ACLS Summary

ACLS Summary
Adapted from Handbook of Emergency Cardiovascular Care for Healthcare Providers, American Heart Association 2006
Pulseless Arrest
- BLS Algorithm, begin CPR
- Oxygen
- Monitor/Defibrillator
Yes
V. Fib/V. Tach
Shockable?
No
Asystole/PEA
CPR 2 min
- Give 1 shock
- Monophasic: 360 J
- Biphasic: 200 J
- Resume CPR
- Epinephrine 1 mg IV Q3-5 min
- May give Vasopressin 40 units IVP x 1
instead of 1st or 2nd dose of Epi
- For asystole or slow PEA, consider
Atropine 1 mg IV Q3-5 min x 3 doses
CPR 2 min
No
Shockable?
CPR 2 min
Yes
Yes
No
Shockable?
- Give 1 shock
- Monophasic: 360 J
- Biphasic: 200 J
- Resume CPR
- Epinephrine 1 mg IV Q3-5 min
- May give Vasopressin 40 units
IVP x 1 instead of 1st or 2nd dose
of Epi
CPR 2 min
No
Shockable?
Yes
- Give 1 shock
- Monophasic: 360 J
- Biphasic: 200 J
- Resume CPR
- Epinephrine 1 mg IV Q3-5 min
- Consider antiarrhythmics: give during
CPR, before, or after shock
- Amiodarone 300 mg IV x 1, may
repeat 150 mg IV x 1, or
- Lidocaine 1-1.5 mg/kg IV x 1,
then 0.75 mg/kg IV, max 3 mg/kg
- Magnesium 1-2 gm IV for torsade
Search for and treat possible
Contributing Factors:
5H’s, 5T’s
Hypovolemia – give IVF
Hypoxia – give oxygen
Hydrogen ions (acidosis) – get ABG
(consider Sodium Bicarbonate)
Hypo/hyperkalemia – check labs
Hypothermia – check temp
Toxins
Tamponade – check handheld echo
Tension pneumothorax – check breath
sounds, insert needle thoracotomy in
2nd ICS, midclavicular line
Thrombosis (coronary or pulmonary) – get
hx
Trauma
During CPR
- Push Hard and Fast (100/min)
- 30 compressions/2 breaths until advanced airway,
then 8-10 breaths/minute
- Ensure full chest recoil
- Minimize interruptions
- Check rhythm and pulse Q2 minutes
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BRADYCARDIA
HR <60 bpm and
Inadequate for clinical
condition
- Airway
- Assist breathing prn
- Oxygen
- Monitor
- Establish IV access
No
Signs/Sxs of poor perfusion?
(AMS, CP, hypotension, other
signs of shock)
Observe/Monitor
Yes
- Prepare for Transcutaneous Pacing
for type II, 2nd-degree or 3rd-degree AV
block
- Consider Atropine 0.5 mg IVP, may
repeat to total dose of 3 mg
- Consider Epinephrine 2-10 mcg/min
or Dopamine 2-10 mcg/kg/min gtt
- Prepare for Transvenous Pacing
- Treat contributing causes (5H’s, 5T’s)
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TACHYCARDIA with pulses
NARROW QRS
(<0.12 sec)
Yes
- ABCs as needed
- Oxygen
- Monitor (rhythm, BP, pulse ox)
- Identify and treat reversible causes
- Establish IV access
- Obtain 12-lead EKG or rhythm strip
Is QRS narrow (<0.12 sec, 3 small
boxes)?
Regular
No
WIDE QRS (>0.12 sec)
If V. Tach or uncertain rhythm
- Amiodarone 150 mg IV
over 10 min, repeat to
maximum dose of 2.2
gm/24 hr
- Prepare for elective
synchronized
Cardioversion
If SVT with aberrancy
- Adenosine 6 mg rapid
IVP, if no conversion, 12
mg IVP, may repeat x 1
Converts?
No
Yes
Irregular Narrow-Complex
Tachycardia
Probable A. Fib vs. A.
Flutter vs. MFAT
- Rate control with
Diltiazem, or β-blockers
If rhythm converts,
probable reentry SVT
- Observe for recurrence
- Treat with Adenosine or
AV nodal blocking agents:
Diltiazem, or β-blockers
Yes
No
Immediate Synchronized
Cardioversion
- Establish IV access
- Sedate if possible
- If cardiac arrest, proceed to
Pulseless Arrest Algorithm!
Irregular
Regular
Irregular
- Vagal Maneuvers
- Adenosine 6 mg
rapid IVP, if no
conversion, 12 mg
IVP, may repeat x 1
Patient stable?
(unstable signs: AMS,
CP, hypotension, other
signs of shock), raterelated sxs uncommon
if HR<150
If A. Fib with Aberrancy
- Rate control with
Diltiazem, or β-blockers
If pre-excited A. Fib (A. Fib +
WPW)
- Avoid AV nodal blocking
agents (e.g., Adenosine,
Dig, Diltiazem, Verapamil,
β-blockers)
- Consider antiarrhythmics
(amiodarone 150 mg IV
over 10 min)
If Recurrent Polymorphic VT
- Seek consultation
If Torsade de pointes
- Magnesium 1-2 gm over
2-60 min, then gtt
Obtain Expert
Consultation as
needed at any
point!
If rhythm does NOT
convert, possible A. Flutter,
Ectopic Atrial Tachy., or
Junctional Tachy.
- Rate control with
Diltiazem, or β-blockers
- Tx underlying cause
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Synchronized Cardioversion
- Oxygen, IV, Suction,
Intubation tray/Crash cart
- Sedate if possible
(etomidate, midazolam,
fentanyl, propofol, etc.)
- Shock at 100 J, 200 J, 300 J,
360 J monophasic
- Resynchronize prior to each
shock
A Note to the Reader
This book is meant as a guide and not as a reference for acute medical problems. Not
every pathway given may apply to each patient. Additionally, no book or reference source
can supersede good clinical judgment. If in doubt, seek help from more senior housestaff,
fellows, or attending physicians.
Acknowledgements
For several years, Chief Residents at Cedars-Sinai have organized and distributed the
Intern Survival Guide. These past chiefs have compiled data, facts, and phone numbers to
help ease new interns into the Cedars-Sinai system.
The new Housestaff Survival Guide represents a change to a more comprehensive kind of
handbook that we hope residents can use throughout their years at Cedars-Sinai. This
new Survival Guide, we hope, is much more comprehensive with both medical facts and
the nuances of individual rotations at Cedars-Sinai.
Another innovation that this Survival Guide represents is a move to the electronic age.
While a paper copy will continue to be distributed each year, an electronic version will also
exist, allowing us to continuously update the Survival Guide as we get feedback from
interns and residents. The electronic version can be accessed via the GIM Homepage
from within the hospital at: http://web/gimportal
With all of these changes, we have several people we would like to thank for their help in
putting together this new version of the Survival Guide. Foremost, we would like to thank
the countless interns and residents who we have bounced ideas off, given us feedback,
and made valuable suggestions as we have put together this Guide. We must specifically
thank Drs. Gary Chen, Odelia Cooper, Shervin Eshaghian, Alison Kole, and Kei Yamada for
compiling new sections; Drs. Ray Duncan and Robert Jenders for assistance in
implementing the guide on the web; Drs. Mark Noah, Rob Goodman, Ben Lee, and Dorothy
Lowe for their help in editing this Guide.
Thank you also to Robert Urban, for printing and reprographics, and his help in improving
the paper version of the Survival Guide.
Thank you!
Ashkan Naraghi, Erica Palys, and Nirav Patel (Chief Residents 2007-2008)
and Former Chief Residents
Updated June 2006
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Table of Contents
ACLS Summary .............................................................................................................................1
Notes, Orders, and Dictations .....................................................................................................8
Dictation Instructions.................................................................................................8
Admission Orders .......................................................................................................9
PRN Medications................................................................................... 10
History and Physical ................................................................................................ 10
H&P Dictation Template ....................................................................... 11
Discharge ................................................................................................................. 12
Discharge Orders .................................................................................. 12
Discharge Summary Dictation Template ............................................ 13
Procedure Note ....................................................................................................... 13
Emergency Consent ................................................................................................ 14
CareVue Notes......................................................................................................... 14
SOAP Notes.............................................................................................................. 14
Ward Progress Note .............................................................................. 15
ICU Note ................................................................................................. 16
Web/VS Sign-Out..................................................................................................... 17
Death Note............................................................................................................... 18
Death Summary....................................................................................................... 18
Transferring a Patient ............................................................................................. 18
Consults ................................................................................................................... 19
Guide to Rotations..................................................................................................................... 20
Medicine Wards....................................................................................................... 20
ICU’s ......................................................................................................................... 20
MICU....................................................................................................... 21
RICU........................................................................................................ 21
CICU........................................................................................................ 21
Heme-Onc Wards..................................................................................................... 22
Senior-In-House ....................................................................................................... 22
Acute Emergencies.................................................................................................................... 24
Altered Mental Status ............................................................................................. 24
Seizures.................................................................................................................... 25
Chest Pain................................................................................................................ 26
Shortness of Breath ................................................................................................ 27
CVA/TIA .................................................................................................................... 29
Cardiology................................................................................................................................... 30
Simple EKG Reading ............................................................................................... 30
Atrial Fibrillation ...................................................................................................... 32
Hypertension............................................................................................................ 33
Hypotension/Shock................................................................................................. 34
Vasopressors ......................................................................................... 34
Rule Out Myocardial Infarction............................................................................... 36
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Congestive Heart Failure ........................................................................................ 37
Infectious Diseases ................................................................................................................... 39
Neutropenic Fever................................................................................................... 39
CD4 Counts and Infection Risks .......................................................... 40
Prophylaxis............................................................................................. 40
HAART Therapy ...................................................................................... 40
HIV/AIDS Patient with diarrhea .............................................................................. 40
Line Sepsis............................................................................................................... 41
CSF Studies.............................................................................................................. 42
Fever Work-Up ......................................................................................................... 43
CSMC Guidelines for Fluoroquinolones................................................................. 44
CSMC 2005 Antimicrobial Susceptibility Summary (Antibiogram)...................... 45
CSMC 2005 Empiric Antibiotic Treatment Recommendations ........................... 46
CSMC Algorithm for Isolation of Suspected TB Patients...................................... 50
CSMC Isolation Reference Table............................................................................ 51
Pulmonary .................................................................................................................................. 52
COPD Exacerbation ................................................................................................. 52
Asthma Exacerbation .............................................................................................. 52
Vents......................................................................................................................... 53
Trouble Shooting Vents......................................................................... 54
Weaning ................................................................................................. 54
Pulmonary Embolism .............................................................................................. 55
Gastroenterology ....................................................................................................................... 57
Pancreatitis .............................................................................................................. 57
End-Stage Liver Disease/Ascites ........................................................................... 57
IBD Patient with diarrhea/possible flare ............................................................... 58
Upper GI Bleed......................................................................................................... 59
Renal/Electrolytes ..................................................................................................................... 60
Hyperkalemia........................................................................................................... 60
Electrolyte Replacement......................................................................................... 61
Potassium .............................................................................................. 61
Magnesium ............................................................................................ 61
Phosphorus............................................................................................ 62
Calcium .................................................................................................. 62
Acid/Base Disturbances ......................................................................................... 63
Determining Compensation ................................................................. 64
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy.............................................................. 64
Low Urine Output..................................................................................................... 65
Radiology.................................................................................................................................... 66
Cranial Problems ..................................................................................................... 66
Face/Neck ............................................................................................................... 66
Chest ........................................................................................................................ 66
Vascular.................................................................................................................... 67
GI/Abdomen/GU...................................................................................................... 67
MSK .......................................................................................................................... 67
Miscellaneous............................................................................................................................ 68
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Inpatient Guide For Diabetics ................................................................................ 68
Sliding Scales/Correctional Insulin/Supplemental Insulin................ 70
Supportive Care in Heme-Onc ................................................................................ 72
Heparin..................................................................................................................... 74
Alcohol Withdrawal.................................................................................................. 75
CIWA-AR ................................................................................................. 75
CSMC CIWA Protocol............................................................................. 76
Pain Control ............................................................................................................. 78
Pain Medication Equivalencies ............................................................ 79
Steroid Equivalencies ............................................................................................. 79
Mini-Mental State Exam ......................................................................................... 80
Pager and Phone Directory....................................................................................................... 81
Pagers ...................................................................................................................... 81
Patient Care Areas ................................................................................ 84
Clinics..................................................................................................... 84
Medicine Residency.............................................................................. 85
Outside Hospitals .................................................................................. 85
Email Info ................................................................................................................. 85
Useful Websites....................................................................................................... 85
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Notes, Orders, and Dictations
Dictation Instructions
1.
From outside of the hospital, dial (310) 423-2255 or (877) 531-2912, or from inside,
dial 101 or *99#, to access the system
2. Wait for the voice prompt to answer
3. Enter your physician ID number, followed by the # key
4. Enter the work type, followed by the # key
Work Types
History & Physicals
1
Consultations
2
Operative Reports
3
Discharge Summaries
4
Psychiatric
5
Transfer Summaries
6
Pre Operative Reports
7
5. Enter the patient’s medical record number, followed by the # key
6. Press 2 to begin recording
7. State and spell your full name, type of report, patient name and spelling, and the
patient’s medical record number
8. To pause press 2, to resume dictating press 2 again
9. After pressing any function key, always press 2 to resume dictating.
10. Press 8 to end this report (and dictate another) or 5 to end the dictation session.
(Note the dictation number down, in case it the dictation transcript is lost)
Function Keys
1
Hold
2
Record/Pause
3
Short Review
4
Fast Forward
44
Move to End
5
Disconnect
7
Rewind and pause
77
Move to beginning
*Remember when dictating to say, “Next paragraph” and state when you want to use
punctuation marks to make your dictations clearer
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Admission Orders
“ADC VAAN DISML”
Admit to: Service name (“Medicine Teaching”), type of bed (“Monitored,” “ICU,” etc.)
Team color and cross-cover pager
Intern name and pager
Resident name and pager
Attending name (In ICUs, note Attending of Record)
Diagnosis:
Condition: “stable,” “guarded,” “critical,” etc.
Vitals: Frequency, orthostatics, pulse ox (must be specifically ordered), daily weights, or
“per routine”
Activities: “bed rest,” “oob to chair,” “oob with assistance only,” “plaza privileges,” etc.
Allergies: note type of reaction
Nursing: Foley, strict I/Os, aspiration precautions (head of bed >30degrees), fall/seizure
precautions, wound care, neuro checks Q___hr
Call MD for HR >___<___, SBP >___<___, RR>___<___, T>___<___, Pulse Ox <___, Urine
output < ___ cc over ___hours, otherwise can be “per routine”
Diet: “strict NPO,” “NPO except meds,” “ADA 2400 kcal,” “Cardiac,” “Kosher,” etc.
IVF: “HLIV,” or specify IVF contents, rate, and duration, e.g., “NS at 250 cc per hour x 4
hours then, D5 ½ NS + 20 KCl at 125 cc per hour”
Special Studies: Echo, Imaging, Stress Testing, etc.
Meds:
“O2 via nasal cannula to keep O2 sat > ___”
DVT prophylaxis: “Heparin 5000 units Sub-Q Q8-12hrs”, or “SCD’s Bilat LE”
GI prophylaxis: “Zantac 75-150 mg PO BID”, or “Prevacid 30 mg PO daily”
PRN meds
*Don’t forget holding parameters for pain meds/antihypertensives/sleep meds/anxiety
meds (e.g., “hold for RR<10, SBP<90, or sedation”—adjust these for each patient).
Labs: Labs now, Labs at (specified time), and AM labs. (Don’t forget AM imaging and/or
EKGs)
Other orders:
Code status - Must be written in the chart on a separate order blank in the form: “Patient
is DNR, DNI,” and must include the phrase, “Attending to cosign in 24 hours.”
Social Work Consult for ______ (e.g., homelessness, funding sources, placement, etc.)
“PT Mobility Protocol”
“OT Protocol”
“Speech, Language Pathology Protocol”
“Swallow Protocol”
Ventilator orders: Mode of ventilation, rate, independent variable (tidal volume or control
pressure), PEEP, and FiO2
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PRN Medications
*Note dose and frequency provided as a range; adjust depending upon your individual
patient. Remember holding parameters!
**Also refer to the Heme-Onc section for additional prn medications.
Tylenol 650 - 1000 mg PO Q6-8 hours prn fever/pain, max dose 2-4 grams/24 hours)
(2 grams max in liver failure patients, otherwise 4 grams)
Vicodin 1-2 tabs PO Q4 hours prn moderate pain (include Tylenol limitation as above)
Morphine 2-4 mg IV/Sub-Q Q4 hours prn severe pain
Dilaudid 0.25-1 mg IV/Sub-Q Q3 hours prn severe pain
Ambien 5-10 mg PO QHS prn insomnia
Restoril 7.5-15 mg PO QHS prn insomnia
Seroquel 12.5-25 mg PO QHS prn insomnia (useful in delirious or elderly patients prone to
sundowning or at risk for agitation from benzodiazepines)
Ativan 1 mg IV/PO/SL Q4 hours prn agitation/anxiety
Haldol 2-5 mg IV Q4-6 hours prn agitation
Mylanta/Maalox 10-20 cc (15 cc is the usual dose) PO QID prn dyspepsia
Compazine 10 mg IV Q6 hours prn N/V
Reglan 10 mg IV Q6 hours prn N/V
Phenergan 25 mg IVPB Q6 hours prn N/V
Zofran 4 mg IV Q4 hours prn breakthrough N/V
History and Physical
There must be an H&P on the chart at all times. Additionally, on all patients newly
admitted to the hospital (transferred from an outside facility, from Thalians, from 7th Floor
Rehab, direct admits, or admitted through the ED), an Intern H&P form must be present,
along with a resident dictation. When you admit a patient, DO NOT take the H&P form with
you. Instead, make a copy of it and place the original in the chart. There have been many
instances where there was no H&P on the chart and the patient has crashed, transferred
to another service, or been taken to the OR, and significant clinical history is not available.
To facilitate copying the H&P form, the housestaff copy machine has been programmed to
produce a one sheet, double-sided output of the H&P form that is much easier to manage
than four loose sheets:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Press the “Reset” button to clear the copier.
On the main screen, at the bottom, press the “Programs” tab.
Press the “h&p copying” button (program #1).
Do not use the automatic document feeder. Instead, place the LAST page on the
copy machine, and hit the green “Start” button.
Flip over to the first page and copy that by hitting the “Start” button.
Copy the inside two pages (order is less important here).
After you’ve copied the four sides of the form, hit “Scanning Finished.”
