Contributor: Meghan Hurley, MD Educational Pearls: What is hypokalemia? Hypokalemia is when the measured blood level of potassium falls below 3.5 mEq/L (normal 3.5 – 5.2 mEq/L). Can generally be considered in mild (3.0 – 3.5 mEq/L); moderate (2.5 – 2.9 mEq/L); and severe (<2.5 mEq/L) categories with differing treatment goals based on levels. Should…
Read MoreContributor: Meghan Hurley, MD Educational Pearls: What is hyperkalemia? Hyperkalemia is when the measured blood level of potassium reaches above 5.2 – 5.5 mEq/L (normal 3.5 – 5.2 mEq/L). What are common causes of hyperkalemia? Chronic or acute kidney disease. Medications that impact the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone-System (RAAS). Hypoaldosteronism and primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s Disease). What are…
Read MoreContributor: Travis Barlock, MD Educational Pearls: Caffeine Geography and Types: Caffeine is found throughout the world and has evolved independently in various plants that are not evolutionarily related through direct lineage, but rather demonstrate convergent evolution (i.e. different species evolve the same traits). These plants use caffeine as an insecticide. Examples of caffeine sources…
Read MoreContributor: Travis Barlock, MD Educational Pearls: Endocannabinoid System: THC binds CB1 and CB2 receptors in neurons and immune cells Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis CB1 and CB2 receptors typically bind endogenously-produced 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA) to regulate pain, stress, and inflammation THC similarly binds CB1 and CB2, leading to…
Read MoreContributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: There has long been many questions about which IV fluid is best for ED resuscitation Multiple adult studies have shown no clear benefit of balanced fluid vs normal saline A large pediatric randomized clinical trial published in April compared balanced fluid vs normal saline in children with septic shock …
Read MoreContributor: Taylor Lynch MD Educational Pearls: Melatonin is an endogenous hormone released primarily by the pineal gland Also released by extrapineal regions in the retina, the GI tract, and some immune cells Peak secretion occurs at night and is suppressed during the day Secretion and production decrease with age Older patients experience the greatest improvement…
Read MoreContributor: Alec Coston, MD Educational Pearls: BiPAP is often effective in severe asthma, but many patients struggle with mask tolerance due to intense air hunger–driven anxiety, often compounded by hypoxia. Benzodiazepines are commonly used for anxiety, but they can depress respiratory drive, making clinical improvement difficult to interpret (a lower RR may reflect sedation rather…
Read MoreContributor: Taylor Lynch, MD Educational Pearls: What is tramadol and how does it work? Tramadol is a Schedule IV opioid analgesic used for moderate pain and is often perceived as safer than other opioids due to lower abuse potential. It is a prodrug with weak direct μ-opioid receptor activity. The parent compound also inhibits serotonin…
Read MoreContributor: Meghan Hurley, MD Educational Pearls: OTC Medications Dextromethorphan (DM) Most common OTC cough suppressant Minimal efficacy: Little evidence that it shortens the duration or severity of cough. Potential side effects: At recommended doses: Mild dizziness, drowsiness, GI symptoms Higher doses: Decreased consciousness, dissociative effects Guaifenesin Found in Mucinex and other severe cough/cold products Thins…
Read MoreContributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: How do amiodarone and lidocaine work on the heart? Amiodarone Blocks potassium channels (Class III effect). Also blocks sodium and calcium channels. Additional noncompetitive beta-blocker effects. Stabilizes cardiac tissue, slows heart rate, and suppresses both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Lidocaine Blocks fast sodium channels in ventricular tissue (Class Ib)….
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