Peudoexudative Pleural Effusions: Correctly Reclassifying Transudate Effusions

Pseudoexudative pleural effusion
Joseph Esherick, M.D., FAAFP, FHM
More Articles – Emergency Procedures, Featured Procedure, Hospital Procedures
More Tags – pleural effusion
Pleural effusions occur when excessive fluid such as blood or pus accumulates between the visceral pleura and parietal, known as the pleural cavity. Evaluating patients for pleural effusions involves certain challenges. However, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce…
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Bacterial Meningitis Diagnosis and Management

bacterial meningitis diagnosis
Joseph Esherick, M.D., FAAFP, FHM
More Articles – Featured, Hospital Procedures, Lumbar Puncture
More Tags – diagnosis for bacterial meningitis, treatment for meningitis
The number of bacterial meningitis cases is over 1.2 million each year while 1 in 10 people who have it may die from the infection despite receiving treatment. Bacterial meningitis is an extremely serious and life-threatening condition requiring prompt diagnosis.…
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Important Updates in Chest Tube Management: Part 1

chest tube management
Joseph Esherick, M.D., FAAFP, FHM
More Articles – Chest Tube, Featured
More Tags – chest tube, chest tube management, chest tube pain, chest tube pain management
Chest drainage is an ancient medical procedure that’s been used to treat infections, effusions, pneumothorax, and thoracic trauma. In the modern medical world, chest tubes are a ubiquitous tool for managing pneumothorax, pleural air leaks, traumatic hemothorax, infected pleural effusions,…
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Basic Management of Refractory Ascites: Part 2

refractory ascites
Joseph Esherick, M.D., FAAFP, FHM
More Articles – Featured, Hospital Procedures
More Tags – refractory ascites life expectancy, what is refractory ascites
In the first part of this article, we covered that ascites occur when excessive fluid accumulates in the peritoneal cavity. Such occurrences must be treated with diuretics, paracentesis, and possibly TIPPS procedure. We also mentioned how refractory ascites occurs when…
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Determining Central Line Depth of Insertion

large-central line depth
Joseph Esherick, M.D., FAAFP, FHM
More Articles – Featured
More Tags – central line depth, central line insertion depth, central line placement, how far to put in central line depth, insertion central line
Central line placement is a common medical procedure that many healthcare professionals perform. Around 8% of hospitalized patients need central line access while over five million central venous catheters are inserted by medical professionals in the United States each year.…
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Diagnostic Thoracentesis and Pleural Effusion Analysis

Thoracentesis
Joseph Esherick, M.D., FAAFP, FHM
More Articles – Featured, Thoracentesis
More Tags – cause of pleural effusion, pleural effusion, Pleural Effusion Etiology
Pleural effusion is a common yet complex medical condition that requires tailored and multidisciplinary treatment. Despite being a common disease, its cause remains unknown in at least 20% of patients even after diagnostic workups. Fortunately, pleural fluid tests have improved…
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Emergency Airway: Definition, Risks, and Techniques

Dr. Rick Rutherford, M.D., FAAFP
More Articles – Emergency Procedures, Featured
More Tags – Emergency Airway Procedure, emergency FONA, emergency surgical airway, FONA
If a patient’s airway is compromised during a life-threatening situation, prompt and effective intervention is crucial. This includes front-of-neck access (FONA) emergency airway, or cricothyroidotomy. Also known as cricothyrotomy, it is a specialized procedure that creates emergency access to the…
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Ultrasound-Guided Pericardiocentesis: Benefits and Techniques

Joseph Esherick, M.D., FAAFP, FHM
More Articles – ACLS, Featured, medical procedures, Pericardiocentesis
More Tags – Apical Technique, Parasternal Technique, pericardiocentesis, Subxiphoid Technique, Ultrasound-Guided, Ultrasound-Guided techniques
Pericardiocentesis Pericardiocentesis or a pericardial tap is a life-saving invasive medical procedure that physicians perform to eliminate a pericardial effusion, built-up fluid in the pericardium or the pericardial sac. This double-walled fibrous sac protects the heart and big vessels while…
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Clinical Uses of POCUS for Emergency and Hospital Clinicians

clinical uses of pocus
Joseph Esherick, M.D., FAAFP, FHM
More Articles – Emergency Procedures, Featured, Hospital Procedures, medical procedures, Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral IV
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a revolutionary diagnostic method that helps enhance physical examination at the point of care, that is, the patient’s bedside. Clinicians can use this tool to quickly diagnose medical conditions and guide treatment or bedside procedures, including…
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