You should have a single-sheet of paper, with two pages on each side. Additionally,
you should be able to fold the sheet in half and it should be exactly the same as the
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H&P form in layout. This allows you to use it as a “folder” of sorts for any other
information/papers that you have for your patients (EKG’s, labs, reports, etc.)
H&P Dictation Template
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
Your name (with spelling)
Attending of record (with spelling) (Attending who is going to round on patient)
Type of Dictation
Patient’s name (with spelling)
Patient’s medical record number
Service patient is being admitted to (Medicine Teaching Service)
Date of Admission
Chief Complaint
Reason for Admission (esp. in the ICU, e.g., “Hypotension”)
HPI (begin with a 1-line descriptor, e.g., “This is a 56 year-old male with a history of
coronary artery disease, status post PCI in 2004 with 3 vessel stenting and history of
diabetes, who presents with a chief complaint of chest pain x 6 hours.”)
Past Medical History
Past Surgical History
Medications
Allergies
Social History
Family History
ROS
Physical Exam
f.
Cardiovascular
a. Vitals
g.
Abdomen
b. General
h. GU (if indicated)
c.
HEENT
i.
Extremities
d. Neck
j.
Neurological
e. Chest
Labs/EKG/Imaging/Other relevant studies
Assessment and Plan
Sign by stating your name
Cosign by stating the attending’s name
Mnemonic for Systems-based Assessment and Plan: “CPR FINE HOG”
Cardiovascular
Pulmonary
Renal
Fluids/Electrolytes/Nutrition
Infectious Disease
Neuro
Endocrine/Metabolic
Heme-Onc
GI
Also remember Rheum and Prophylaxis (GI, DVT, pneumonia, dermal ulcer, etc.).
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Discharge
Discharging patients can be just as, or even more difficult than admitting them. Make
sure you have a good follow-up plan prior to discharge. Schedule appointments at the ACC
by calling the appointment desk at x36327. Use post-discharge clinic appointments to
follow-up labs, pathology, or particular studies that may still be pending upon discharge; or
to check-up on the general state of a patient post-hospitalization. If the patient has
regular follow-up at the ACC though, a post-discharge visit may not be needed if they can
get a regular appointment in time.
Discharge Orders
D/C Home (nursing home or other destination)
D/C IV
Date of Admission:
Date of Discharge:
Discharge Diagnosis:
Discharge Condition: (should be “stable” or better)
Discharge Activity: (any activity limitations)
Discharge Diet:
Discharge Medications: (you should write out all of the medications; do not say, “resume
prior medications.”)
Discharge Follow-up: (make sure you schedule the appointment and provide a number for
patients to call to reschedule or if they have questions about their appointment: x32811.
Also, make sure you give them a lab slip/prescription for a lab check if needed prior to
their appointment).
Special Instructions: Return to ED if ________ or other significant patient concerns.
Other Orders:
Educate/Instruct patient to quit smoking, drinking alcohol, and/or using drugs.
Home Health:
Many patients can be discharged with home health (e.g., for IV antibiotics, etc.). Make
sure you contact the home health coordinator early, and write an order for the specific
medication and duration of treatment, with specific end date. This should be written on a
separate order blank, (i.e., Home health to arrange for IV antibiotics: Vancomycin 1 gram
IVPB Q12 hours until 8/3/06).
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Discharge Summary Dictation Template
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
Your name (with spelling)
Attending of record (with spelling) (Last regular (not covering) Attending taking care of
the pt)
Type of Dictation
Patient’s name (with spelling)
Patient’s medical record number
Date of Admission and date of discharge
Admission Diagnosis (or diagnoses)
Discharge Diagnosis (or diagnoses)
Procedures (with dates)
Brief HPI (no need to recapitulate admission summary)
Pertinent Physical Exam from Admission
Pertinent Admission Laboratories (include EKG and CXR)
Hospital Course (including complications, can be problem-based, systems-based, or
chronologic)
Condition on discharge
Disposition/Follow up
Discharge: Medications dose and frequency
Discharge Diet:
Discharge Activities:
Special Instructions:
Problem List (active and past medical problems)
Sign by stating your name
Cosign by stating the attending’s name
Procedure Note
Date
Time
Procedure:
Indication:
Physician(s) performing procedure:
Patient consent: (document that risks/benefits were discussed with the pt and that they
understood. Their questions answered. Also note that alternatives to the procedure were
offered—including doing nothing).
Sample note: Skin in the midline ½ way between the pubic symphisis and umbilicus was
prepped and draped in the usual sterile fashion with (iodine). The skin was anesthetized
with __cc of 1% lidocaine (+/- epinephrine) and a 18G needle was introduced. 1000cc of
turbid ascitic fluid was collected and sent to the lab for _______. Patient tolerated the
procedure well without any immediate complications.
Joe/Joanna Intern, M.D.
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*Note: Make sure you have appropriate consent prior to the procedure, either from the
patient, family, or surrogate decision-maker. Ensure that you have the consent signed
(either directly or via telephone) and the “Physician Attestation" form filled out.
Additionally, make sure the nurse fills out a “Time-Out” form to help prevent errors.
**Note: A special procedure note form exists for central lines.
Emergency Consent
Date/Time
Emergency ______________ (name of procedure) is indicated in this patient who is unable
to give consent because of ____________ (AMS, ALOC, etc.). Indications for performing
this procedure include ____________.
*Note: Two physicians DO NOT need to sign this note, nor sign the consent form, though
nursing staff may suggest otherwise. Emergency Consent should be used when the
procedure is necessary for life, limb, or pain management. As the physician performing
the procedure, you should carefully, and completely, DOCUMENT the indications in the
progress note section. Of course, try to obtain telephone consent or family consent prior to
utilizing emergency consent. You should also sign the hospital consent and “Physician
Attestation” forms.
CareVue Notes
In the ICU all procedure notes should be done on CareVue. Most of these notes can be
written in the “Progress Notes” section. A special option exists for “Physician Notes,” and
many procedure-related notes have pre-built templates where you can point-and-click
through many of the commonly used phrases.
The only exception to this is the “Central Ven Cath Proc/Daily Note” which is under the
main CareVue menu. This is also a point-and-click type note and is very user friendly. As a
point of reference, the “regular” central line used in the ICUs is a 7-french antibiotic-coated
Cook catheter.
Additionally, a daily assessment of all central venous access catheters needs to be
performed on every ICU patient. This should be documented under the same subheading,
“Central Ven Cath Proc/Daily Note”, but as a “Daily Central Line Note.”
SOAP Notes
Daily progress notes on patients should be completed PRIOR to ward rounds so that the
attending can sign below your note. In general, once the note is signed by the attending, it
should remain in the chart. Theoretically, notes should convey to other healthcare
providers what the current status of the patient is, what objective measures are being
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used to determine the patient’s status, and what the overall plan for care is. You should
strive to achieve those three goals in your daily progress notes; the hardest of which is the
last goal.
Progress notes are also style dependent; everyone organizes and arranges their note
differently based on their personal preferences. Additionally, given how the notes are
required to be completed prior to attending rounds, many houseofficers use the note as a
patient tracking sheet, documenting more information than what is presented on rounds,
but having additional data available if asked.
A word about medical student progress notes: They should always be labeled, “Rx/MS3
PN” and be cosigned by the intern/resident, and by the attending.
While the following section highlights some key aspects of the notes, feel free to modify
this basic template based on your and your patients’ specific needs:
Ward Progress Note
R1 Medicine ([list team color and pager here] team) Progress Note
Date/Time
S/ON Events: Subjective complaints and overnight events
O: Vitals: Temp (max or min, including time), BP ranges, HR ranges, Resp Rate ranges, O2
sat on what level of supplementation (e.g., 95% on 3 L NC)
I/Os: Separate In’s and Outs, note IVF content and rate, UOP, BM’s, etc.
Physical Exam:
General:
HEENT:
Chest:
CV:
Abd:
Ext:
Other systems as relevant (e.g. skin, neuro, etc.)
Lines: (Central line sites/PICC sites, especially important in Heme-Onc or ICUs)
Medications: Hot debate rages about whether to include this, either in the main note or as
a sidebar. One of the editors of the Survival Guide feels it is essential, while
other senior housestaff note the easy, online availability of patient medication
lists. Regardless, some meds should be noted: Total amount of pain
medication used in 24 hours, either prn or PCA, or amount of benzodiazepines
required for alcohol withdrawal, antibiotics and day number, etc.
Labs: Daily labs, any new labs (easily missed: updated culture/sensitivities results (use the
“cultures” flowsheet if needed on WebVS), send-out labs, pathology reports).
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Also, trend out relevant labs (e.g., Hgb in a GI bleeder, creatinine in a patient
with acute renal failure, blood glucose values in a diabetic)
Other studies/Imaging: Any new study/imaging results if relevant
A/P: “1-liner” or “Bullet statement” about the patient with relevant background history
coupled with objective data to paint the patient’s overall clinical picture. It
should be clear and concise. (e.g., 29 yo ♂with HIV, CD4 45 on 8/12/06, with
h/o medication non-compliance p/w fever, cough, and SOB)
A specific problem-based or systems-based assessment and plan can then be listed.
Again, it is helpful to paint a background picture, followed by an actual
assessment of the problem, with a status assessment (e.g., “improving”, or
“worsening”). Plans should include first the other pending diagnostic work-up,
followed by current treatment regiments. While there is not one absolutely
correct method to accomplish this, try to be systematic and methodical. This
will make it easier for you to more completely analyze the problem and allow
others to understand your reasoning, especially if you are doing something
outside the normal mode of practice:
1. CHF: Pt with h/o multiple MI’s, s/p 3 v CABG, with
ischemic cardiomyopathy, EF 35% --> <20%, now with
exacerbation likely secondary to UTI vs. medication noncompliance, currently improving.
- Troponin x 2 negative, 3rd pending in this highrisk patient
- Cardiac MRI to assess for myocardial viability
- Consider EP consult for AICD placement
- Continue diuresis with Lasix, Aldactone
- Continue afterload reduction with ACE-I,
consider Bi-Dil
- Tx UTI as described below
- Adjust medication regiment for increased
outpt compliance
ICU Note
R1 ICU Progress Note
Date/Time
S/ON Events: Maybe more detail on ON events, less subjective information
O: As before, may need to highlight particular abnormal vitals with further information (BP:
60-90/20-40 on Levophed @ 10 mcg/min).
Vent: Provide vent information here (AC/VC R 12, TV 450, PEEP 5, 60% FiO2)
I/O: Separate In’s and Out’s, note Dialysis balances, CRRT, IVF’s content and rate, other
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pertinent details. Also note total body negative/positive over the course of the
ICU admission (easily done under CareVue, “Lab Summary by Day”)
Physical Exam: as above (including central line info such as signs of infection, # of days in
place)
Labs: as above, note blood gases, and note trends in various labs (increasing/decreasing
Hgb, Cr, CO2, etc.)
Imaging: Daily CXR (note ETT position, central line position, and screening for
pneumothorax in patients on positive pressure ventilation)
EKG: Daily essential in the CCU, and important in any cardiac patient. Make sure you read
and interpret it, and ensure that you have the actual tracing and prior tracings
for rounds.
Other studies: as needed/relevant
A/P: As above, can be problem or systems-based. “1-liner” should also include reason for
ICU admission and/or continued ICU stay. Intubated patients should also
include a comment about the number of days the ET tube has been in place. A
vascular access assessment should also be made daily, and documented as
noted above in the CareVue section. All vascular access devices have risks
(infection and thrombus formation), and you should discuss with your superiors
as to whether an individual pt needs that device or if it can be discontinued.
Web/VS Sign-Out
Ward and ICU sign-outs are done via Web/VS. In general, the sign-out should include the
active issues and what is being done about them, as well as what needs to be done
overnight. If you are having a lab or test checked, it is not enough to simply write: Check
Hgb at 1800 or F/U CXR. You must also elaborate what to do with abnormal lab values
tests, i.e., Check Hgb at 1800, goal Hgb > 8, transfuse if needed, or F/U CXR r/o infiltrate,
start Abx for CAP if positive. Make sure when you are giving and receiving sign-out that you
evaluate how a particular test is going to change your overnight management. If it is not
going to change overnight management, maybe it does not need to be signed-out. If it is
not going to change overall patient management, maybe it does not need to be ordered in
the first place!
Intern:
Resident:
Code Status:
Allergies/Medications to Avoid:
1-liner:
Problem List:
To-Do:
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Death Note
*Note: If called to pronounce, use this as a guide; obviously, your actual note should
reflect the pt’s clinical situation.
**Note: Make sure the pt is really dead prior to pronouncing.
Date/Time
I was called by nursing to see this No Code Blue patient who was pulseless and breathless.
On my physical exam, the patient was found to be without carotid pulses, heart tones, or
breath sounds. Pupils were fixed and dilated. Patient was pronounced dead at (time and
date) . (*Note: you must you this exact phrase). Dr. PMD was notified. Family was
present at bedside (if they were).
Joe/Joanna Intern, MD
Death Summary
(if your patient dies- this is your discharge summary to dictate)
Date
Time
Pt. was admitted on ____ with the diagnosis of _______. The hospital course
was complicated by ________, _________. The patient expired on __________ after
______.
Joe/Joanna Intern, MD
Transferring a Patient
A transfer note is similar to a Discharge Summary; pertinent history, procedures, and
events should be summarized. Note the important dates (Date of Admission, Date of
Transfer, Date of ICU Admission, etc.), and highlight the hospital course to date.
For stable patients, Transfer Orders should be placed in the chart prior to a patient’s
transfer off the floor. For unstable patients, it is obviously acceptable to have the orders
done after the patient has been stabilized or transferred and stabilized. It is important to
note on the orders, the new interns and residents who will be taking care of the patient.
For patients that are transferring to another facility, an “Inter-facility Transfer Order” form
must be completed, in addition to an order on the standard order sheets in the form of,
“Transfer patient to ________.” Make sure the details of the transfer have been finalized
through the social worker, the case manager, the transfer center, and the accepting facility.
If you are transferring to another hospital, make sure you give sign-out to the accepting
physician. This information should be available through the transfer center. Hint: start
working on transfers early in the patient’s admission, early in the course of the week, and
early in the day. Nobody likes transfers on Friday afternoon at 4 PM.
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Consults
When you are calling a consult (GI, rheumatology, ID, etc.), there are a few points you
should ALWAYS convey to the consult fellow:
1. Identify your name and context of the call (i.e., My name is Dorothy Lowe and
I am the resident on the wards)
2. Identify the nature of the call (i.e., I am calling because we are admitting a
patient that I would like you to consult on OR This is not a formal
consult, but I would like to ask you a curbside question)
3. Identify the question you are asking—THERE MUST ALWAYS BE A QUESTION!
(i.e., for colonoscopy on a rectal bleeder OR for bronchoscopy on a pt
with suspected PCP pneumonia OR to help us in the
evaluation/management of a patient with advanced AIDS and mental
status change, etc.)
4. Give a brief outline of the patient’s history and presentation
You should always assess the patient yourself prior to calling the consult!
Do not ask the fellow to see the patient before you do!
Formulate your own ideas of what is going on with the patient and convey this to the
consult fellow so that you can have an educated and educational discussion!
You should have as much pertinent information as possible prior to calling the consult (i.e.,
vital signs and Hemoglobin in a GI bleeder, CD4 count for an HIV patient, etc.).
If you are not certain why you are calling a consult, figure it out before calling—“my
attending wants a consult but I don’t know why” is not appropriate.
Try to call consults as EARLY as possible (prior to rounds, or at least before noon
conference)—otherwise you may not get input from the consult attending until the following
day.
Please be appropriate and professional in your interactions with fellows and attendings—
remember that we are all working together in order to take care of patients in the best
possible way, and this requires collaboration that requires effective communication.
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Guide to Rotations
Medicine Wards – CSMC
- Morning report typically starts at 8:00 or 8:30; check web schedule or whiteboard in
housestaff office
- Attending rounds after morning report. Style varies by attending
- Patients must be seen, notes written, and AM labs ordered before morning report
- Rounds usually end before lunch and attendance at noon conference is mandatory while
on the wards
- Attendance at morning report and Grand Rounds (Friday 8:30) also mandatory
- Try to call all consultants and write major orders before noon
- On-call intern must use pre-printed H&P form and resident must dictate an H&P for all
new patient admissions
- A & P may be in “problem list” format or based on organ systems. However, always
include a section on FEN (Fluids, Electrolytes and Nutrition) and Prophylaxis (GI
and DVT/PE)
- Daily progress notes are in the SOAP format
- DO NOT take the H & P out of the chart to present. You may make a copy if you wish.
- Intern call is Q4. There are 3 interns on call (Early, Late 1 and Late 2). Early intern prerounds on all patients with the Early resident and admits until 8 PM or until
capped (5 new patients). Late interns come to the medical center at noon.
They carry the code pagers and get sign out from other teams. Late interns
start admitting after early has capped or at 8 PM. They admit all night (until 6
AM) or until they cap.
- Late 1 gets sign-out from the post-call team and early intern (“post-call and on-call”)
- Late 2 gets sign-out from post-post call and pre-call teams (“everyone else”)
- Intern code pagers are carried by the pre-early intern until noon and by both late interns
after noon
- You MUST see all cross cover patients you are called on AND write a cross-cover note
- If you are done with your work, you may sign-out after 2 PM. Otherwise, you may sign out
after you are done with your work for the day or at 5 PM. The typical intern
workday is from 6 AM to 5 PM. Additionally, if you finish your work and sign-out
at 2 PM, you must keep your pager on at home until 5 PM. DO NOT sign-out
work that could be completed before 5 PM.
- Always confer with your resident after noon conference and before you leave
- If you are seeing a private patient on the wards you must talk with the private attending
at least once-a-day. These patients are not presented on teaching rounds.
- If any patients need to be transferred to an ICU you must write a detailed transfer note
and transfer orders.
ICU’s – CSMC
- ALL ICU’s are Q3 at Cedars-Sinai
- To comply with the 80 hour work week you MUST be signed-out by noon, attend noon
conference, and leave the hospital by 1 PM
- You MUST sign out ALL unfinished work to the on-call team
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- Saperstein ICU tower code pagers are carried by the on-call interns and residents from all
of the ICU’s
- You are required to go to Grand Rounds and noon conference unless you are tending to a
critical patient
- As an intern, DO NOT involve yourself with patient triaging. This is done by the ED, bed
reservation, and with some input from your resident. As far as you should be
concerned every ICU should be able to take care of any critically ill adult patient
- With the Q3 structure and people leaving post-call, every patient in your ICU is your
patient. You must know about all the patients. Pay attention on rounds and
know the plan!
