Chest Pain Champions
In suspected ACS, this antiplatelet agent is added to aspirin before PCI.
What is clopidogrel (Plavix)?
In severe asthma exacerbation, this IV electrolyte can be given to relax bronchial smooth muscle.
What is magnesium sulfate?
In hypoglycemia, this hormone can be given IM if IV access is unavailable.
What is glucagon?
In appendicitis, this imaging modality is preferred in children to avoid radiation.
What is ultrasound?
In meningococcemia, this prophylactic antibiotic is given to close contacts.
What is rifampin?
In aortic dissection, this class of medication must be given before vasodilators to prevent reflex tachycardia.
What are beta‑blockers?
In acute pulmonary edema, nitrates reduce preload by causing dilation of these vessels.
What are veins?
Before giving tPA, this contraindication must always be ruled out.
What is intracranial hemorrhage?
In ectopic pregnancy, methotrexate works by inhibiting this cellular process.
What is folate metabolism/DNA synthesis?
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by this organism.
What is Rickettsia rickettsii?
This imaging modality is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism in the ED.
What is CT pulmonary angiography?
This scoring tool helps determine the severity and need for hospitalization in pneumonia.
What is CURB‑65?
In sepsis, the initial fluid resuscitation recommendation is this volume per kilogram of crystalloid.
What is 30 mL/kg?
In pancreatitis, this lab value is more specific than amylase.
What is lipase?
In unstable ventricular tachycardia, this energy delivery method is used.
What is synchronized cardioversion?
In tension pneumothorax, needle decompression is performed at this anatomical landmark.
What is the 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line?
In massive PE with hemodynamic instability, this intervention is preferred over anticoagulation alone.
What is thrombolysis?
Pinpoint pupils, respiratory depression, and coma form this classic triad.
What is opioid overdose?
Free air under the diaphragm on upright chest X‑ray indicates this diagnosis.
What is perforated viscus?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy often presents with this type of murmur that increases with Valsalva.
What is a systolic ejection murmur?
Name the two most lethal chest pain diagnoses you must rule out first in the ED.
What are acute coronary syndrome and aortic dissection?
In anaphylaxis, epinephrine is administered via this route and muscle group.
What is intramuscular injection into the lateral thigh?
Severe hyponatremia must be corrected slowly to avoid this devastating complication.
What is osmotic demyelination syndrome (central pontine myelinolysis)?
The most common site of rupture in abdominal aortic aneurysm is this vessel segment.
What is the infrarenal aorta?
Stevens‑Johnson syndrome is most often triggered by this class of medications.
What are sulfa drugs (e.g., antibiotics, anticonvulsants)?