Respirology/ ICU

Factors affecting Pulse Oximetry

Pulse oximetry is almost ubiquitous in the acute medicine setting. It can be very useful but has its limitations. Some…

8 years ago
Asterixis: CausesAsterixis: Causes

Asterixis: Causes

Asterixis is considered a form of myoclonus. HOW TO DETECT? Have the patient hold their arms outstretched with fingers and…

8 years ago
Spontaneous vs. Tension PneumothoraxSpontaneous vs. Tension Pneumothorax

Spontaneous vs. Tension Pneumothorax

Spontaneous Pneumothorax Can be either primary (absence of underlying lung pathology) or secondary (due to presence of underlying lung pathology)…

8 years ago
Differential: Upper vs. Lower Lobe Interstitial Lung DiseaseDifferential: Upper vs. Lower Lobe Interstitial Lung Disease

Differential: Upper vs. Lower Lobe Interstitial Lung Disease

Upper Lobe: SET CAP or FASTEN S: Silicosis/sarcoidosis E: Extrinsic allergic alveolitis (hypersensitivity pneumonitis) T: Tuberculosis C: Cystic Fibrosis A: Ankylosing…

8 years ago

Lactated Ringer’s (LR)

Isotonic pH 6.6 130 mEq Sodium 4 mEq Potassium 3 mEq Calcium 109 mEq Chloride 28 mEq Sodium Lactate (provides…

8 years ago
Pulmonary Embolism causing Obstructive Shock: MechanismPulmonary Embolism causing Obstructive Shock: Mechanism

Pulmonary Embolism causing Obstructive Shock: Mechanism

Obstructive shock occurs due to obstruction of the cardiovascular system. Commonly due to PE, Tension pneumothorax and Tamponade. HOW? PE…

8 years ago
How to Assess for Nail Clubbing (JAMA)How to Assess for Nail Clubbing (JAMA)

How to Assess for Nail Clubbing (JAMA)

The JAMA Rational Clinical Examination recommends two clinical signs: Img Cred: The JAMA Rational Clinical Examination The Lovibond angle (angle…

9 years ago

Interventions with Mortality Benefit in COPD

Smoking Cessation Long-term Oxygen therapy (>15 hours per day) Lung volume reduction surgery in certain subsets of COPD patients (Emphysema)…

9 years ago

What are Non caseating (Non-necrotizing) Granulomas?

A granuloma is a focal, compact collection of inflammatory cells (i.e histocytes). "Caseation" (translation "turning to cheese"). Non caseating aka Non-necrotizing…

9 years ago
Why expiration film for Pneumothorax?Why expiration film for Pneumothorax?

Why expiration film for Pneumothorax?

When a pneumothorax is suspected, an inspiration AND expiration chest x-ray will often be obtained. On an expiratory film, the…

9 years ago