- Learn to use CareVue (ICU computer system) well
- Document all procedures on CareVue
- When looking at vitals, look at the past 24 hours. Record all hemodynamic parameters
as ranges.
- Have a low threshold to call your resident or fellow
- All teams cap at 5 post-call, so any patient after that number is a hold over for the next
team
MICU
- Daily routine is very attending dependent
- Rounds are typically at 9 AM
- Present from memory. Do not keep looking back at your progress note
- On all clinic patients the ICU fellow is the attending/PMD and must be called at the time
of the admission
- All private attendings must be called at the time of admission and at least once a day
- Goals and Values are a big part of this rotation, as they should be in any rotation
- Sign out rounds are with the fellow +/- attending, usually around 4 PM
RICU
- Daily routine is very attending dependent
- Rounds are typically at 9 AM
- On all clinic patients the ICU fellow is the attending/PMD and must be called at the time
of the admission
- All private attendings must be called at the time of admission and at least once a day
- Vent management is a big part of this rotation
- Sign out rounds are with the fellow +/- attending, usually around 4 PM
CICU
- Rounds are usually at 8 AM
- Attending cardiologists and cardiology fellows staff this unit.
- Most attendings are also very well versed in critical care medicine
- Be prepared to discuss the cardiac issues at length
- Have all EKG’s ready to present on rounds
- Always know the Echo, Cath, etc., information
- Discuss all critical care issues with your resident and fellow
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- Post-call team on Monday presents an interesting case to Dr. P. K. Shah. Typically, you
should have EKG’s as transparencies and should prepare in advance
Heme-Onc Wards – CSMC
- There are no residents on this rotation
- 3 interns with Q3 call
- Call is until 8 PM
- On-call intern signs out to Senior-in-House at 8 PM. However, intern MUST take all
admissions that come up to that time, even if that means staying later than 8
PM
- Any admission to LIM/LILL/STEWART on 4SE or 4SW must be done by the Heme-Onc
service. Often, private MD’s will admit to you as well
- Many of the patients have charts in the cancer center, open 24 hours/day. Go to the
Cancer Center and request the chart if you need
- Discuss all admissions with the fellow
- DO NOT write chemo orders. They may only be written by the fellow
- An intern must be on the ward at all times when a patient is receiving a stem cell
transplant
- Fellow will provide you with info on stem cell transplants on the first day
- Rounds are in the conference room on 4SW at 9 AM. As you are presenting the attending
is writing his/her own note. Speak at the pace at which they are writing. Also,
DO NOT discuss aspects of the plan prior to the A/P section (“plan leak”).
- These patients are very sick and you must take every call very seriously
- Have a low threshold for unit transfer
- You ALWAYS have back up. Be able to contact the fellow at any time and know who the
Senior-in-House is when you are on call alone
- Look at all lines and in the patient’s mouth every day
- As in the ICU, every patient is your patient
- Your pre-call Friday, Saturday, or Sunday is your day off
Senior-In-House
- Cross-cover all patients on the Med-Consult Service
- For NEW consults: see urgent consults ASAP; non-urgent consults will be done by the
Med-Consult team in the morning (For Thalians pts, see below)
- Cross-cover Heme-Onc Wards Service; admit new Heme-Onc pts AFTER 8 PM
- Help to manage TEACHING patients in the ED waiting for an ICU bed
- Urgently consult and write admission orders for TEACHING pts going to a SICU with
MEDICAL ISSUES ONLY (see below)
- Follow post-op patients of Dr. Lo with no other acute issues (see below)
- Admit pts for Med-Teaching Wards AFTER the late resident has capped at 10 (if you are
too busy with other duties, PLEASE PAGE THE CHIEF RESIDENT SO THAT THE
DH RESIDENT MAY BE CALLED IN!!!)
- Temporarily assist any Med-Teaching resident/intern, assist in the ICU, etc…
- House Doc covers ALL urgent calls for private patients, regardless of specialty. If House
Doc is busy managing a crashing pt, s/he may call Senior for help seeing
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another urgent pt. House Doc should NOT call Senior for help just because
s/he is busy. Senior should evaluate the new urgent pt, and decide if that pt
can wait for House Doc or if Senior needs to step in to manage the pt until
House Doc is free.
Patients of Dr. Simon Lo:
- Generally, two types of patients are appropriate for Med-Consult:
- Pts being admitted from home for scheduled procedures with no acute issues.
- Pts who recently had a procedure and will need post-op inpt follow-up, e.g.:
- Direct admission from GI suite post-ERCP.
- Recently d/c’ed from hospital post-ERCP now in ED with procedurerelated pain/Sx
- If you are confused about to which service a patient belongs, during business hours, M-F,
contact the Med-Consult attending. At all other times, leave a message for the
HOSPITALIST LONG CALL attending at 310-423-0032 (listed in amion.com,
password is “cedarsim”), and your call will be returned
Thalians:
- When called for an admission H&P, please fill out a yellow card with the pt’s information.
Then, write down a) the time you were paged, and ask b) what time the pt was
admitted. Give this to the Med-Consult resident in the morning. IF ≥24 HOURS
WILL HAVE LAPSED SINCE TIME OF ADMISSION BEFORE YOU SIGN OUT THE
PAGER, you need to go to Thalians and do the H&P and give the info to the
Med-Consult resident in the morning
- ALL urgent consults from Thalians (or any other service) should be seen promptly
- If a Thalians pt was admitted by his/her own private internist, that doctor should be
called for all medicine issues and NOT Med-Consult
- If you need to discuss any consult situation with an attending, leave a message for the
HOSPITALIST LONG CALL attending at 310-423-0032 (listed in amion.com,
password is “cedarsim”), and your call will be returned
Teaching patients going to a SICU/CSICU:
- See the pt ASAP and write an urgent med consult note leaving specific recs
- Write the following orders:
- Attending of record (Med consult attending)
- Med-consult pager 4946 for non-urgent issues
- ONLY THE MOST NECESSARY ORDERS, i.e. ABx, labs, studies, IVF's
- Then write “SICU resident to write other routine orders”
- Present the case to the Pulm/CC fellow and call whatever consults YOU think are
necessary. Call the Pulm/CC attending if you need an urgent consult
- For these patients, the med-consult team is the primary, and Pulm/CC consult service
follows closely. For minute-to-minute issues, the SICU resident/team is still
responsible for managing the patient
WHEN IN DOUBT, ALWAYS SEE AND EVALUATE THE PATIENT!!
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Acute Emergencies - You Must See the Patient Immediately!
Altered Mental Status
1. Questions during initial phone call:
- Vital Signs
- What is the change in level of consciousness?
- Is the patient diabetic?
- How old is the patient?
2. Orders over telephone:
- Accu-Chek, O2 saturation, new set of vitals (if not done already), chart and MAR
ready, ± EKG
3. Differential Diagnosis of AMS: “MOVE STUPID”
Metabolic – B12, thiamine deficiency, hepatic encephalopathy
(rare: Wilson’s dz, niacin deficiency)
Oxygen – hypoxemia, hypercarbia, anemia, decreased cerebral blood flow (e.g.,
from low cardiac output), sepsis, carbon monoxide
Vascular – stroke, hemorrhage, vasculitis, TTP, DIC
Endocrine – hyper/hypoglycemia, hyper/hypothyroidism, high/low cortisol
Electrolyte – low Na, hyper/hypocalcaemia, hypermag, hypophos, abnl LFTs
Seizures – post-ictal, status epilepticus (nonconvulsive), complex partial sz
Structural – lesions with mass effect, hydrocephalus
Tumor, Trauma, Temperature (either fever or hypothermia)
Uremia – also dialysis disequilibrium syndrome
Psychiatric – dx of exclusion, ICU psychosis, “sundowning”
Infection – CNS, sepsis
Drugs – intoxication or withdrawal (opiates, benzos, ETOH, anticholinergics)
Degenerative diseases – Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s
4. Initial Evaluation: DON’T
- Accu-Chek if available, then 1 amp D50 after thiamine
- Oxygen with oropharyngeal airway if necessary
- Naloxone, usually 0.4-1.2 mg IV if even remote possibility of opiate OD
- Thiamine, 100 mg IV (before glucose)
- Physical exam especially Neuro
- Fever, tachycardia, O2 saturation, myoclonus (uremia, cerebral
hypoxia, HONC), tremor (withdrawal, autonomic sx,
hyperactive), asterixis (liver/renal failure, drug
intoxication)
- Labs: CBC, BMP, Mg/phos, LFTs, Utox, U/A, ABG, EKG, blood/urine cx, CXR
- Low threshold for non-contrast head CT if focal neurologic signs or risk for CVA
- Consider LP especially if fever/meningeal signs/immunosuppressed
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Seizures
1. If patient is still seizing—remember your ABC's:
- O2 by face mask, position pt on side to prevent aspiration. Suction airway as
needed. Do not try to insert airway
- Prevent patient from injuring himself/herself
- If seizures continue after 2-3 minutes, try to start an IV and abort the seizure
with Ativan 2 mg. Alternatively, Ativan IM Q5 minutes to max 8 mg or
Valium PR 20 mg
- Give thiamine 100 mg IV first, then 1 amp D50 IV
- If seizure is >10 minutes or is not easily responsive to benzodiazepines, the pt
is likely in status epilepticus and the patient will need ICU
management
- Only if an absolute certain diagnosis of severe hyponatremia is established
should treatments such as iso- or hypertonic saline be used to halt a
seizure
2. Once seizure has stopped:
- Place oral airway. Get ABG if patient appears cyanotic
- Establish IV access and send basic labs (CBC with differential, BMP, Mg/phos,
albumin, antiepileptic levels)
- Evaluate if this is status: continuing seizing for > 30 minutes, no
consciousness after 30 minutes, if patient seizes again without
achieving normal consciousness. If the patient is in status
epilepticus, send the patient to the ICU and consult neurology.
3. Load with phenytoin 20 mg/kg in 3 divided doses at 50 mg/min (usually 1 g total); use
fosphenytoin when available at the same dose as its load is better tolerated.
- Remember, phenytoin (but not fosphenytoin) is not compatible with glucosecontaining solutions or with Valium. If you have given these meds
earlier, you need a second IV
4. Consider common causes of seizures (i.e. basic labs and a head CT for new onset
seizures):
- Alcohol withdrawal (2 mg ativan IV post-seizure may help to prevent
recurrence)
- CNS lesion/infxns (tumor, CVA, head injury, meningitis/encephalitis, etc.)
- Meds (Demerol, benzo withdrawal, penicillin [imipenem], lidocaine toxicity, INH
[only stops after giving Vitamin B6], ASA, TCA, cocaine, Benadryl,
amphotericin, theophylline, buproprion etc.)
- Metabolic (low glucose, Na, Ca, or Mg)
- Toxins (CO, heavy metals, many drugs of abuse or withdrawal from these
drugs)
- Other (HIV, malignant hypertension, hypoxia, uremia).
5. Write for seizure precautions. Watch for metabolic acidosis and rhabdomyolysis
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Chest Pain
Initial Evaluation:
1. Over telephone: Vital Signs, recent telemetry data, EKG, chart at bedside
2. History: prior h/o CAD, onset: exertional/nonexertional, character, quality, location,
associations, duration, relief
3. Examine the pt: vitals, evidence of heart failure
4. Check EKG and compare to old EKG
Workup:
You will need to rule out life-threatening diagnoses rather than diagnose definitively
MI: typically “pressure-like” pain associated with SOB, diaphoresis, radiation to left
jaw/arm, nausea/vomiting, cardiac risk factors present; remember, MI can
present atypically, and not only in women and diabetics
Aortic dissection: “tearing” pain, assoc w/HTN, smoking, radiation to back, unequal pulses
- Transfer to ICU to reduce BP and inotropy with ß–blocker
- Emergent CT scan with contrast, or echo and call vascular surgery
- EKG may show evidence of ischemia in RCA distribution if dissection is
proximal
Pneumothorax: COPD, trauma, decreased breath sounds, hyperresonance, deviation of
trachea away from side with pneumothorax, and hypoxia
- CXR and call surgery for chest tube placement
- If tension pneumothorax (hemodynamic instability), don’t wait for the CXR!
Insert a 14 gauge angiocath into the 2nd intercostal space at the
midclavicular line on the side of the pneumothorax
PE: dyspnea, tachypnea, tachycardia, pleuritic chest pain, hypoxia, A-a O2 gradient,
hemoptysis
- obtain chest CT with PE protocol or V/Q scan if available. Begin
anticoagulation (if there are no contraindications) while you are
waiting for the results
Other etiologies: pericarditis, pneumonia/pleurisy, GERD, PUD, esophageal spasm (may
respond to nitroglycerin), esophageal rupture (Boerhaave’s) or tear (MalloryWeiss), candidiasis, herpes zoster, costochondritis, rib fracture, anxiety (a
diagnosis of exclusion)
Treatment: “MONA”
- Morphine 2-4 mg IV (watch BP and for oversedation)
- Consider Metoprolol 5 mg IV Q5 min x 3 (avoid in COPD/asthma or CHF, and watch BP)
- Oxygen via NC
- Nitroglycerin 0.4 mg SL Q5 min x 3, hold for SBP <100. Can proceed to Nitropaste 1”
(note: variable and poor absorption). Remember, just because the chest pain responds to
NTG does not automatically rule in angina
- If patient is not already on aspirin and has no contraindications, give ASA 325 mg
- Transfer to monitored bed, heparin gtt if no contraindication, check troponins, serial
EKGs
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Shortness of Breath
Initial Evaluation:
1. History
- Acuity of onset
- Associated symptoms (cough, chest pain, palpitations, fever)
- New events or medications given (including IV fluids!) around the onset
- Relevant PMH and admitting diagnosis
2. Physical Exam
- Vital signs (include O2 sat; measure the respiratory rate yourself!)
- Lungs: respiratory distress (cyanotic, accessory muscle use), wheezes, rales,
stridor, symmetry of breath sounds. Remember that adventitious
lung sounds may be absent in someone with severe airflow limitation
- Cardiac: JVP, carotids, rate/rhythm, and murmurs or rubs
- Extremities: edema (unilateral vs. bilateral) and perfusion (cool vs. warm,
capillary refill, cyanosis)
- Mental status: gives an idea of cerebral oxygen delivery
3. Labs/ studies
- CXR, EKG, ABG, CBC (better to order all of these if there are any questions)
Differential Diagnosis:
1. Pulmonary
- Pneumonia
- Pneumothorax: acute onset, pleuritic CP, consider in intubated patients,
especially if peak and plateau pressures elevated
- PE: often difficult to rule in/out by history/exam. Consider early
- Aspiration: common in pts with altered sensorium
- Bronchospasm: can occur in CHF, pneumonia, and asthma/COPD
- Upper airway obstruction: often acute onset, stridor/ focal wheezing
- ARDS: usually in pts hospitalized with another dx (e.g. sepsis)
- TRALI: Usually very rapid onset post-transfusion
- Pleural effusion
2. Cardiac:
- MI/ischemia: dyspnea can be an anginal equivalent
- CHF: common in elderly pts on IVF, or due to ischemia
- Arrhythmia: can cause SOB even without CHF/ischemia
- Tamponade: consider when pt has signs of isolated right heart failure
3. Metabolic
- Sepsis: dyspnea can be an early, non-specific sign
- Metabolic Acidosis: pts become tachypneic to blow off CO2
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4. Hematologic:
- Anemia: easy to miss this by history/general exam
- Methemoglobinemia: rare; consider in pts taking dapsone or certain
other meds with cyanosis/low sat, normal PaO2
5. Psychiatric:
- Anxiety: common, but a diagnosis of exclusion!
6. GI:
- Massive ascites, abdominal mass: compressive
Initial Management
1. Oxygen:
- Your goal is a PaO2 > 60, or O2 sat > 92%. If nasal cannula isn't enough (max
FiO2 is ~35-40%), try mask (up to 50%), non–rebreather (70%), or
high-flow setup (90%)
- Call RT early if you’re having any trouble, and they will help with nebulizers,
suction, masks, ABGs, oral/nasal airways
2. Beta agonists:
- Patients with wheezing from any etiology can benefit from bronchodilators
- All that wheezes is not asthma! (e.g., CHF, pneumonia)
3. Diuretics:
- Consider Lasix in a pt w/history or exam c/w CHF; other processes associated
with increase in lung fluid (pneumonia, ARDS) may also improve
temporarily with diuresis, and a single IV dose of Lasix is unlikely to
do any irreversible damage. Be careful in renal disease!
4. Assess potential need for intubation. BiPAP trial may be helpful method of temporizing
while making this decision.
- BiPAP is most helpful to correct ventilation deficits (i.e., helps reduce pCO2),
and in pts with CHF or COPD, but can assist any patient to help move
air
- BiPAP can be started at “12/5” and rapidly titrated as needed. Top number
refers to IPAP (Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure) while bottom
number refers to EPAP (Expiratory PAP, equivalent to PEEP). You will
also need to set the respiratory rate and FiO2
- BiPAP is contraindicated in patients who are at risk of aspirating, on tube
feeds, have excessive secretions, AMS, or respiratory arrest
5. Once you have the patient stabilized and the results of your initial studies, you can
initiate therapy directed at the specific etiology of the patient’s dyspnea
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
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Page 28 of 88
CVA/TIA
Work Up:
1. Time of onset of symptoms (important for use of t-PA)
2. Vitals, including pulse ox, and complete physical exam
3. Detailed Neuro Exam (find the lesion!)
6. EKG, CBC, BMP/Mg/PO4, PT/PTT, fibrinogen, ESR, LFTs, cholesterol
7. Noncontrast Head CT
Management:
1. BP control: Permissive hypertension in acute stroke. Goal SBP recommendations vary
depending upon the type of the stroke. Ask the neurologist for their current
recommendations, but aim for SBP ~160-180
- If DBP >140
Start Nipride gtt
- SBP >230 and/or DBP 121-140
Labetalol* 20 mg IV Q10 min (max
150 mg); consider gtt at 2-8 mg/min
- SBP 180-230 and/or DBP 105-120
Labetalol* 10 mg IV Q10 min
* if labetalol contraindicated (e.g. CHF), consider Nitroglycerin gtt (esp. if coronary
ischemia), Enalaprilat IV (IV ACE-I, useful in LV dysfxn; avoid if acute MI), or Hydralazine IVP
DO NOT LOWER BP MORE THAN 25%
2. Establish Risk Factors
- A-fib – Check EKG
- Carotid Dz – Check U/S bilateral carotids
- Endocarditis – Check TTE
- Cancer – eval risk factors and health maintenance hx (mammo? PSA? colo?)
