cannabis hyperemesis, highlighting innovative medications like phenobarbital and naltrexone. Learn about the surprising role of topical capsaicin in treating cannabis hyperemesis. With a focus on patient care and follow-up, this conversation is packed with insights to improve clinical practices when patients seek help in emergency departments.

Dr. Kraftin Schreyer, an Emergency Medicine physician and ED Administrative Fellowship Director, dives deep into the pressing issues of boarding and crowding in emergency departments. He highlights the need for surge planning and collaboration to prevent these challenges. The discussion sheds light on operational distinctions between crowding and boarding and critiques traditional assessment tools. Emphasizing more practical metrics and improving patient flow through enhanced cooperation and discharge processes, Dr. Schreyer offers valuable strategies for tackling these systemic issues.