ABSTRACT
Audience: This simulation is appropriate for senior and junior emergency medicine residents. Introduction: Shortness of breath is a very common presentation in the emergency department and can range from mild to severe as well as a chronic or acute onset. In sympathetic crashing acute pulmonary edema (SCAPE), patients typically present with acute onset of dyspnea occurring within minutes to hours and have significantly elevated blood pressure.1 The condition of SCAPE falls into the spectrum of acute heart failure syndromes such as fluid overload pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure exacerbation.1. Educational Objectives: At the completion of the simulation and debriefing, the learner will be able to: 1) recognize the physical exam findings and presentation of SCAPE, 2) utilize imaging and laboratory results to further aid in the diagnosis of SCAPE, 3) initiate treatments necessary for the stabilization of SCAPE, 4) demonstrate the ability to assist with the stabilization and disposition of a patient via tele-medicine as determined by the critical action checklist and assessment tool below, 5) interpret the electrocardiogram (EKG) as atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response (AFRVR), and 6) recognize that SCAPE is the underlying cause of AFRVR and continue to treat the former. Educational Methods: This simulation was performed using a high-fidelity mannequin. In order to simulate the telemedicine aspect, the learner evaluated the patient using a video conferencing interface while the two confederates were present with the high-fidelity mannequin. A debriefing session was held immediately after the simulation. Research Methods: The educational content was evaluated by debriefing and verbal feedback provided immediately after the case. Additionally, a survey was emailed to participants and observers of the case to provide qualitative feedback. Results: Post-simulation feedback was overall positive with participants and observers. Participants and observers felt this was a safe and realistic simulation of SCAPE and provided them with the opportunity to practice rapid recognition and treatment of this condition. Discussion: Sympathetic crashing acute pulmonary edema falls into the spectrum of acute heart failure disorders, and rapid recognition and stabilization is vital for the patient's survival. This simulation case provided learners of all levels the chance to assess and treat a life-threatening condition with limited information in a safe and effective learning environment. The telemedicine component was used while conducting weekly didactics via zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic. Simulation is a large component of our didactic curriculum and implementing the telemedicine component into this case was worth the effort. It is important to familiarize our residents with telemedicine since we expect that it will become a larger part of the practice of emergency medicine in the future, allowing board-certified emergency medicine physicians to assist in providing care in rural emergency departments and smaller hospitals that may be staffed with less experienced providers. Topics: Medical simulation, tele-medicine, pulmonary edema, respiratory distress, cardiac emergencies, resuscitation.
ABSTRACT
Audience: This simulation is intended for all levels of emergency medicine residents. Introduction: Syncope and near-syncope are very common presenting complaints to the emergency department.1 There are several causes of syncope ranging from benign to life threatening. It is imperative that the emergency physician is able to evaluate and treat patients with undifferentiated syncope even with limited information. Approximately half of syncope cases can be differentiated by the presentation and clinical context.1 In addition to a thorough history, an electrocardiogram (ECG) should be obtained on all patients presenting with syncope or near-syncope since it is non-invasive and cost effective in assessing cardiac causes of syncope. In this particular simulation, the cause of syncope is due to a hemorrhagic shock from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Educational Objectives: At the conclusion of this simulation, the learner will be able to:Review the initial management of syncopeUtilize laboratory and imaging techniques to diagnose a ruptured ectopic pregnancy.Demonstrate the ability to resuscitate and disposition an unstable ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Educational Methods: This simulation case was designed as a medium-to-high fidelity simulation scenario. It could also be altered and utilized as a practice oral board exam case. Research Methods: The quality of the simulation and educational content was evaluated by debriefing and verbal feedback that was obtained immediately after the case. Additionally, a survey was emailed to participants and observers of the case to provide qualitative feedback. Results: Post-simulation feedback from learners and observers was positive. Everyone present for the simulation felt that it was realistic and provided a unique opportunity to practice resuscitation skills. Discussion: Syncope and near-syncope are common presentations to the emergency department with multiple etiologies that range from cardiac, neurologic, neurocardiogenic, and orthostatic to unknown. It is crucial that we diagnose and treat life-threatening causes of syncope rapidly and with limited information. In this case, the cause of syncope due to a ruptured ectopic pregnancy should be rapidly diagnosed with a thorough history and exam, urine pregnancy test, and a bedside abdominal ultrasound. Once the urine pregnancy test was resulted, ectopic pregnancy was the top differential diagnosis for each learner that participated. Initially, most learners only performed a transabdominal pelvic ultrasound of the pelvis, which is normal in the case. One learner performed a rapid ultrasound for shock and hypotension (RUSH) exam and was able to find free fluid in the right upper quadrant. Overall, this case and the debriefing topics were effective for learners at all levels. Topics: Ectopic pregnancy, obstetrical emergencies, ultrasound, resuscitation.
ABSTRACT
Cardiac tamponade is a rare and life-threatening condition that can be caused by trauma and various medical conditions. Failure to recognize and repair it quickly could lead to significant morbidity or even death. This case demonstrates the electrocardiogram (ECG) findings of low voltage QRS and electrical alternans in cardiac tamponade. It also highlights the classic ultrasound (US) findings of pericardial effusion and right ventricular collapse during diastole in cardiac tamponade. Classic physical exam findings of cardiac tamponade include Beck's Triad (jugular venous distention, hypotension, and muffled heart sounds) and pulsus paradoxus. This patient only had jugular venous distention and pulsus paradoxus. The case is centered on a 52-year-old male who presented with shortness of breath, wheezing, and a productive cough with streaks of blood. A CT chest was performed which revealed a large pericardial effusion, right upper lobe lung mass, and bilateral pulmonary emboli. A bedside transthoracic echocardiogram was then performed which confirmed the large effusion as well as right ventricular collapse during diastole. Cardiothoracic surgery and interventional cardiology were consulted and both agreed to take the patient to the cardiac catheterization lab for percutaneous drainage of the effusion. Pericardiocentesis was performed and 1.7 liters of serosanguinous fluid was removed and a drain was left in place. He recovered well from the procedure and had an uneventful admission. After reviewing this case, learners should be able to recognize the diagnostic features and various causes of pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. Topics: Electrocardiography, echocardiography, cardiac tamponade.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: We present a case of hyperkalemia secondary to excessive dietary intake of hard caramel candies. CASE REPORT: An 88-year-old male who presented with acute abdominal pain and vomiting was found to have hyperkalemia of 6.9 milliequivalents per liter. He was stabilized, treated, and discharged the following day after resolution. The cause was identified as his daily consumption of 200 hard caramel candies. DISCUSSION: The patient had been consuming sugar-free candies, which induced a chronic diarrhea. This led to potassium wasting and augmentation of his home medications. When he transitioned to eating regular caramel candies, he retained too much potassium leading to his presentation. CONCLUSION: While often overlooked, dietary history is a crucial part of history-taking to ensure that the underlying cause for illness is discovered and addressed.
