This case highlights the complexity of managing a pediatric patient presenting with hypertensive emergency. Hypertensive emergency is characterized by stage II hypertension with signs of end-organ damage. In this case, the patient presented with signs of CNS dysfunction (seizure and altered mental status). Most learners were also concerned for some other intracranial pathology (ie abscess, […]
Hot Seat #239 Denouement
This week’s case focuses on a 5-year-old who presents with eye pain. The crux of the discussion centers on strategies to examine an eye in an uncooperative patient. Pediatric cooperation is a key barrier to detailed exams. Strategies such as distraction, anxiolytics, and, if needed, procedural sedation can be employed. Before considering procedural sedation, topical […]
Hot Seat #240: Under Pressure
Case by Nikki Animasaun MD, CNH Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow An 11-year-old female with history of recent sepsis in the setting of recent group A strep skin and soft tissue infection presents with altered mental status and possible seizure activity. Per grandma, yesterday, the patient developed a headache which continued until this morning. This morning […]
Intubation Skill Guide
Appropriate Steps to Complete Takes or verbalizes body substance isolation precautions Directs assistant to pre-oxygenate patient Identifies/selects proper equipment for intubation Checks laryngoscope to assure operational with bulb tight Places patient in neutral or sniffing position Opens the airway manually Inserts blade while displacing tongue Elevates mandible with laryngoscope Introduces ET tube and advances to […]
CPR Skill Guide
✅ When to Start CPR Compression to Ventilation Ratios Rescuer(s) Compression: Ventilation Ratio Single rescuer 30:2 Two or more rescuers 15:2 *If advanced airway placed: Continuous compressions (100–120/min) + 1 breath every 2–3 sec (20–30/min) Compression Depth & Technique Age Depth Hand Placement Infant (<1 yr) 1.5 inches (4 cm) or 1/3 chest depth Two […]