Enteral nutrition in critically ill 

Submitted by Emily Damuth, MD

A 59 year old male presents complaining of unsteadiness on his feet and vomiting for 24 hours. You know there are numerous benign explanations for his symptoms, but also realize there are a few "can't miss" diagnoses as well...what are they and how do we assess for them in the ED?

Submitted by Karen O'Brien, DO

EMS brings in a 45 year old male with a PMHX of tobacco abuse who was rescued in a house fire.  The report is that a cigarette dropped on the patient’s couch while he was sleeping and caused a smouldering fire.  It resulted in a significant amount of smoke creation but very little fire damage in the house. The patient has no visible burns.  On arrival, the patient’s pulse oximetry on room air is 84%. He is alert and oriented but notes a sense of persistent dyspnea. His workup is significant for a lactate of 2.2 but otherwise benign.  Co-oximetry is normal without evidence of severe carbon monoxide poisoning. The patient does not display evidence of inhalational burns. The patient’s new hypoxia and dyspnea is worrisome so you planned admission to the hospital but wonder if you should give hydroxycobalamin empirically in case of occult cyanide toxicity.

Submitted by Lars-Kristofer Peterson, MD

A 55 year old male presents to the ED in respiratory distress with hypoxia, tachycardia, and tracheal deviation.

Submitted by Sarab Sodhi, MD