- HTN – Check BP, eval hx and tx
- CAD – Check EKG, lipid panel, consider stress test
- DM – fasting blood sugar
- Peripheral Vasc Dz – u/s LE
- Autoimmune Dz – Check ANA, ds DNA, RF, etc
3. Consider CODE BRAIN protocol if needed:
- Sxs < 3 hours
- Evaluated and stabilize patient
- Emergent Head CT perfusion scan (“Code Brain” protocol)
- Check coags, plt, glucose, and Cr STAT
- Neurology consult
- Weekdays 8 AM to 4 PM: Dr. Waters p2951, who will contact
Neuro resident p2551
- Afterhours/Weekends/Holidays: Page panel neurologist who will
contact House Physician p1878
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Page 29 of 88
Cardiology
Simple EKG Reading
Note
Height: 0.1 mV = 1mm
Duration: 0.4 s = 1mm
Rate
60-100 bpm - Normal
<60 bpm - Bradycardia
>100 bpm - Tachycardia
QRS Axis
normal axis is between -30 to +90 degrees
Normal Axis
Predominate upward deflection in leads I and aVF
Right Axis Deviation: >90° is right axis, Upward in I and Downward in aVF
Left Axis Deviation: < -30° is left axis, Downward in I and Upward in aVF
Intervals
PR
QRS
normal 0.12-0.20s
normal <0.09s, abnormal >0.12s
QTc
0.45 (
measured QT
)
RR
Right atrial abnormality
lead II
P>0.25 mV or >25% QRS amplitude
lead V1 P is biphasic and the initial phase is >0.15 mV
Left atrial abnormality
lead II
P >0.12s with notches separated by at least 0.04s
lead V1 P is biphasic and the terminal phase is >0.04s and >1mV
Left ventricular hypertrophy
R in aVL >11 mm (men), >9 mm (women)
R in aVL + S in V3 >20 mm (women) and >25 mm (men)
S in V1+(R in V5 or R in V6) >35 min
Right ventricular hypertrophy
Right axis deviation
R:S ratio > 1 in V1 (in absence of RBBB or posterior MI)
RBBB (Right Bundle Branch Block)
QRS >0.12s
Wide S wave in I, V5, V6
Secondary R wave (R') in right precordial leads with R' greater than initial R
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LBBB (Left Bundle Branch Block)
QRS > 0.12s, broad R in I and V6, broad S in V1, and normal axis
QRS > 0.12s, broad R wave in I, broad S in V1, RS in V6, and left axis deviation
LAFS (Left Anterior Fascicular Block)
Axis is more negative than -45 degrees
Q in aVL, and time from onset of QRS to peak of R wave is >0.05s.
Also helpful is pattern of Q in I, S in III
LPFB (Left Posterior Fascicular Block)
Axis >100 and QIII, Sl pattern
Q Waves
Pathologic Q's are at least 0.4s and 0.1 mV deep
V1, V2, V3: "any, any, any"
V4, V5, V6: "20, 30, 30"
I, II, aVL, aVF: "30, 30, 30, 30"
V1, V2: "R > 40, R > 50"
*Numbers refer to width of Q wave in milliseconds.
DDx of Left Axis Deviation:
LAFB
Inferior MI
WPW with posteroseptal pathway
COPD
PE
DDx of Right Axis Deviation:
RVH
Lateral or anterolateral MI
WPW with left freewall pathway
LPFB
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Page 31 of 88
Atrial Fibrillation
Common Etiologies: PIRATES (most acute episodes/exacerbations related to various
etiologies of sympathetic stimulation)
Pulmonary (COPD, pna, PE, pericardial dz)
Infarction, Infxn
Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis (or other valve dz)
Alcohol or Atrial myxoma
Thyrotoxicosis
Electrolyte disturbances
Systemic Illness (sepsis, CA, DM) or Stress (post-op)
Rate Control
- Calcium Channel Blockers (onset: ~5-15 mins, WILL drop BP!)
- Diltiazem: 0.25 mg/kg IVP (10-20 mg), repeat 0.35 mg/kg IVP (5-10 mg)
Drip: 1-15 mg/h IV gtt
Oral: 120-240 mg PO daily
- Verapamil: 0.15 mg/kg IVP (over 2 min), repeat 0.3 mg/kg IVP (5-10 mg)
Drip: 5-20 mg/h IV gtt
- Reverse with calcium gluconate 10%, 10 mg IV
- Beta Blockers (onset: ~5-10 min; do not use in CHF/COPD, WILL drop BP!)
- Metoprolol: 5 mg IVP (over 2 mins) Q5 min x 3
Oral: 25-50 mg PO BID
- Esmolol: 500 mcg/kg IVP (1 min), repeat 25-50 mcg/kg/min IV Q4min
- Reverse with glucagon
- Digoxin: (onset: >5 hr. Will not affect BP. Useful in pts in CHF, careful in renal failure)
- Digoxin: 0.25-0.5 mg IVP Q6h x 2-3 doses (max load 1 g in 24 hr)
Oral: 0.125-0.25 mg PO/IV daily
Anti-Coagulation
- ASA 325mg PO daily
- Coumadin – in high risk pts with risk factors for embolic events
- Consider heparinization while waiting for INR to become therapeutic
Cardioversion
If onset of Afib is within 72h, can cardiovert without 3wk of anticoagulation. When in
doubt, TEE, and anticoagulate and convert at a later date.
See UpToDate on how to safely cardiovert either chemically or electrically.
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Page 32 of 88
Hypertension
1. Recheck the blood pressure yourself and check cuff size
2. Check chart: how long has the BP been elevated?
3. Check current meds
4. Identify causes of secondary hypertension first, (e.g. early hypotension, pain, agitation,
EtOH withdrawal, drug withdrawal [Beta-blockers, ACE-I, central alpha-blockers],
increased ICP, ESRD, renal failure, renal artery stenosis, eclampsia, aortic
dissection, pheo, Cushing’s, or hypoxia)
Hypertensive emergency: elevated BP of >200/120 with associated with end–organ
damage (brain, eye, heart, and kidney)
Hypertensive urgency: elevated BP of >200/120 but no end-organ damage.
Ask about and examine:
- Brain: headache, confusion, lethargy, stroke
- Eye: blurred vision, papilledema, flame hemorrhages
- Heart: chest pain, SOB, S3, S4, EKG strain or ischemic changes
- Kidney: low urine output, edema, hematuria
Hypertensive emergencies require ICU admission and reduction of BP by 25% over 6-12
hours with IV medications:
- Nitroprusside 0.3 mcg/kg/min and titrate up (requires A-line BP monitoring)
- Labetolol 20 mg IVP Q10 min until BP decreases; or infusion dosed at 0.5 – 3
mg/min.
- Nitroglycerin 5 mcg/min and titrate up (use when heart disease present)
5. If 1° HTN, increase the patient's current regimen. Oral therapy is preferable in nonemergencies. Once the regimen is maximized, if the patient is still hypertensive, consider:
- Clonidine 0.1-0.2 mg PO repeat with 0.1 mg Q1hr prn to total of 0.8 mg (works
within 30 min-2 hrs, watch for rebound for doses >1.0 g).
- Metoprolol 25 mg PO BID
- Nitropaste ½" to chest wall Q6hr, wipe off for BP< ____
- Captopril 6.25-25 mg SL/PO TID (check K, Cr, allergies before. May titrate
dose up rapidly to desired BP correction)
- Norvasc 5-10 mg PO daily
- Avoid short acting nifedipine (increased mortality)
- Nitroprusside and Labetolol are available IV for emergencies
6. Check BP 45 minutes after your intervention
NOTE: For hypertensive urgencies, remember that in a pt that has “lived at this level” of
hypertension for a while, a large, acute drop in BP may make an asymptomatic patient
symptomatic (precipitate cerebral/myocardial ischemia)
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Hypotension/Shock
Adapted from Critical Care Handbook of the Massachusetts General Hospital, 3rd Edition, Tarascon Pharmacopoeia
Deluxe, 2006, and UCLA Internal Medicine Inpatient Housestaff Handbook, 2005-2006
*Note: This is NOT a guide to the emergent management of hypotension. When faced with
a crashing patient, ensure ABC’s established, start supplemental oxygen, IVFs, and call
more senior housestaff to assist in the management!
Shock: Decreased end-organ perfusion
- Hypovolemic: Acute loss of >20-25% circulating blood volume
- Cardiogenic: Primary failure of heart to generate adequate cardiac output
- Distributive: Decreased vascular tone with arterial vasodilation, venous
pooling, and redistribution of blood flow
- Examples: SIRS, sepsis, anaphylaxis, loss of vascular tone during
neurogenic shock
- Obstructive: Mechanical impediment to venous return to and/or arterial
outflow from the heart
- Examples: Tension PTX, tamponade, aortic dissection, positivepressure ventilation
CVP:
PCWP:
CO/SV:
Hypovolemic:
È
È
È
Cardiogenic – LV:
–
Ç
È
–/È
Cardiogenic – RV:
Ç
È
Distributive – Septic:
–/È
–
Ç
–/Ç
Distributive – Anaphylactic:
È
È
–
Distributive – Neurogenic:
È
È
Obstructive:
Ç/È1
È/Ç2
Ç
1 Increased PAP in PE, depending on location of PA catheter, PCWP can be increased or
decreased. In other conditions, PCWP primarily low
2 Decreased in general, but possible for compensatory increase in CO/SV depending on
location of obstruction (e.g., aortic dissection, increased CO/SV at level of aortic
valve, but functionally decreased in periphery)
Vasopressors
Epinephrine (Adrenalin) (α1, α2, β1, β2)
- Uses: Cardiac arrest, refractory hypotension, status asthmaticus, anaphylaxis
- Cardiac Arrest: 1 mg IVP (premixed injector solution is 1:10,000) Q3-5 mins,
gtt: 1-4 mcg/min (mix 1 mg in 250 mL D5W, thus 4 mcg/mL, run at
15-60 mL/hr)
- Via endotracheal tube: 2-3 x usual dose diluted in 10 cc NS
- Anaphylaxis: 0.1-0.5 mg SC/IM (usual dose is 0.3 mg, 1:1,000)
- Highly arrhythmogenic, can cause myocardial ischemia/infarct; not for
prolonged use, watch for unopposed α stimulation in patients on βblockers
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Norepinephrine (Levophed) (α1, α2, β1)
- Use: Hypotension from low peripheral vascular tone, myocardial depression, or
both
- Convenient initial pressor choice as it causes peripheral vasoconstriction, via
α effect, and increased inotropy/chronotropy, via β1 effect
- Continuous infusion for hypotension: Start 5-15 mcg/min, titrate to effect
(~SBP>90, MAP>60), range: 0.5-70 mcg/min
- Potent α vasoconstriction can cause significant distal tissue hypoxia; ensure
appropriate volume resuscitation
Dopamine (Intropin) (dose dependent D, β1, α1)
- Use: At lower doses, hypotension from decreased myocardial contractility and
at higher doses, from low peripheral vascular tone
- Previous favorite pressor as it was felt to be renal-protective 2°/2
dopaminergic activity, though this has been refuted
- Continuous infusion for hypotension: Start 2-3 mcg/kg/min, titrate to effect,
range: 0.5-20 mcg/kg/min (0-2 mcg/kg/min “renal dose”, 2-5
mcg/kg/min β1 dose, >5 mcg/kg/min α1 dose)
- Less potent α vasoconstriction, but increased risk of tachyarrhythmias 2°/2 β
activity vs. norepinephrine
Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) (α1)
- Use: Hypotension from low peripheral vascular tone
- Pressor of choice for septic patients with cardiovascular disease, though
patients likely have significant intrinsic sympathetic (and
consequent) β1 stimulation anyway
- Continuous infusion for hypotension: Start at 30 mcg/min, titrate to effect,
range: 30-300 mcg/min
- Watch for reflex bradycardia
- Potent α vasoconstriction can cause significant distal tissue hypoxia; ensure
appropriate volume resuscitation
Dobutamine (Dobutrex) (β1, β2, minimal α1)
- Use: Low cardiac output states; produces significant inotropy/chronotropy,
and “afterload” reduction with peripheral vasodilation
- Used in CHF, can even be used in an ambulatory setting
- Continuous infusion: Start at 2 mcg/kg/min, titrate to effect (usually Cardiac
Index > 2), range: 2-20 mcg/kg/min
- EXPECT hypotension, if needed support BP with dopamine first, and then start
dobutamine
- Risk of tachyarrhythmias, though less then epinephrine, dopamine, and
isoproterenol; increased myocardial oxygen consumption, with
resultant risk of ischemia
- Potential for tachphylaxis with infusions greater than 72 hours
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Isoproterenol (Isuprel) (β1 chronotropy only, β2, minimal α1)
- Use: Low cardiac output 2°/2 bradycardia or unstable heart block
- Provides chronotropy with significantly less inotropy vs. dobutamine
- Continuous infusion: Start at 5 mcg/min, titrate to effect (HR as needed to
produce acceptable BP), range: 2-20 mcg/min
- EXPECT hypotension as with dobutamine
- Risk of tachyarrhythmias
Vasopressin (Pitressin, ADH) (peripheral smooth muscle constriction)
- Uses: Low peripheral vascular tone esp. septic shock, cardiac arrest, bleeding
esophageal varices
- Cardiac Arrest: 40 units IVP, may repeat after 3 min if no effect
- Continuous infusion for hypotension in sepsis: Usual dose is 0.04 units/min,
no titration
- Causes severe tissue necrosis with extravasation 2°/2 potent
vasoconstriction
Rule Out Myocardial Infarction
1. Admit to telemetry
2. Bed rest until ruled out
3. NPO except meds if possible catheterization or functional study in AM
4. Oxygen via NC at 2 L/min
5. EKG on admission and QAM, also check with each Troponin check
6. CXR on admission (portable acceptable)
7. Labs: If high suspicion, Troponin Q8hr x 3, and if low suspicion, Q12hr x 2, PT/PTT,
fasting cholesterol panel, consider HgbA1c if diabetic
8. ASA 325 mg PO daily. Have patient chew and swallow first dose for rapid absorption
9. NTG 0.4 mg SL Q 5 min x 3 doses max PRN chest pain; or if pt has continued CP, start
NTG drip; if pain not controlled on NTG, use morphine IVP. If using Nitropaste
Q6hr to chest wall, wipe off Q night 12AM-6AM, note variable absorption. Use
of nitroglycerin is contraindicated in right-sided infarct
10. Beta–blocker: consider starting within first 24 hours if there are no contraindications.
Typical starting dose is metoprolol 25 mg PO BID. Alternatively, a trial of
metoprolol 5 mg IV Q 5 min x 3 can be given initially. If this IV dose is tolerated
you can usually start 25 mg PO BID, hold for SBP <90, HR <60. Goal HR 5060’s
11. Heparin drip with pharmacy protocol if >moderate risk
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Congestive Heart Failure
1. Admit to floor if pressor support not needed (i. e. patient not in shock) or intubation not
likely
2. Decide whether patient is in left-sided or right-sided failure or both.
Left-Sided CHF
Right-Sided CHF
Rales
Elevated JVP
Tachypnea
Hepatojugular Reflux
Left-sided S3
Ascites
Peripheral Edema
Hepatic Congestion
3. Look at old echo results for prior EF and evidence for diastolic dysfunction (E to A
reversal)
4. If CHF exacerbation, determine possible reason(s) based on H&P: “FAILURE”
- Forgot medications
- Arrhythmia/Anemia
- Ischemia/Infarction/Infection
- Lifestyle (dietary)
- Upregulation of cardiac output: pregnancy, hyperthyroidism
- Renal failure
- Embolism
Also remember Valvular disease
5. Check NPA
6. Monitor Ins and Outs, and Daily weights
7. For systolic dysfunction, treatment may include:
- ACE-I
- The mainstay of CHF treatment
- Start with Captopril 6.25 mg PO TID and increase dose as BP
allows
- Once stable, switch to equivalent dose of once-daily ACE inhibitor
ACE-I Conversion:
Ratio:
Captopril : Enalapril
~7.5-10 : 1
Benazepril : Enalapril
1:1
Fosinopril : Enalapril
1:1
Lisinopril : Enalapril
2:1
Perindopril : Enalapril
1:5
Quinapril : Enalapril
1:1
Ramipril : Enalapril
1:4
Trandolapril : Enalapril
1 : 10
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- Beta-blockers
- Can continue beta-blockers if pt already on them, but don’t start
beta-blockers during an acute exacerbation
- Beta-blockers proven in RCTs to have mortality benefit include
Carvedilol, Toprol XL, bisoprolol
- Spironolactone
- Demonstrated mortality benefit in Class III-IV CHF
- Dose is 25 mg PO daily. Contraindicated if Cr > 2.5 or K+ > 5.0.
Follow K+ closely after spironolactone started, especially
when used in combination with ACE inhibitor
- Diuretic
- Used to reduce symptoms of pulmonary edema
- Start with furosemide; doses can vary from 20-400 mg IV Q6hr
- When giving furosemide, watch BP carefully
- To convert IV to PO, double the dose (i.e., 20 mg IV is equivalent to
40 mg PO)
- If furosemide diuresis is ineffective, try adding metolazone 5-20 mg
PO daily
- Watch serum electrolytes (especially K+) and replace as necessary
- Consider hydralazine/isosorbide dinitrate (37.5/20) (BiDil) in African
Americans if BP tolerates
- Consider digoxin loading if patient not responding well to initial therapy
- Load 0.5 mg IV then 6hrs later 0.25 mg IV Q6hr x 2, up to 1 mg
total; then 0.125-0.25 PO or IV daily
- Adjust dose in renal failure, with amiodarone, etc.
8. Other important considerations:
- All patients should be on a low salt diet (2 gram) and Fluid restriction (2 Liter)
- Oxygen by NC or facemask to relieve dyspnea
- Nitrates as BP tolerates to reduce preload and as antianginal (start with Isordil
10 mg PO TID)
- Morphine 0.5-2 mg IV Q4hr to relieve dyspnea if distressful to pt
- Consider underlying infection and treat accordingly
- Consider ischemia/MI and r/o appropriately
9. If low ejection fraction (<30%), consult cardiology for ICD and BiV pacer evaluation. Can
order Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) to begin evaluation
10. Consider evaluation for revascularization if first presentation
11. If poorly compensated, may need ICU stay with dobutamine/dopamine drips
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Infectious Diseases
Neutropenic Fever
Based on Hughes et al. 2002 Guidelines for the Use of Antimicrobial Agents in Neutropenic Patients
Fever (100.4) + Neutropenia (ANC ≤ 500 or expected to reach in 1-2d)
Low Risk
Oral
Cipro
+
Amox-Clav
High Risk
IV
Vanc not
needed
Monotherapy:
Cefepime or
Carbapenem
Risk Assessment:
Extent of Illness
No Symptoms
Mild Symptoms
Moderate Symptoms
No Hypotension
No COPD
Solid Tumor or No Fungal Infection
No Dehydration
Outpatient at Onset of Fever
Age <60 years
Two Drugs:
Cefepime or
Carbapenem or
Antipseudomonal
PCN
+
Aminoglycoside
Vanc
needed
Vanc
+
Cefepime or
Carbapenem
±
Aminoglycoside
Points:
–
5
5
3
4
4
4
3
3
2
Total:
≥ 21 is “Low Risk,” < 21 is “High Risk”
*Note: Applies for first episode of neutropenia. See CSMC 2005 Empiric Antibiotic
Treatment Recommendations for further information and obtain resident, fellow, attending,
or infectious disease consultation as needed.
