
Foundations of Emergency Medicine offers a series of courses that are openly shared with residency programs around the country. #FoEMPearls #GrowRoots #FoEM
Joined April 2018
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Get ready EM world! We have a new, weekly series starting THIS MONDAY on Instagram (@foundationsem) fit for anyone looking for a sprinkle of learning on their daily insta scroll. First up: dental trauma! See you Monday 馃憖

ALT Image of a tree with extensive roots and title "Foundations of Emergency Medicine". Text states: "Hey Foundations followers! We have a new, weekly series coming your way starting 10/17. Mondays: 1-2 boards-style questions. Wednesdays: answers and explanations. Fridays: a related procedure or skill. These will be posted to the instagram (@foundationsem), but also shared to the twitter shortly after.
Check this out! Make sure you talk to your didactics team about getting your program signed up for FoEM this academic year! #FoEM #GrowRoots
Are you a resident who desires to have a positive impact on your peers? Join the FoEM Junior Leadership team today! #foem #growroots
Are you interested in contributing to the education of future Emergency Medicine practitioners across the globe? Check out these leadership opportunities! #FoEM #growroots
Appropriate imaging to evaluate for sternal fracture?
A: Must include lateral CXR (consider CT if high suspicion and XR neg)
#FoEMPearls #GrowRoots #FoEM #EmergencyMedicine
Dx and Tx of Flail Chest?
A: >3 adjacent rib fractures with paradoxical motion during respirations
- associated with pulmonary contusion
- Tx with intubation, do chest tube prn
#FoEMPearls #GrowRoots #FoEM #EmergencyMedicine
Tx of Traumatic Aortic Dissection
A: if stable get XR (1/3 normal, mediastinal widening, obscured aortic knob, loss of AP window, R displaced NGT, L displaced bronchus, wide paratracheal stripe, L apical pleural cap)
- if VERY stable get CTA
- OR on beta blocker for BP control
Dx of Traumatic Aortic Dissection?
A: (most die in field) high speed deceleration, chest pain/back pain, new murmur, pulse deficits BUT exam often unremarkable
#FoEMPearls #GrowRoots #FoEM #EmergencyMedicine
Dx and Tx of Nasal Septal Hematomas?
A: dark red hematoma associated with nasal fx/trauma
- must incise and pack to prevent saddle nose deformity/pressure necrosis
#FoEMPearls #GrowRoots #FoEM #EmergencyMedicine
Dx and Tx of Orbital Fractures?
A: diplopia, proptosis, limited EOM, decreased VA
- get CT, consult ophtho/ENT
- check for infraorbital paresthesia or globe injury
- give abx if sinus involvement
#FoEMPearls #GrowRoots #FoEM #EmergencyMedicine
What are some injuries CT scans can commonly miss?
A: diaphragmatic injury, pancreas injury, basilar skull fracture, hollow viscus injuries
#FoEMPearls #GrowRoots #FoEM #EmergencyMedicine
What are the vital sign changes with brain herniation?
A: Cushing's reflex (2/2 increased ICP): Hypertension, Bradycardia, Irregular Respirations
#FoEMPearls #GrowRoots #FoEM #EmergencyMedicine
Treatment of seizures related to eclampsia?
A: Magnesium 6gm IV
#FoEMPearls #GrowRoots #FoEM #EmergencyMedicine
What medications are most appropriate for the treatment of Status Epilepticus?
A: Benzodiazepines, phenytoin vs fosphenytoin (second line), phenobarbital (third line)
#FoEMPearls #GrowRoots #FoEM #EmergencyMedicine
What is appropriate chemoprophylaxis for a healthcare worker exposed to N. meningitidis?
A: Rifampin 600mg BID x2d OR Ceftriaxone 250 mg IM x1 OR Ciprofloxacin 500 mg PO x1
#FoEMPearls #GrowRoots #FoEM #EmergencyMedicine
Prophylaxis for close contacts of a patient with Neisseria Meningitis?
A: Rifampin
#FoEMPearls #GrowRoots #FoEM #EmergencyMedicine
Treatment for Brain Abscess
A: IV ceftriaxone, Flagyl (for anaerobes), and neurosurgery consult
#FoEMPearls #GrowRoots #FoEM #EmergencyMedicine
Describe the technique for Kernig and Brudzinski signs for meningeal irritation:
Kernig: knees hips flexed, extend leg causing pain
Brudzinski: flexion of the neck causes reflexive flexion at hips and knees
#FoEMPearls #GrowRoots #FoEM #EmergencyMedicine
What is the most common cause of meningitis in an adult?
A: Strep pneumo
#FoEMPearls #GrowRoots #FoEM #EmergencyMedicine
Patient presents with diplopia with lateral gaze:
A: Intranuclear ophthalmoplegia
- associated with MS
#FoEMPearls #GrowRoots #FoEM #EmergencyMedicine
What is the dosing for tPA in ischemic stroke?
A: 0.9 mg/kg (up to 90 mg) with 10% of the dose given as a bolus and the rest of the dose given as an infusion over 1 hour
#FoEMPearls #GrowRoots #FoEM #EmergencyMedicine