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HIV and Opportunistic Infections
CD4 Counts and Infection Risks
CD4
Count:
OI’s:
<350
<200
<100
<50
- S.
pneumoniae
- Kaposi’s sarcoma
- TB
- Oral Thrush
- Oral Hairy leukoplakia
- PCP
- Lymphoma
- Toxoplasmosis
- Cryptococcus
- Disseminated
Candida
- MAC
- CMV
- PML
Prophylaxis
CD4
Count:
PPx:
<200
<100
<50
- Bactrim DS daily
(Toxo) and daily to
3x/week (PCP)
- Fluconazole 200 mg
daily (crypto) or weekly
(candida)
- Azithromycin 1200
mg weekly (MAC)
- Consider ganciclovir
if pt is CMV+
HAART Therapy
- Start tx if:
- pt is symptomatic
- plasma HIV RNA >20,000 copies/mL
- CD4 <200
- disease progression
HIV/AIDS Patient with diarrhea
Send Stool for:
Treatment:
- O&P x 3
- Cryptosporidium
- Microspora
- Isospora
- C. difficile toxin x 3
- Stool Cx (consider x 3)
- FOB x 3
- Stool WBCs
- consider serum CMV
PCR
- No anti-diarrheals until bacterial cultures negative
- Imodium or Lomotil
- Octreotide if AIDS-related and intractable
- Treat any positive cultures
- Anticipate multiple organisms/cultures positive
- (+) Stool WBCs suggests inflammatory process
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- Should perform thorough w/u in HIV/AIDS pts that have diarrhea >1 month w/ >10%
unexplained wt loss
- Infectious causes in the small bowel: cryptosporidium, microsporidia, Isospora belli,
Cyclospora cayetanensis, MAC, MTB, Histoplasma capsulatum, salmonella sp.,
campylobacter sp., Giardia lamblia, HIV enteropathy
- Infectious causes in the colon: CMV, cryptosporidium, MAC, MTB, shigella group D, C. diff,
Campylobacter jejuni, E. coli, Entamoeba histolytica, adenovirus, HSV,
pneumocystis (rare)
- Misc. causes: drugs, lactose intolerance, fungal infections, Kaposi’s sarcoma, lymphoma,
amyloidosis, pancreatitis
- Initial w/u: consider checking CD4 count, stool cx, stool O&P x 3, C. diff toxin x 3, stool
AFB smear & cx, modified trichrome stain for stool microsporidia, stool isospora,
stool cyclospora, stool cryptosporidium, stool viral cx, can send stool giardia
antigen if have high index of suspicion for giardiasis, consider serum CMV PCR
- Aggressive fluid and electrolyte replacement
- After acute bacterial agents have been ruled out, in patients with profuse watery diarrhea,
it is recommended to use anti-diarrhea meds such as kaopectate, Imodium,
Lomotil
- A GI consult is only needed if initial infectious w/u negative; if pt is toxic appearing; if
suspect Kaposi’s sarcoma, lymphoma, or other etiologies requiring bx like CMV;
or if pt needs urgent/emergent endoscopy eval
Line Sepsis
Discuss the removal of the line with your Attending, ID consultants and/or PICC service;
especially if it is the only vascular access
1. If tunnel infection d/c line after sending:
- 1 BCx through the line and 2 BCx sets peripherally
- Catheter tip for culture (removal in a sterile manner and do not touch skin as
the line is removed)
2. If mild erythema, no fluctuance and no purulence:
- 1 BCx thru line, 2 BCx peripherally
- Consider ID consult
3. Draw fungal BCx when indicated
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CSF Studies
- Do not forget to measure the opening and closing pressure - normal <20 cm
- Besides actually obtaining the sample, the most difficult part is ensuring that the labels
for each of the tubes are done properly. NEVER expect the nurse to label the
tubes properly. Write the orders first, and have the nurse get the labels as they
print from the computer. Then separate the tubes and appropriate labels into 4
different bags with the appropriate labels in each bag. Take the tubes to the
lab yourself (4th floor, South tower, back hall)
- In an IMMUNOCOMPETENT host, if opening pressure < 20 cm H20, or protein <45 mg/dl
and normal cell count, no further studies are usually required
- You may request CSF to be held in the lab for future analysis as necessary. Remember
that chemistry and microbiology are separate areas and their storage
methodology differs. It is probably prudent to send extra CSF to micro as the
chemistry lab can still run their tests, but bacterial growth can be adversely
affected if samples are stored in the chemistry lab
Tube #:
Amount:
Studies:
Tube #1:
1 cc
Cell count & diff
Tube #2:
1 cc
Glucose, protein
Tube #3:
3-5 cc
HIV-
HIV+
- Gram stain
- Culture
- India Ink
- VDRL (and serum RPR)
- Cocci serology
- Crypto antigen
- Fungal Culture
- AFB smear/Culture
If Indicated:
- Viral culture
- Cytology
- TB PCR (need large
amount of CSF)
- Bacterial Antigen Panel
(if h/o partial Abx Tx)
- Gram stain
- Culture
- India Ink
- VDRL (and serum RPR)
- Cocci serology
- Crypto antigen
- Fungal Culture
- Viral culture
- AFB smear/Culture
- Toxo serology
- Cytology to eval for CNS
lymphoma
- Consider JC Virus PCR
Tube #4:
1 cc
Cell count & diff
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Fever Work-Up
Basic fever w/u:
Review the chart and examine the patient
Vital signs: signs of sepsis (tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension)?
Blood cultures x 2 sets
Urine for u/a, C&S
Consider sputum for gram stain, C&S
Consider CXR
Consider other cultures:
Blood cultures through central lines
Percutaneous drainage catheters
Pleural effusion
Ascites
CSF
Blisters
Wounds/sinuses/ulcers
Any other loculated collection
Consider the high likelihood sources:
Review earlier culture results
Central lines
Heparin locks and IV
Pulmonary
Aspiration
Urinary tract
Foley catheter
Wounds/Ulcers
Pulmonary emboli
Consider:
- Starting/changing/adding ABx
- Broadening coverage
- ICU/monitored bed (esp. if hemodynamically unstable)
- Other studies: PPD, sputum DFA for PCP, AFB, fungal cxs
- Ruling out PE if high clinical suspicion
- Stopping tube feeds if aspiration is a possibility
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CSMC Guidelines for Fluoroquinolones
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CSMC 2005 Antimicrobial Susceptibility Summary (Antibiogram)
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CSMC 2005 Empiric Antibiotic Treatment Recommendations
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CSMC Algorithm for Isolation of Suspected TB Patients
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CSMC Isolation Reference Table
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Pulmonary
COPD Exacerbation
Work Up:
- CXR to eval severity and r/o other causes of SOB (e.g., PNA)
- ABG to eval severity and need for intubation
- Do not get PFTs in acute exacerbation; get as outpt if never done
Treatment:
- Methylprednisolone 125 mg IV Q6-8° x 72° then Prednisone 60mg PO daily x
4 d, then taper by 20 mg Q3-4 d
- ABx for presumed PNA causing exac (Cefotaxime/Azithro vs. Bactrim vs. Amox)
- Nebs: Albuterol 2.5 mg HHN Q4° ATC and 2° prn, ipratropium (Atrovent) 500
mcg HHN Q4° ATC. Transition to MDIs when pt improves
- O2 via NC to keep sats between 90-94%
- BiPAP: consider BiPAP as a bridge to prevent intubation (see “SOB” section for
further details)
- Nicotine patch if pt is a smoker
Asthma Exacerbation
Work Up:
- Assess pt’s previous needs for intubations (pts often know when they will need
to be intubated), as well has h/o ER visits, hospitalizations, steroid
courses, etc. for asthma
- ABG – watch for a “normal” gas (specifically PCO2) in a pt with asthma. They
are tiring and unable to compensate with a rapid RR
- CXR to eval for causes (e.g., PNA)
- RT to check Peak Flows pre- and post-nebulizer treatment (also good to get
historical PF info from pt)
Treatment:
- O2 via NC to keep sats >90%
- Nebs: Albuterol 2.5 mg HHN Q4° ATC and Q2° prn, ipratropium 500 mcg HHN
Q4° (can give Q30min x 3 initially; check with ED on what’s been
given)
- Prednisone 60 mg PO or methylprednisolone 80 mg IV (IV is not superior to
PO); taper when PF >50%
- ABx if PNA suspected (though unlike COPD where empiric ABx are indicated,
there is no data showing benefit from ABx unless PNA is confirmed)
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Vents
Based on Critical Care Medicine, by Brenner and Safani
Trigger: Assist Control (AC) vs. Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV) vs.
Pressure Support (PS):
AC: Full ventilator breaths are given at set rate AND with each additional patient
initiated breath
SIMV: Full ventilator breaths are given at set rate. For additional breaths,
patient pulls in own tidal volume
- Can incorporate PS during unassisted breaths
PS: No ventilator provided breaths; all breaths patient initiated. Ventilator
provides pressure support to all patient initiated breaths
Control: Volume Control (VC) vs. Pressure Control (PC)
VC: Set tidal volume is delivered with each ventilator provided breath
- Concern is for barotrauma 2°/2 high Ppeak (ARDS, restrictive lung
dz)
PC: Set amount of pressure is applied with each ventilator provided breath
- Concern is for inadequate ventilation as a set TV is not delivered
and there may be a significant breath-to-breath variation in volumes
SIMV
BiPAP
RR, TV, FiO2,
RR, IPAP, EPAP,
PEEP, (PS)
FiO2
RR: 12/min
RR: 12/min
TV: 450
IPAP: 12 cm H20
EPAP: 5 cm H20
PEEP: 5 cm H20
PS: set to
achieve TV
~300-400,
usually ~12
Indications: - Initial vent
- ARDS with high - Occasionally
- Attempt to
used for long
mode
Ppeak.
prevent
weaning though
intubation
not initial choice
RR: Respiratory Rate
IPAP: Inspiratory Positive Airway
TV: Tidal Volume
Pressure
FiO2: Fraction of Inspired Oxygen
EPAP: Expiratory Positive Airway
∆P: Control Pressure
Pressure
PEEP: Positive End Expiratory Pressure
Ppeak: Peak airway pressure
I-time: Inspiratory time (sets I:E ratio, 1:2-4 = physiologic)
- Increases amount of time in inspiration, allowing for increased oxygen
diffusion
- Directly proportional to RR
- Increasing I-time reduces time for expiration, thus reduces ventilation
Initial
Settings:
Sample
Settings:
AC/VC
RR, TV, FiO2,
PEEP
RR: 12/min
TV: 450
(suggest 6
mL/kg from
ARDSnet)
PEEP: 5 cm H20
AC/PC
RR, ∆P, I-time,
FiO2, PEEP
RR: 12/min
∆P: set to
achieve avg TV
~300-400, with
goal Ppeak <50
PEEP: 5 cm H20
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Trouble Shooting Vents
Oxygenation (pO2): Increase FiO2, PEEP, or I-time
Ventilation (pCO2): Increase RR, TV, or decrease I-time
Arterial Saturation >94% & pO2 > 100:
È FiO2 (FiO2 È by 1% = pO2 È by 7 mmHg) until <60%, then È PEEP by 2 cm
H2O until PEEP = 3-5. Keep O2 >90%, pO2 >60
Arterial Saturation <90% & pO2 <60:
Ç FiO2 up to 60-100% then consider Ç PEEP by 3-5
Low pH (<7.33 – respiratory acidosis/hypercapnia):
Ç RR and/or TV; keep PAP <40-50 cm H2O if possible
High pH (>7.48 – respiratory alkalosis/hypocapnia):
È RR and/or TV; if pt overbreathing vent, consider sedation
Pt “fighting vent”:
Consider SIMV or add sedation ± paralysis
È TV (TV delivered is not what TV is set at):
Check for leak in vent or inspiratory line. Check for poor seal or malposition of
ET tube cuff in subglottic area. If pt has chest tube, check for air leak (bubbles
leaking through water seal)
High Peak Pressures (>40-50):
Consider bronchospasm, secretions, pneumothorax (PTX), ARDS, agitation
- suction pt and listen to lungs
- CXR if PTX or ARDS suspected
- Check plateau pressure to differentiate airway resistance vs.
compliance causes
Weaning
1. Consider whether patient needs to be weaned or not. Healthy patients, without intrinsic
lung disease probably do not need to be weaned
2. Make sure pt is stable enough to place on CPAP/Flow-by trial
- Vent/Blood gas criteria:
- FiO2 ≤ 50% and PEEP ≤ 5cm and SaO2 > 90%
- pH ≥ 7.32 within 2 hours of starting trial
- MD confirms presence of Medical Stability Criteria
- Underlying reason for ventilation improved
- Afebrile (<101.4)
- Hgb > 8 and stable
- Off pressors
- No heavy sedation, pt is alert and can follow commands
- Electrolyte disorders corrected
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- Cardiac function optimized
- RT confirms presence of bedside criteria
- Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI) ≤ 105 after 3 minutes on
trial (RSBI = RR/TV)
- Spontaneous RR must be <35/min, >8/min
- Spontaneous TV must be ≥ 5 mL/kg
3. After extubation, place pt on humidified O2 by face mask for 1 hr, then titrate down to
NC (keep sats >94% unless COPD)
Pulmonary Embolism
Work-Up:
- Assess Pretest Probability with chart below
- Dopplers of LE to look for DVT
- CXR to look for causes of SOB (eg, signs of PE, pna, CHF)
- EKG to look for right heart strain (TWI V1-V3, RAD, RBBB, SIQIIITIII)
- ABG: hypoxemia, hypocapnea, resp alk, Ç A-a gradient
- +/- D-dimer, after pretest probability calculated and depending on pt’s
comorbidities (e.g., infection or malignancy will cause Ç D-dimer)
- V/Q scan after pretest probability calculated (PIOPED data below)
- CT of Chest w/ contrast: if V/Q equivocal and would change your management
of pt
Pretest Probability of PE
Variable
- Clinical signs/Sx of DVT
- HR > 100bpm
- Immobilization (bed rest >3d) or surgery w/i 4 wks
- Prior DVT or PE
- Hemoptysis
- Malignancy (tx’d w/i past 6 mo or palliative)
- PE as likely or more likely than any alternative dx
Low (0-2 points)
Intermediate (2-6 pts)
Overall
~3%
~20%
(-) D-Dimer
~2%
~6%
(+) D-Dimer
~7%
~`36%
V/Q Scan Results:
Low
Intermed
High
Point Score
3
1.5
1.5
1.5
1
1
3
High (>6 points)
~60%
~20%
~75%
PIOPED Study: Likelihood of PE
Clinical Suspicion (based on pretest probability)
Low
Intermediate
High
4%
16%
40%
16%
28%
66%
56%
88%
96%
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Treatment:
- Anticoagulation with heparin via protocol; can start coumadin via protocol
when pt is stable and therapeutic on heparin. Must overlap either
heparin or LMWH with coumadin for 5 days
- Coumadin can elevate PT before the pt is truly anticoagulated 2°/2
Factor VII having shorter half-life than Factor II
- Concern for hypercoagulable state before fully anticoagulation
achieved 2°/2 Protein C having half-life shorter than
Factor II
- goal INR = 2-3
- cont Coumadin for at least 6 mo if 1st PE
- cont Coumadin for 12 mo if 2nd PE, cancer, or irreversible risk
factor; may need to be on it lifelong
- Removable IVC Filter if unable to anticoagulate
- If contraindications to anticoagulation have been addressed, the
pt should be fully anticoagulated and the filter should be
removed
- Remember: IVC filters are inherently thrombogenic and should be
used in conjunction with anticoagulation. They help
prevent massive PE’s, but help propagate smaller PE’s.
Additionally, they have associated complications,
including potentially fatal filter migration. Use IVC filters
with the utmost caution and consideration!
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Gastroenterology
Pancreatitis
Workup:
- amylase (peaks at 20-30 hours)
- lipase (peaks at 24 hours)
- Ranson’s criteria:
At 24 hours:
At 48 hours:
Age > 55
↓ HCT > 10%
WBC > 16,000
BUN ↑ > 5
Glucose > 200
Ca2+ < 8
LDH > 350
PaO2 < 60 mmHg
AST > 250
Base deficit > 4
Fluid sequestered > 6L
Mortality:
< 3 criteria Æ 1%
3-4 Æ 15%
5-6 Æ 40%
> 7 Æ 100%
Treatment:
- NPO
- IVF (NS + KCl 20mEq at ≥ 200cc/h); TPN if pt is NPO for a long time
- Pain control (usually via PCA). Classic teaching is to use Demerol as it causes
less sphincter of Oddi spasm, but both Dilaudid and Morphine are
preferred because of a better side-effect profile
- R/O infection w/BCxs, CXR, UCx – hold ABx unless worrisome signs and Sx
Complications: (more common if more Ranson Criteria Positive):
- Pseudocysts or Abscesses
- Necrotizing pancreatitis (seen on CT), give Imipenem (better penetration)
- ARDS
- Hemorrhage into pancreas (reimage with U/S vs. CT)
- SIRS and/or Septic Shock
End-Stage Liver Disease/Ascites
Work Up:
SAAG = Serum albumin – Ascitic albumin. An elevated SAAG suggests portal hypertension.
>1.1
<1.1
Chronic liver disease
Peritoneal CA
Hepatic metastasis
Peritoneal inflammation
Veno-occlusive disease
TB, fungal
Budd-Chiari
Serositis
Cardiac failure
Viscus leak: pancreatic, bilious, chylous, ureteric
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Nephrotic syndrome
Myxedema
Protein-losing enteropathy
Idiopathic
from Huang ES et al., Internal Medicine Handbook for Clinicians, Scrub Hill Press Inc. 1st ed, 2000
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Management:
- Bed rest
- Low Na+ diet
- Paracentesis for SOB, tesnse ascites, early satiety
- Diuretics: Lasix 40mg/d and spironolactone 100mg/d
- if no wt loss and/or urinary sodium <20mEq/day, Ç Lasix by 40mg
and spironolactone by 100mg (repeat until Lasix 160mg/d
and spironolactone 400mg/d)
- Stop diuretics if: renal dysfxn, hepatic enceph., or no wt loss at max
dosing
- Liver consult for transplant w/u
IBD Patient with diarrhea/possible flare
- Must r/o infectious etiology first: send stool cx, stool O&P x 3, stool C. diff toxin x 3
(though can stop after one positive), CMV PCR, ESR, CRP (C-reactive peptide),
CBC w/manual diff (follow daily to assess for bandemia; may be only sign of
interabdominal catastrophe given their level of immunosuppression. Acutely,
steroids cause a left-shift because of demargination of fully matured PMNs, but
DO NOT cause a bandemia)
- For newly diagnosed IBD patients or patients newly referred to CSMC, consider sending
off IBD panel to Prometheus Laboratory
- For patients that are you are suspecting bowel perforation, severe colitis, toxic megacolon,
obstruction, intra-abdominal fistula, or intra-abdominal abscess, consider
imaging evaluation such as CT abd/pelvis and/or KUB. Have a very lowthreshold to image, given these patients may not mount much of an
inflammatory response because of their immunosuppression. You should also
strongly consider repeat imaging in any patient transferred from an outside
facility. (Read: Unless you have a really good reason, just get the scan)
- Initial steroid dose for a flare is Solu-Medrol 20 mg IV Q8hr
- For stable and non-toxic appearing patients, it is okay to feed the patients (unless patient
is scheduled to go for endoscopic evaluation the next day per GI/IBD team);
only need to give low residual diet in patients that have moderate to severe
mucosal inflammation/involvement
- For UC patients that will get cyclosporine infusion, will need to check LFT and fasting lipid
panel (might require lipid infusion if lipid level is too low), and will need PICC
placement. Check Cyclosporine level daily and MUST be drawn from a
peripheral source or second port. CSA counts the lumen of the line through
which it is infused and thus the level can be falsely elevated. Also, follow BP
closely. Daily PE should check if pt has tremor of hands
- Daily Labs: BMP, Mg, CBC with manual diff
- Every other day: CMP
- Weekly: Lipid panel
- For CD/UC pts that will get Remicade, check a PPD
- For pts that will get 6MP/6TG, check a TPMT level
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Upper GI Bleed
- Assess pt’s hemodynamics and history
- Immediate fluid resuscitation, early transfusion of blood products, and correction of any
coagulopathy
- Consider NGT lavage (pt more likely to need endoscopy sooner if doesn’t clear after
250cc NS)
- PUD approx causes 30-35% of UGIB while esophageal varices and Mallory-Weiss tear
cause 15% and 5-10%, respectively.
- For pts suspected of UGIB 2°/2 PUD, should give PPI IV (Prevacid 30 mg IV Q12h), or
consider PPI gtt
- For pts suspected of EVB, should give both PPI IV and Octreotide gtt (classic teaching
suggests the use of Octreotide only in variceal bleeds, but there is data
available that suggests that it may work in other UGIB settings)
- For pts w/concurrent renal failure and possible platelet dysfunction due to uremia, can
consider DDAVP (avoid if pt has h/o stenting of coronary vessels)
- Should monitor CBC Q4-8h, coags Q6-24h
- Pt should be NPO
- Pt should be placed on aspiration precautions
- Note that most pts don’t require emergent endoscopic eval, rather, most pts will require
urgent endoscopic eval
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Renal/Electrolytes
Hyperkalemia
Potassium lab ranges:
Normal:
Mild:
Moderate:
Severe:
3.5 – 5.0
5.0 – 6.0
6.0 – 7.0
> 7 or any EKG changes
- Consider rechecking K+ on a stat basis.
- Check STAT EKG. Changes – peaked T's, ectopy, widened QRS complex. (Transfer pt to a
monitored bed/ICU if EKG changes or severe hyperkalemia)
Treatment:
- Antiarrhythmic
- 5-10 cc 10% Calcium gluconate IV if the patient has widened QRS complex
(Note: Ca2+ may precipitate digoxin toxicity and never give CaCl via a peripheral
line)
- Shift K+ into the cells with acidosis correction and glucose movement:
- 1 amp HCO3
- 1 amp D50 + Regular insulin 5 units IV
- Beta agonists (not a first choice)
- Eliminate K+
- Kayexalate 15-50 g in 100-200 ml 20% sorbitol solution PO or retention
enema without sorbitol, repeating Q3 until diarrhea
- Lasix 20-40 mg IVP
- Dialysis
*Better than treatment, is avoiding the problem in the first place. Make sure renal patients
have low potassium diets. Remember that ACE-inhibitors and spironolactone cause
potassium retention. Periodically monitor potassium in patients receiving potassium
supplements.
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Electrolyte Replacement
*Note in general about electrolyte repletion: Most other guides that we have reviewed are
not very clear on the doses and the actual correction that occurs, and/or are significantly
underdosed. Nevertheless, replete electrolytes cautiously, especially in the setting of renal
dysfunction. The Hospitalist Handbook at the UCSF website has excellent sliding scales for
potassium and magnesium.
Potassium
- Narrow “therapeutic” window
- Replete cautiously
- Be aware of ongoing losses (renal wasting with diuretics, GI loss, etc.)
- Utilize both PO and IV potassium chloride (or other potassium salt if needed). IV
potassium burns during infusion, while oral potassium pills are huge, and
suspensions, “salty”
- Potassium is still a drug, and while the nursing staff has pre-mixed solutions and have an
established rate of infusion, consider modification if clinically indicated (i.e.
“Potassium Chloride 40 mEq IVPB mixed in D5W at 10 cc/hour”)
- Consider adding potassium to maintenance IVFs
- Maximum rate of infusion is ~10 cc/hr peripherally and 15-20 cc/hr centrally
- Repletion:
- Normal Creatinine: Replete ~10 mEq per 0.1 mmol/L reduction in serum
potassium, with goal ~4.0. Levels <3.2 may need 20 mEq to raise
level 0.1 mmol/L
- Elevated Creatinine: Calculate their creatinine clearance. Multiply the above
replacement by the estimated reduction in creatinine clearance,
ROUNDING DOWN (so if the clearance is reduced by 50%, then use
half or less of the dose)
Magnesium
- Replete prior to potassium and calcium repletion
- Oral magnesium has relatively poor absorption and may cause diarrhea (magnesium
oxide usually used if needed, magnesium hydroxide also available)
- No significant clinical adverse reactions in most healthy patients from mild
hypermagnesimia (READ: okay to give IV magnesium without significant fear)
- Usual IV infusion rate is 1 gram/hour, though can be rapidly pushed in a code situation
(i.e., Torsades de pointes)
- Repletion:
- Normal Creatinine: Replete ~1 gram Magnesium sulfate IV per 0.1 mmol/L
reduction in serum magnesium, with goal ~2.0
- Elevated Creatinine: As with potassium, dose reduce based on percentage
reduction in creatinine clearance
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Phosphorus
- Universally over checked without significant clinical indication, and usually underdosed
during repletion
- Usually only abnormal in renal patients (usually high), and low in patients with significant
malnourishment and ventilator dependence, or high metabolic demands (high
ATP turnover, e.g., sepsis), or in patients with significant diarrhea (GI loss)
- Ergo, should really only be checked in those patients where it is clinically indicated, and
repleted only in those patients who are not able to take enteral nutrition
- Be aware of the calcium/phosphorus ion product and avoid precipitation
- PO repletion also slow and may be unsatisfying (available as Neutra-phos, a buffered,
mainly sodium phosphate powder). Avoid oral repletion in patients with
diarrhea
- IV available as Na-Phos and K-Phos, in 15 and 30 mmol amounts
- Should be given IVPB over 2-4 hours; there is historical concern about rapid
administration with resultant hypocalcemia and precipitation
- Repletion:
- Normal Creatinine: No well established guidelines for repletion. Consider
Neutra-phos 1 packet TID with meals x 3 days. In critically ill patients,
and in vent-dependent patients consider Na-Phos 15 to 30 mmol
IVPB or K-Phos 15-30 mmol IVPB, which is ~22-44 mEq of potassium.
Goal is ~3.5
- Elevated Creatinine: Consult with renal, but if needed replete at half the dose
or less. Usually patients are hyperphospatemic
Calcium
- Traditional teaching suggests repletion only if patient is symptomatic from hypocalcemia
- Consider repletion in ICU or chronically ill patients even if they are asymptomatic
- Replete magnesium prior to calcium repletion
- Be aware of the calcium/phosphorus ion product and avoid precipitation
- Be aware of low albumin and either correct for albumin (cheaper) or check a free calcium
- PO available as calcium carbonate. Use TID dosing as tolerated if pt is
osteopenic/osteoporotic. Also available as calcium acetate (but this is a
phosphorus binder)
- IV available as calcium chloride (should only be used in code situations as the elemental
calcium content is much higher, and should only be used centrally; watch for
tissue necrosis if IV infiltrates), calcium gluconate
- Repletion:
- Normal Creatinine: Calcium gluconate 1-4 amps IVPB as needed, 1 gram/hr
infusion, goal >8.5
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Acid/Base Disturbances
Adapted from Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s “Acid Base Disorders Work Sheet”
Step 1: Get BMP and ABG
Step 2: Look at pH.
> 7.4 = primary alkalosis Æ go to 3a
< 7.4 = primary acidosis Æ go to 3b
Step 3: Look at pCO2 for primary disorder
3a: if pCO2 > 40, pt has metabolic alkalosis; if < 40, then respiratory
3b: if pCO2 > 40, pt has respiratory acidosis; if < 40, then metabolic
Step 4: Look for anion gap (normal = 8-12) for possible secondary disorder
AG = Na – Cl – HCO3
If yes, they have a metabolic acidosis in addition to (or confirming) Steps 1 & 2.
If no significant gap, skip to Step 6.
Step 5: Calculate the Delta-Delta (nl = 23-25) for possible tertiary disorder
∆∆ = [AG – 12] + pt’s HCO3
If ∆∆ > 30, pt has underlying metabolic alkalosis in addition to Steps 1-4
If ∆∆ < 23, pt has underlying (non gap) metabolic acidosis in addition to Steps 1-4
Step 6: Diagnose and Treat based on Table below.
AG Metabolic
Acidosis
Non-Gap Metabolic
Acidosis
“MUDPILERS”
“HARDUPS”
Methanol
Uremia
DKA/EtOH KA
Paraldehyde
INH
Lactic Acid.
EtOH/
Ethylene Glycol
Rhabdo/ RF
Salicylates
Hyperalimentation
Acetazolamide
RTA
Diarrhea
Uretero-Pelvic
Shunt
Post-hypocapnia
Spironolactone
Acute
Respiratory
Acidosis
anything that
causes
hypovent.
CNS depres’n
Airway obst
PNA
PE
Hemo/PTX
Myopathy
Chronic Resp
Acid. is caused
by COPD and
restrictive lung
dz
Metabolic
Alkalosis
Respiratory
Alkalosis
“CLEVER
PD”
“CHAMPS”
Contraction
Licorice*
Endo
(Conn’s
Cushing’s
Bartter’s)
Vomiting
Excess
alkali*
Refeeding
alkalosis*
Posthypercapnia
Diuretics*
assoc w/ ↑
U Cl levels
*
Step 7: Fix it!
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anything that
causes
hypervent.
CNS dz
Hypoxiz
Anxiety
Mech Ventil.
Progesterone
Salicylates/
Sepsis
Determining Compensation
from Huang ES et al., Internal Medicine Handbook for Clinicians, Scrub Hill Press Inc. 1st ed, 2000
Respiratory Acidosis
for each ↑ PCO2 of 10 mmHg…
Acute
Chronic
HCO3 ↑ 1 mEq
HCO3 ↑ 3 mEq
pH ↓ 0.08
pH ↓ 0.03
Respiratory Alkalosis
for each ↓ PCO2 of 10 mmHg…
Acute
Chronic
HCO3 ↓ 2 mEq
HCO3 ↓ 5 mEq
pH ↑ 0.07
pH ↑ 0.02
Metabolic Acidosis
for each ↓ HCO3 of 1 mEq…
PCO2 ↓ 1.25 mmHg
Metabolic Alkalosis
for each ↑ HCO3 of 1 mEq…
PCO2 ↑ 0.75 mmHg
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
CRRT is a spectrum of renal replacement technologies
SCUF: Slow continuous ultrafiltration. Pass blood through a filter and remove
an ultrafiltrate. Simply takes off volume
CVVH: Continuous veno-venous hemofiltration
CVVHD: Continuous veno-venous hemodialysis
CVVHDF: Continuous veno-venous hemodialysis with filtration
To institute CRRT in the ICU, must have renal and critical care attending approval, ± ethics
consult. Also establishes 1:1 nursing for the patient, and may require the patient to
transfer to the ICU that is designated the CRRT unit (basically the unit that has the most
patients on CRRT so it is easier to manage all of the patients from a nursing standpoint)
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Low Urine Output
Normal urine output is typically at least 0.5 cc/kg/hr. Oliguria is defined as urine output <
400 cc/day, and anuria is < 100 cc/day
1. Double check urine output
Flush Foley catheter, check I/O sheet, weights, and ask pt about urine output
2. Examine the patient, assess volume status:
- Mucous membranes, skin pallor/dryness, edema, complaints of thirst
- Neck veins, crackles in lungs
- Bladder palpable on abdominal exam, prostate exam
3. Abrupt onset of anuria most often suggests obstructive uropathy. Other causes to
consider if obstruction is not the case are:
- Progression of preexisting renal failure
- Renal cortical necrosis
- Necrotizing glomerular disease (RPGN)
4. Rule out obstructive uropathy: check a post–void residual by inserting Foley after
patient voids. If volume > 200 cc then leave the Foley in; this indicates urinary retention.
Some reasons for urinary retention include prostatic hypertrophy, anticholinergic side–
effects of medications (narcotics, Benadryl, anesthetics, etc.). Consider renal ultrasound
to r/o hydronephrosis
5. Work-up: If patient is not volume overloaded or obstructed and has no history of CHF,
then a fluid challenge is usually appropriate (250-500 cc NS IV bolus).
- Always consider hypovolemia, decreased cardiac output, infection, sepsis,
contrast nephropathy, and drug toxicity as potential causes
- Beware of associated volume overload, acidosis, and hyperkalemia
- Consider increasing lab frequency and adjust drug dosages for È GFR
7. If patient is in CHF or is volume overloaded, initiate diuresis. Remember, that unless
the patient is truly volume overloaded, diuresis just for the sake of increasing urine output
is pointless
- Patients with functioning kidneys and overaggressive hydration usually will
diurese themselves just by lowering the IV fluid rate
- If in CHF or with symptoms, use furosemide 20-80 mg IV
- If in renal failure, may require hemodialysis. Sometimes patients in renal
failure can still respond to high dose furosemide while waiting for
the renal consult (160-240 mg IV slowly)
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Radiology
Basic Initial Imaging studies organized by systems
Cranial Problems
- Head trauma: CT
- Acute hemorrhage: Non-contrasted CT
- TIA: Non-contrasted CT
- MRI with and without contrast if vertebrobasilar findings (CT not effective in
evaluating posterior fossa)
- Acute Stroke: Non-contrasted CT
- If ischemic stroke: MRI with and without contrast better in identifying and
evaluating extent of stroke
- MS: brain MRI with and without contrast
- Tumor or metastasis: MRI with and without contrast, though can use contrasted CT
- Aneurysm: MR angiogram or contrasted CT
- Abscess: Contrasted CT or MRI
- Sinuses: Frontal skull film: frontal/ethmoid sinues
- Frontal Water’s view: maxillary sinuses
- CT sinus: superior study to evaluate paranasal/mastoid sinuses and adjacent
bone
Face/Neck
- Unilateral proptosis, periorbital swelling or mass: CT or MRI
- Facial fracture: plain x-ray or CT for complicated cases
- Mandible fracture: panorex
- Carotid Bruit: Duplex ultrasound
- Epiglottitis: lateral soft tissue x-ray of the neck
Chest
Typically start out with plain PA/lateral chest x-ray
- Trauma: Chest CT
- CHF (new or worsening): CXR + 2D echocardiogram
- Foreign body: inspiration/expiration chest x-ray
- Mediastinal mass: Chest CT
- Lung Mass: CXR, CT chest
- Solitary Pulmonary Nodule: PA/lateral CXR, hi-res CT of the chest
- Pericardial Effusion: 2D echocardiogram ± transesophageal echocardiogram
- Aortic Aneurysm: contrasted CT or transesophageal echocardiogram
- Aortic Dissection: contrasted CT or transesophageal echocardiogram
- Endocarditis/valvular disease: 2D echocardiogram ± transesophageal echocardiogram
- Pulmonary Embolism: VQ scan or CT angiogram PE protocol
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Vascular
- Deep Vein Thrombosis: Duplex ultrasonography of involved veins
- Carotid Bruit: Carotid Duplex ultrasonography
- Claudication: Arterial Duplex ultrasonography/ABI
GI/Abdomen/GU
- KUB (kidney, ureter, bladder) or abdominal plain film: typically done supine, most
common imaging study of the abdomen
- Abdominal series, “acute abdominal series”: KUB, upright PA CXR, and upright abdominal
film: upright CXR done to look for free air under diaphragm, upright abdomen
done to look at the air fluid levels within the bowel to help differentiate ileus vs.
obstruction. Obstruction typically has more air fluid levels
- Esophageal obstruction: Barium swallow
- Bowel perforation or free air: upright chest and supine abdominal film; supine and left
lateral decubitus if patient is unable to stand
- Trauma, blunt or penetrating: Supine/upright abdomen (look for free air), FAST scan (4quadrant ultrasound of the abdomen to look for free fluid/organ damage),
and/or CT Abd/Pelvis (will likely need both GI and IV contrast for good
delineation of structures, but may not be available in the trauma setting)
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm: ultrasound or contrasted CT
- Pancreatic Mass: CT with IV and GI contrast
- Abdominal abscess: CT with IV and GI contrast
- Gallbladder: Right upper quadrant ultrasound, Nuclear medicine hepatobiliary scan
(HIDA)
- Appendicitis: CT with IV and GI contrast
- Pelvic Abscess: CT or ultrasound
- Uretral Stone: Noncontrast CT (CT Urogram) or IVP
- Uterine or ovarian pathology: Pelvic Ultrasound
- Acute diverticulitis: CT with IV and GI contrast
- Bladder cancer: Cystoscopy, CT with IV contrast
- Testicular Torsion: Doppler US
- Cervical/ovarian/uterine Cancer: CT with IV and GI contrast
- Uterine fibroids: ultrasound
- Vaginal bleeding: ultrasound
MSK
- Fracture: X-ray “series” (e.g. shoulder series)
- Occult hip fracture: MRI or bone scan
- Metastasis: bone scan, plain film in area of pain
- Osteomyelitis: plain X-ray, if negative, then nuclear medicine three-phase bone scan or
MRI
- Arthritis: X-ray
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Miscellaneous
Inpatient Guide For Diabetics
Based on Diabetes Facts and Guidelines 2005 by Yale
General Principles:
1. Type 1 patients require at least some basal insulin at ALL times to prevent ketosis, even
when they are NPO
2. Review diabetic meds
3. Order fingersticks QID in all pts with diabetes (QAC and HS if eating; Q6 hr if NPO) for at
least first 48 hrs. If pt stable and under good glycemic control and if on oral
agent or one insulin injection/day, can decrease to BID.
4. In-hospital glucose target in most pt should be <110 mg/dL pre-meal; <180 mg/dL at
all other times. Pregnant women and critically ill pt (in ICU) require tighter
control (80-110).
5. Revise insulin regimen continuously (every 1-2 days)
Ç AM intermediate-acting insulin (e.g. NPH) to È pre-supper BG (blood
glucose)
Ç PM long/intermediate-acting insulin (eg glargine, NPH) to È fasting BG
Ç AM short/rapid-acting insulin (e.g. regular, lispro) to È pre-lunch BG
Ç PM short/rapid-acting insulin (e.g. regular, lispro) to È bedtime BG
6. Don’t leave pt on RISS (regular insulin sliding scale) as ONLY form of treatment. Adding
long acting insulin (e.g. glargine) will stabilize glycemic control.
7. Try to approximate at-home regimen as long as possible BEFORE discharge
8. Call diabetes educator to teach pt about managing diabetes
Oral Agent Patients:
A. The hospitalized pt who is NPO (or in whom oral intake is doubtful)
1. Pt well-controlled on oral hypoglycemic agent (OHA) i.e. sulfonylurea
- D/C OHA and use RISS or lispro SS
- If need SS >24-48 hr, add long acting insulin
2. Pt well controlled on oral agent that does not cause hypoglycemia (e.g.
metformin, TZDs)
- D/C metformin (due to contrast studies, dehydration, renal fxn)
- If pills ok, can continue TZD unless have abnl LFTs or new edema
3. Pt poorly controlled on oral agents
- Place pt on insulin; can try SS for 24-48 hr to assess insulin
requirements or proceed straight to regimen with long-acting insulin
B. Hospitalized pt who is eating
1. Pt well controlled on OHA
- May continue. Consider dose reduction by 25-50% due to more rigid diet
- D/C metformin if hemodynamic instability, CHF, dehydration, or altered
renal or hepatic fxn, or if plan to do contrast studies
- continue TZDs unless abnl LFTs or new edema
2. Pt poorly controlled on oral agents
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- Calorie restricted diet
- Then add insulin while adding other orals
Insulin-treated patients:
A. Hospitalized pt who is NPO
Type I DM
- Can use IV insulin drip
- Can give ½-2/3 of long acting insulin + SS
- Unless very hyperglycemic, give D5W or D5 1/2NS@75-125 cc/hr to prevent
catabolism
- Check BG Q6 hr
- Consider short acting insulin if need rapid correction of hyperglycemia
Type II DM
- May be able control with diet restriction and SS
- Can give ½ long acting insulin + SS
- If giving insulin, give D5W or D5 1/2NS
- Check BG Q6 hr
B. Hospitalized pt who is eating
-Continue insulin but consider dose reduction by 25% in controlled pt
Bedside glucose monitoring:
- Order QID for insulin pt
- If on oral agents alone or only one insulin injection per day, can decrease sticks to
BID (pre-breakfast and pre-supper) if good control
- If NPO, do sticks Q6 hr
Hypoglycemia:
- If pt alert, give 15-30g carbs via:
8 oz juice/soda = 30 g carbs
2 graham cracker squares = 10 g carbs
- 15 g carbs will increase BG by 25-50 mg/dL
- Non-alert pt: give 25 g dextrose IV (1 amp D50) or 1 mg glucagon IM if no IV access
and recheck BG after 5-10 min
- If severe or recurrent hypoglycemia, use D5 or D10 drip
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Sliding Scales/Correctional Insulin/Supplemental Insulin:
AC
HS
BG:
Very Insulin
NL Insulin
Very Insulin
Sensitive:
Sensitivity:
Resistant:
<100
0 units
0 units
0 units
100-149
0-1 unit(s)
0-2 unit(s)
0-5 unit(s)
150-199
1 unit
2 units
5 units
200-249
2 units
4 units
10 units
250-299
3 units
6 units
15 units
0-2 unit(s)
300-349
4 units
8 units
20 units
2-4 units
>350
5 units
10 units
25 units
4-6 units
- Give regular insulin 20-30 min prior to meals
- Give rapid acting insulin (e.g. Lispro) 0-10 min with meal at bedside
- In pts who are NPO, give regular insulin every 6 hr. If using Lispro (though not
preferred if NPO), dosing is every 4 hr. Start SS at higher threshold (>200
mg/dL) to avoid hypoglycemia, especially in type 1 DM
- Glycemic targets should be higher in those at high risk of hypoglycemia, such as
malnourished, those with decreasing renal fxn, adrenal insufficiency,
gastroparesis, hypoglycemia unawareness, or h/o brittle DM
- Remember: A sliding scale should not be a pt’s ONLY source of insulin! Rather,
patients should have a basal insulin dose, and be provided with supplemental
insulin as needed for rapid correction of hyperglycemia. Every day thereafter,
the pt’s daily supplemental insulin should then be considered, and potentially
incorporated into their basal dosing, as highlighted in the prior sections.
Peri-op and peri-procedure:
- Check BG Q1-2 hr before, during, and after procedure
- Not best to use RISS
A. Type I DM
- Put on insulin drip (about 1-2 units/hr) with D5W@75-125 cc/hr to keep BG
100-150 mg/dL OR
- Give ½-2/3 of NPH on morning of procedure. Do not give Lispro unless BG
>200 and then in small doses (1-4 units to get to BG 100-150). If pt on
HS glargine, can give usual dose the night before but best to reduce dose
by 20%
B. Type II DM
- Hold sulfonylurea or secretagogue on day of procedure and resume when
tolerates NL diet
- Hold metformin for safety concern the day of procedure and resume 48 hr
post-op if renal fxn normal or near normal
- Can continue TZDs
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- If on insulin, give ½ NPH on morning of procedure. Do not give Lispro unless
BG >200 and then 1-4 units to keep BG 100-150. Reduce HS glargine by
20% OR
- Put on insulin drip as above
Insulin Drips:
Indications
DKA
Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state
Very poorly controlled diabetes despite Sub-Q insulin (BG >300-350 x 2 over 612 hr)
TPN
Type I DM who are NPO, periop, or in L & D
Post-MI with hyperglycemia
ICU pt with hyperglycemia
Suspect poor subQ absorption of insulin
Transition
- When put back on Sub-Q insulin, give lispro 1-2 hr or long acting insulin 2-3 hr
prior to stopping drip
Insulin regimens:
A. Type 2 DM
- Can start on small doses of long acting insulin 1-2 x/day. Start at 0.2-1.5
units/kg per day
- When pt has hyperglycemia on full insulin dosing, begin with 0.5 units/kg
divided into 2 injections per day
- Split regimen—give 60% insulin in AM and 40% in PM with 2:1 ratio of long to
short in AM and 1:1 in PM
B. Type 1 DM
- Treat with at least BID injections of short acting and long acting
- Total daily dose is 0.4-1.0 unit/kg
- Proportions are 60% in AM and 40% in PM with 2:1 ratio of long to short in AM
and 1:1 in PM
- Changes in insulin regimen should be slow
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Supportive Care in Heme-Onc
Oral Care
and
Mucositis
Nausea and
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Peridex 15 cc PO swish and spit QAC, QHS
“MMX” Susp, 10 cc PO swish and spit/swallow
QAC, QHS, prn
(Mylanta/Maalox, Mycelex, Xylocaine)
Viscous Lidocaine 2%, 10 cc PO swish and
spit/swallow QAC, QHS, prn
Hurricane Spray to mouth/throat QAC, QHS, prn
Topical Cocaine 2-4% swish or swab Q4hr prn1
Stanford Susp 10 cc swish and spit/swallow
QAC, QHS, prn
Carafate Susp/tab 1 gm swish and swallow/PO
QAC, QHS
Compazine 10 mg IV/PO Q6 hr prn (ATC if
needed)
Droperidol 0.625-1.25 mg IV Q4hr prn2
Reglan 10 mg IV/PO QAC, QHS, or Q6hr prn (ATC
if needed)
Phenergan 25 mg IVPB Q6 hr prn
Ativan 0.5-2 mg IV/PO/SL Q4hr prn
Decadron 4-8 mg IV/PO Q12-24hr prn
Marinol 2.5-5 mg PO Q4hr prn
Zofran 4 mg IV or 8 mg PO Q4hr prn (ATC if
needed)
Imodium 2 mg PO after each loose stool, max 8
tabs per day (16 mg)
Lomotil 2.5 mg PO after each loose stool, max 8
tabs per day
Tincture of Opium 0.5-1 cc PO Q4hr prn
Metamucil 5 cc PO TID
Questran 4 gm PO TID3
Lactinex 1 tab/packet PO TID
Octreotide 100-500 mcg Sub-Q Q8hr
Dulcolax 10 mg PO/PR daily prn
Glycerin supp PR daily prn
MOM 30 cc PO Q6hr prn, Magnesium Citrate
150-300 cc PO daily prn4
Mineral Oil 30 cc PO prn
Senokot 2 tabs PO daily prn (up to 4 tabs BID),
Cascara 5-10 cc PO QHS prn
Metamucil 5-10 cc PO daily prn
Sorbitol 30 cc PO daily prn, Lactulose 30 cc PO
daily prn4
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Neutropenic mouth
care, antibacterial
and antifungal activity
Consider IV Narcotics
for pain control
Beware of EPS
with
dopaminergic
antagonists
Consider anti-emetics
ATC to prevent sxs.
Antimotility
agents
Probiotic
Antisecretory
Onset 30-60 minutes
Onset 30-60 minutes
Onset 3-6 hrs
Onset 6-8 hrs
Onset 6-10 hrs
Onset 12-24 hrs
Onset 24-48 hrs
Onset 24-72 hrs
Colace 100-250 mg PO daily-TID prn (up to 250
mg PO BID)5
Growth
G-CSF (Neupogen) 5 mcg/kg Sub-Q daily, given
D/C after ANC > 2000
Factors
at 2200 daily because of cost-containment
issues (available in bulk vials of 300 mcg and
420 mcg).
Pegylated G-CSF (Neulasta)
Epogen/Procrit 150 units/kg Sub-Q QMWF
Electrolytes
See Renal Section
Iron: Oral: Ferrous sulfate 325 mg PO TID, use
colace along with repletion
IV: Venofer 100 mg IVPB daily x 10 days
Consider adjunctive iron use in patients on
Epogen/Procrit
Pain Control
See Narcotic Section
1 Use with caution, may not be available without special approval
2 Use with caution, significant adverse effects
3 Binding resin, interferes with the PO absorption of many medications. Use as a third or
fourth line agent
4 Beware of significant electrolyte shifts that can occur with osmotic agents. Use
magnesium containing products with caution in renal patients
5 Beware of the significant sodium load with Colace. Use with caution in CHF patients
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Heparin
1. Check baseline coags
2. Dosing
- ACS (unstable angina, STEMI, NSTEMI), “low intensity”
- 60 units/kg IV bolus (max: 5,000 units)
- 12 units/kg/hour gtt
- DVT/PE, “high intensity”
- 80 units/kg IV bolus
- 18 units/kg/hour gtt
3. Check PTT in 6 hours and adjust as follows (round to 50 units/hr increment):
DVT/PE (“high intensity”): Goal PTT: 78-115
PTT:
Hold Infusion:
<60
61-77
78-115
116-132
1 hour
>132
1 hour
Rate Adjustment:
Ç 2.5 units/kg/hr
Ç 1 unit/kg/hr
No Change
È 1 unit/kg/hr
È 2.5 units/kg/hr
Next PTT:
4 hr
4 hr
Next AM
4 hr
4 hr
ACS (“low intensity”): Goal PTT: 70-101
PTT:
Hold Infusion:
<57
57-69
70-101
102-114
1 hour
>114
1 hour
Rate Adjustment:
Ç 3 units/kg/hr
Ç 1.5 units/kg/hr
No Change
È 1.5 units/kg/hr
È 3 units/kg/hr
Next PTT:
4 hr
4 hr
Next AM
4 hr
4 hr
*Note: Pts get a significant fluid load with heparin. In addition, heparin is usually mixed in
D5W, and thus pts can become hyponatremic. Consider writing to have heparin mixed in
NS if needed.
**Note: On the floor, the pharmacy can dose the heparin gtt for you, simply write an order,
“Heparin per pharmacy protocol” and the gtt and PTT checks will be carried out. Consider
also “Coumadin per pharmacy protocol” if outpatient anticoagulation is planned. In the
ICU, you will have to dose both of these medications, but do not hesitate to ask any of the
ICU pharmacists for assistance if needed; they are VERY helpful
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Alcohol Withdrawal
Taken from The Hospitalist Handbook, UCSF School of Medicine, 2004
Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment Scale for Alcohol, Revised (CIWA-AR)
Nausea and vomiting
0 No nausea or vomiting
1
2
3
4 Intermittent nausea with dry heaves
5
6
7 Constant nausea, frequent dry heaves
and vomiting
Headache
0 Not present
1 Very mild
2 Mild
3 Moderate
4 Moderately Severe
5 Severe
6 Very Severe
7 Exteremely Severe
Paroxysmal sweats
0 No sweats visible
1 Barely perceptible sweating, palms moist
2
3
4 Beads of sweat obvious on forehead
5
6
7 Drenching sweats
Auditory disturbances
0 Not present
1 Very mild harshness or ability to frighten
2 Mild harshness or ability to frighten
3 Moderate harshness or ability to frighten
4 Moderately severe hallucinations
5 Severe hallucinations
6 Extremely severe hallucinations
7 Continuous hallucinations
Anxiety
0 No anxiety, at east
1
2
3
4 Moderately anxious, guarded
5
6
7 Acute panic state, consistent with severe
delirium or acute schizophrenia
Visual disturbances
0 Not present
1 Very mild photosensitivity
2 Mild photosensitivity
3 Moderate photosensitivity
4 Moderately severe visual hallucinations
5 Severe visual hallucinations
6 Extremely severe visual hallucinations
7 Continuous visual hallucinations
Agitation
0 Normal activity
1 Somewhat more than normal activity
2
3
4 Moderately fidgety and restless
5
6
7 Paces back and forth during most of
interview or constantly thrashes about
Tremor
0 No tremor
1 Not visible but can be felt on fingertips
2
3
4 Moderate when patient’s hand extended
5
6
7 Severe, even with arms not extended
Tactile disturbances
0 None
1 Very mild paresthesias
2 Mild paresthesias
3 Moderate paresthesias
4 Moderately severe hallucinations
5 Severe hallucinations
6 Extremely severe hallucinations
7 Continuous hallucinations
Orientation and clouding of sensorium
0 Oriented and can do serial additions
1 Cannot do serial additions
2 Disoriented for date by no more than 2 calendar
days
3 Disoriented for date by more than 2 calendar days
4 Disoriented for place or person
TOTAL SCORE IS THE SUM OF EACH ITEM SCORE
MAX=67
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CSMC CIWA Protocol
1. Mechanism: multifactorial; withdrawal symptoms are the opposite of depressant effects
of ETOH: increased adrenergic, serotonergic, and cholinergic activity
2. For all alcohol withdrawal hospitalizations, evaluate for co-morbid medical conditions
(alcoholic hepatitis, pancreatitis, liver failure, gastrointestinal bleed, infection,
trauma, hypoglycemia, co-ingestions, arrhythmias, dilated cardiomyopathy,
altered electrolytes). Treat with:
- Thiamine, multivitamins, folate
- Hydrate and correct electrolytes
- Follow blood sugars and always give glucose before giving thiamine
- Restrain for safety PRN
- Seizure precautions if deemed at risk
- Substance abuse counseling services referral (if available)
- Charcoal is not helpful with alcohol intoxication
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3. Tremulousness: 6-36 hours after last drink, occurs in 75-100%
- Signs/ Symptoms: Irritable, hypervigilant, diaphoretic, GI upset, tachycardia,
HTN, coarse tremor of hands, tongue wag. Resolves in 24-48 hr
- Treatment: Thiamine 100 mg IV x 3 d, MVI, Folate. Ativan or Valium per CIWA
guidelines. Consider beta-blockers for uncontrolled HTN
4. Seizures: 6-48 hours after last drink; an early phenomenon
- Signs/ Symptoms: Generalized tonic-clonic seizures, post-ictal state. If the
patient is febrile, seizure is focal in onset, or if the patient has no
history of seizure, evaluate for secondary seizure (LP, CT,
electrolytes, tox screen, etc.)
- Treatment: Treat as other seizures with Ativan. No need to load DPH unless
patient has focal seizures, brain injury, or is supposed to be on
anticonvulsants for other reasons (epilepsy, etc.)
5. Alcoholic hallucinations: 25% of patients within 12-48 hours after the last drink
- Signs/ Symptoms: Unlike DTs, patient’s sensorium is clear except for primarily
visual hallucinations
- Treatment: Follow CIWA protocol, thiamine, MVI, folate. Consider Haldol 1-2
mg Q 1 hour prn severe hallucinations (careful: may lower sz
threshold!!!)
6. Delirium tremens: 2-7 days after last drink. 4-5% of patients: this is a MEDICAL
EMERGENCY-5% mortality (often due to PNA or arrhythmia)
- Signs/Symptoms: Lasts 2-5 days to weeks. Clouded consciousness, delerium,
diaphoresis, agitation, hallucinations (visual> tactile> auditory),
hypertension, tachycardia, low grade fever (<38.5)
- Treatment: Thiamine, Folate, MVI, replete electrolytes, rule out infection. Admit
to telemetry. Benzos per CIWA protocol. Ativan is usually preferred
due to IV route. May require gtt. Haldol 1-2 mg Q 1 hour prn severe
agitation/hallucination/delirium
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Pain Control
General Points:
- Write holding parameters for all narcotic (and benzo) medications (e.g., “hold
for RR < 8 or sedation”)
- Route of administration
- IVP: Rapid onset
- IVPB: Useful in patients in pain, but seeking a “rush”
(e.g., Dilaudid 1 mg IVPB over 10-20 mins
Q3hr prn pain)
- SQ: Slower onset vs. IV, but absorption is slower, and thus has a
longer effect
- PO: Slowest onset, but still equally efficacious at pain relief
Patients can be divided into three categories regarding pain control: acute pain, chronic
pain without acute increase in pain, and chronic pain with acute increase in pain
Patients with acute pain (e.g., pancreatitis, cellulitis): begin with just prn medications to
assess how much pain medication the patient will require. The biggest mistake made in
these patients is underdosing of pain medications
- Start with Morphine 2-4 mg IV/SQ Q4hr prn pain for moderate pain and adjust
as needed
- May use breakthrough doses as needed, either as a supplemental dose or at
an increased frequency (e.g., Morphine 2 mg IV Q2hr prn
breakthrough pain)
- Note starting dose listed in Pharmacopeia is Morphine 10 mg IV for acute,
severe pain
For patients with chronic pain, without an acute increase in pain, simply continue their
outpatient regiment
For patients with chronic pain, with acute exacerbation of pain, the key to pain control is to
continuous readjustment
1. Ask the patient if they have a home regimen. Begin with medications as close to the
home regimen as possible
2. Always have a long-acting pain medication for basal control e.g., MS Contin 30mg BID
3. For breakthrough pain medications (SQ or IV or PO), know the half-life
- e.g., Dilaudid only lasts ~3h when given IV, so don’t make it Q4h prn
4. The following morning, add up how much pain medication the patient used
- do not forget to convert narcotics to a common equivalent, because Dilaudid 1
mg does not equal Morphine 1 mg
- Use this total as the NEW baseline amount, dividing BID or TID
- continue with the old prn system
- recalculate every morning, until the pt reports good pain control
Example:
- MS Contin 30 mg BID for long acting so, pt uses 60 mg in 24h
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- Morphine 5 mg IV Q3hr prn for breakthrough, if pt asks for breakthrough dose
6 times, the pt uses 30 mg in 24h
1. Conversion: Morphine 30mg IV = about 90 mg PO
2. Total: 90 mg (breakthrough equivalent) + 60 mg (long-acting) = 150 mg
3. Divide this for new long acting: MS Contin 75 mg BID
4. Keep same breakthrough dose: Morphine 5 mg IV Q3hr prn
5. Recalculate the next morning.
Pain Medication Equivalencies
Adapted from Tarascon Pharmacopoeia Deluxe, 2006, and UCLA Internal Medicine Inpatient Housestaff Handbook,
2005-2006
Medication:
PO:
IV/SQ/IM:
Fentanyl1
N/A
0.1 mg
Dilaudid (hydromorphone)
7.5 mg
1.5 mg
Morphine
30 mg, 60 mg2
10 mg
Meperidine3
300 mg
100 mg
Oxycodone
30 mg
N/A
Hydrocodone
30 mg
N/A
Codeine
130 mg
75 mg
1 Fentanyl is available as the Duragesic transdermal patch, 50 mcg/hr ≈ Morphine 100
mg PO total dose per day
2 30 mg used with divided/ATC dosing, 60 mg if short-acting, one-time dose
3 Doses should be limited to <600 mg/24 hours, total duration of use <48 hours. Not
available in CSMC ED at all. Use STRONGLY discouraged on floors except for
rigors
Steroid Equivalencies - Adapted from Tarascon Pharmacopoeia Deluxe, 2006
*Note: PO steroids enjoy excellent bioavailability; use them!
Medication:
Equivalent Dose:
Relative Antiinflammatory
Potency:
Cortisone
25 mg
0.8
Hydrocortisone
20 mg
1
Dexamethasone
0.75 mg
20-30
Prednisolone
5 mg
4
Methylprednisolone
4 mg
5
Prednisone
5 mg
4
Fludrocortisone
N/A
10
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Intern Survival Guide
Page 79 of 88
Relative
Mineralocorticoid
Potency:
2
2
0
1
0
1
125
Mini-Mental State Exam
Adapted from Folstein et. al: J Psych Res 12:189, 1975
Question:
Orientation
Registration
Attention
and
Calculation
Recall
Language
Year, Season, Date, Day, Month
State, Country, Town, Building, Floor
Name three words (Apple, Honesty,
Wind)
Record number of trials to learn
Serial 7’s (93, 86, 79,72, 65) or Spell
“World” backwards (dlrow)
Recall 3 objects above
Name a pencil and a watch
Repeat, “No ifs, ands, or buts”
Follow a 3-step command (Take a paper
in your right hand, fold it in half, and put
it on the floor)
Read and obey (Close your eyes)
Write a Sentence
Copy intersecting pentagons
Max Score:
5
5
3
Patient Score:
–
5
3
2
1
3
1
1
1
Total
30
*Note: A score of less than 24 points is suggestive of dementia or delirium with a
sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 82% (from Crum RM et. al., “Population-based norms
for the Mini-Mental State Examination by age and educational level.” JAMA 1993 May
12;269(18):2386-91)
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Intern Survival Guide
Page 80 of 88
Pager and Phone Directory
Pagers
Dialing Instructions
- IN-HOUSE ACCESS: dial 103 then enter the 4-digit pager number and then call-back
number
- FROM OUTSIDE CEDARS: dial 310-423-5520 then enter the 4-digit pager number
and then call-back number
Chief Residents
Peter Chung 2690
Alexis Peraino 2691
Ward Pagers
Medicine Admitting Resident 1875
Red Cross-Cover 1874
Blue Cross-Cover 1876
Green Cross-Cover 1877
Gold Cross-Cover 1879
Senior-In-House 4946
Medicine Consult 4946
Faculty Attending On Call 229-4091
House Physician 1878
Surgery Resident On-Call 0946
Please check on-call schedule on Cedars Clinical Workstation Home Page for appropriate
resident.
Psychiatry Consult Liaison 2333
Anesthesiolgy 0689/1392
Cardiology CCU Fellow 2266
Endocrinology 4455
Gastroenterology 2249
Infectious Disease 5707
Nephrology 2222
Neurology 2551
Pediatric Ward Resident 0731
Pediatric ICU Resident 0931
Podiatry 3704
Renal Transplant 4321
Transfusion Medicine 1700
CCU Intern 3-8264
CCU Resident 3-8233
RICU Intern 3-7997
RICU Resident 3-7950
MICU Intern 3-7867
MICU Resident 3-7860
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
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Phone Numbers
Dialing Instructions:
In-house: Dial 3-XXXX
Outside: Dial 310-423-XXXX
Numbers beginning with 6-XXXX CANNOT receive calls
MAIN OPERATOR PHONE NUMBER 109, 423-CEDARS (3-3277)
AHF
Main 310-688-7200
Hollywood 323-662-0492
Dr. Laveeza Bhapti 310-657-9353
ext 5633
leave message with pt's info,
resident's pager, any info resident
needs to care for pt
ADMISSIONS 3-3778
ANESTHESIOLOGY 3-5841
pagers 0689/1392
BED RESERVATIONS 3-3761
BIOETHICS 3-9636
BLOOD BANK 3-5411
On-call fellow p. 1517
BLOOD GAS LAB 3-5196
CAFETERIA 3-4541
Hours: 6:30AM-12 AM daily
CANCER CENTER 3-8030
CARDIOLOGY
Cath lab 3-3975
EKG 3-4851
Echo/stress Testing 3-4861
Holter 3-4857
Nuclear 3-4216
Outpatient Scheduling 3-8000
CARL BEAN 323-766-2326
CASE MANAGEMENT 3-3075
CENTRAL ISSUES 3-3224
CHAPLAIN 3-5550
CREDIT UNION 3-5540
DIABETES PROGRAM
DENTAL CONSULT 3-6339
DENTAL CLINIC 3-6361
DOTEC 3-3870
DIALYSIS UNIT (6-S) 3-6933
DIABETIC NURSE 3-5594
EIS HELP DESK 3-6428
ELLIS EYE CENTER 3-9992
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
Acute care 3-0808
Front desk 3-2295
Imaging 3-8734, 3-4900
Lab 3-6537
Sub-acute 3-0807
Triage 3-8605
EMPLOYEE HEALTH SERVICE
Appointments 3-3322
Needlestick Hotline 3-3322
ENDOCRINOLOGY 3-4774
EPIDEMIOLOGIST NURSE 3-5574
On-call 310-298-4360
FOOD SERVICES (hours listed under
individual headings
Cafeteria 3-4541
Plaza Café 3-4544
Starbuck’s
GASTROENTEROLOGY 3-6056
GI holding area 3-6146
IBD Center 3-7723 OR 3-4100
GIFT SHOP 3-5241
GYNE CONSULT 2680
HEME/ONCOLOGY 3-6487
Radiation Oncology 3-0645
HOME CARE SERVICES 3-9800
Referrals 3-9831
HOME INFUSION 3-9570
HOSPICE PROGRAM 3-9520
IMAGING
Copies (CD) 3-3691
CT 3-2228
Interventional/Neuro 3-2468
Mammography 3-2626
MRI 3-2674
Nuclear Medicine 3-4682
PACS 3-5500
Radiology 3-2723
Reading Room 3-5720
Taper Imaging 3-8000
Ultrasound 3-2263
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Vascular U/S 3-2887
INFECTIOUS DISEASES 3-3896
TB Liaison 3-3443
TB Public Health Lab 213-250-8670
INTERPRETER SVCS 3-5353
LAB COATS 3-0772
Hours: M-F 6-9 AM, 2-4 PM
LABORATORY (see also pathology/lab
medicine) 3-5431
Blood culture 3-2491
Blood Gas 3-5196
HLA typing 3-4979
Microbiology 3-4777
Phlebotomy 3-5394
LEGAL AFFAIRS 3-5708
LITHOTRIPSY/Stone Ctr 3-3741
LIVER OFFICE 3-2641
MEDICAL GENETICS 3-6451
MEDICAL LIBRARY 3-3751
MEDICAL MEDIA 3-2665
MEDICAL RECORDS 3-3331
Incomplete Charts 3-3738
METABOLIC SUPPORT TEAM (TPN)
3-6144
NEPHROLOGY 3-7880
NEUROLOGY 3-6472
EEG 3-6841
Stat EEG p1900
EMG 3-9844
NEUROSURGICAL INST. 3-7900
NURSING ADMIN. 3-5181
CPR Training 3-5189
OB/GYN 3-9942
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 3-6265
OPERATOR (MD line) 109, 3-3254
OUTPATIENT REHAB 3-9200
PAGE OVERHEAD 109
PAIN MANAGEMENT 3-5870
PARKING OFFICE 3-5535
PATHOLOGY/LAB MED 3-5431
AFB Bench 3-3134
Anatomic 3-6611
Autopsy Suite 3-5310
Blood Gas 3-5196
Bone Marrow 3-5471
Cytology 3-2363
Procedures 3-6199, 3-6621
Immunology 3-5571
Microbiology 3-4775
Phlebotomy 3-5394
Reference Lab 3-7445
Transfusion Med 3-5411
PATIENT LOCATION 3-2000
PATIENT RELATIONS 3-3683
PEDIATRICS 3-4431
Residency Program 3-4780
Ward Resident pager 0731
PICU Resident pager 0931
PHARMACY SERVICES
3rd Floor 3-5631
4th Floor 3-5633
5th Floor 3-5635
6TH Floor 3-5637
7TH Floor 3-5639
SCCT 3-6858
Drug Information 3-5640
Outpatient pharmacy 3-7484
PHYSICAL THERAPY 3-6281
PHYSICIAN REFERRALS
1-800-4-CEDARS or 3-3400
PICC SERVICE 3-1763
PLAZA CAFÉ 3-4544
Hours: M-F 7AM- 7PM
PODIATRY CONSULT p3704
PROCEDURE CENTER 3-6364
PSYCHIATRY
Residency 3-3481
Addiction Svcs 3-3411
Child psychiatry 3-3566
Consult Liaison 3-3465
Pager 2333
Information 3-3491
RN Station 3-E 3-3621
RN Station 3-W 3-3421
Thallians Admission 3-4714
Thallians partial hospitalization 30040
PULMONARY MEDICINE 3-4685
PFT 3-6330
Pulmonary Rehab 3-9566
RADIATION ONCOLOGY 3-4207
REHAB DEPT (7SW) 3-6765
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RESEARCH INSTITUTE 3-7602
RESP. THERAPY 3-6138/3-6175
RIDESHARE OFFICE 3-5789
RISK MANAGEMENT 3-5935
SECURITY 3-5511
SKULL BASE INSTITUTE 3-8091
SPEECH THERAPY 3-6287
SPINE INSTITUTE 3-9900
STARBUCK’S 3-6664
Hours: M-F 6AM-8PM, Sat 6AM-1PM
SURGERY 3-5874
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
General 3-3276
Beeper Repair 3-3261
Help Desk 3-6428
TRANSFER CENTER 3-2400
TRANSFUSION MEDICINE p1700
TRANSPLANTATION SERVICES
Bone Marrow 3-5351
Heart/Lung 3-2454
Kidney 3-4627
Liver/Pancreas 3-2641
VASCULAR LAB 3-2887
WOUND CARE 3-5646/3-4325
PATIENT CARE AREAS
WARDS
To call any inpatient ward, dial 3-0 +
ward location (e.g., 3-06SW)
Labor & Delivery 3-3601
3-NE 3-4301
3-NW 3-4305
3-SE 3-4311
3-SW 3-4315
4-NE 3-4401
4-NW 3-4406
4-SE 34411
4-SW 3-4415
5-NE 3-4581
5-NW 3-4585
5-SE 3-4591
5-SW 3-4595
6-NE 3-4651
6-NW 3-4655
6-SE 3-6881
6-SW 3-4665
7-NE 3-6751
7-NW 3-4222
7-SE 3-4661
7-SW 3-2920
8-NE 3-6871
8-NW 3-6875
8-SE 3-6883
8-SW 3-6882
SCCT
3N-UNIV 3-3UNN/3-3866
3S-UNIV 3-3UNS/3-3867
4N-ICU 3-4ICN/3-4426
4S-ICU 3-4ICS/3-4427
5N-ICU 3-5ICN/3-5426
5S-ICU 3-5ICS/3-5427
6N-CSICU 3-6CSN/3-6276
6S-CICU 3-6CIS/3-6247
7N-MICU 3-7MIN/3-7646
7S-RICU 3-7RIS/3-7747
8N-SICU 3-8SIN/3-8746
8S-SICU 3-8SIS/3-8747
ORs
3RD Floor 3-4351
6TH Floor 3-5671
7TH Floor 3-5731
8TH Floor 3-5136
PACUs
3RD Floor 3-4363
6TH Floor 3-5677
7TH Floor 3-5737
8TH Floor 3-5158
CLINICS
ACC
Appt Desk 3-2802/3
Physicians 3-6327
Back Room 3-6354
Cashier 3-6331
Coumadin Clinic 3-2710
Dentistry 3-6361
Drug info center 3-5640
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Emergency Line 3-2020
Mailbox #76480
Password #76480
Laboratory 3-6365
Nurses’ Station 3-6351
Pharmacy 3-5606
For patients 3-5604
Physician Line 3-2811
Procedure Ctr 3-6364
Resident Scheduling
Betsy Macalino 3-2812
ACC Social Work 3-6346
Triage Clinic 3-6341
Jeffery Goodman Clinic 323-993-7500
LA Mission 213-893-1960
Fax: 213-893-1967
LA Free 323-653-8622
323-330-1610
Parking lot code 8622
Clinica Oscar Romero 213-989-7700
Valley Clinic 818-763-0726
Venice Family 310-664-7627
MEDICINE RESIDENCY
Virna Chan 3-5161
Cassie Evans 3-2924
Judy Jacobs 3-4658
Lee Lipinski 3-4612
Peter Chung 3-5586
Alexis Peraino 3-5585
Fax (Rm 5610) 3-0052
OUTSIDE HOSPITALS
UCLA 310-825-4321
Paging System 1-800-BEEP-231
www.mednet.ucla.edu
USC 323-226-2622
Medical Records 323-226-6118
Olive View (San Fernando Valley)
OVMC 818-364-4411
OVMC-ED 818-364-3644
Medicine Dept 818-364-3205
Medicine On-Call (p) 818-372-6803
Cedars Intern (p) 818-313-1714
Sepulveda VA (PACE)
Chief Residents 818-891-7711
(x2178)
West LA VA Medical Center
Chief Residents 310-2683191/3626
Main Hospital 310-478-3711
Harbor UCLA Medical Center
Chief’s Office 310-222-2490
Kaiser Medical Records
323-783-5291
Fax 323-783-5200
Midway Medical Records
323-932-5008
Fax 323-932-5053
Queen of Angels/Hollywood Pres
213-413-3000
California Hospital 213-742-5580
Rancho Los Amigos 562-401-7111
Email Info
Cedars-Sinai Housestaff Email Address Format:
FirstName.LastName@cshs.org
Web Access: https://webmail.csmc.edu
POP3 Server Name: POPMAIL.CSMC.EDU
Useful Websites
http://www.amion.com
- Medicine Residency: “cedarsim”
- House Physician Schedule: “HouseDoc”
- Medicine Attendings: “cedarsmed”
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Intern Survival Guide
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https://www.new-innov.com/Login
- Rotation evaluations
- Resident evaluations
- Faculty evaluations
- Housestaff surveys
- Rotation curricula
- Procedure logs
http://web/gimportal (accessible only from intranet)
- ACC Curriculum (links to articles)
- CICU Intern/Resident Guide
- Critical Care Curriculum
- Medicine Consult Curriculum
- Housestaff Survival Guide
http://www.ccmtutorials.com (Critical Care Medicine site)
http://www.csmc.edu/clinws (CSMC Off-Campus Resources)
http://www.geocities.com/wells4pe (Josh Pevnick’s site which lets you calculated pre-test
probability for PE)
http://www.google.com (consider "Google Scholar" and "images" for dermatologic
diseases)
http://www.icsi.org/knowledge/browse_bydate.asp?catID=178 (Institute for Clinical
Systems Improvement order sets)
http://www.nejm (New England Journal of Medicine)
http://www.medicine.ucsf.edu/housestaff/handbook (UCSF Hospitalist Handbook)
http://www.utdol.com (UpToDate)
http://www.walterreedmedicine.com (Walter Reed Residents’ Page – Excellent
tools/worksheets)
http://web.csmc.edu/mlic/resources/thirdlevel/samedinter.html (ACP Medicine formerly
Scientific American Medicine Online)
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Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
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