MM12: When CPR becomes DNR
MedMechanix
Ever worry about knowing when to stop the code? Today we discuss medical futility and the components that help you to recognize it. We also go through tips about talking to families, filling out the death certificate and who goes to autopsy.
info_outline
MM11: When to Admit
MedMechanix
Knowing when to admit your patient can get tricky, today we will increase your admission acumen! In this episode, we discuss 6 specific categories that can be used to help admit patients you are on the fence about. We discuss factors involved in how admission in determined and cover a few examples. Intended for medical providers in all specialties.
info_outline
MM10: All the Nausea Pathways
MedMechanix
Walk down the 4 pathways that lead to vomiting, learn to organize types of nausea, how vomiting reflex works, and explore how to choose between antiemetics.
info_outline
MM9: Do Umbrellas cause the Rain?
MedMechanix
Join us for an exploration of why COVID medical data was so confusing and tools that you can use to interpret medical testing and data. With guest Dr. Natalie Alexander, we cover the politicization of medical data, understanding what is behind medical testing, not mistaking treatment for prevention, the hierarchy of studies and more!
info_outline
MM8: OTC Med Guide
MedMechanix
Join us for a basic guide to over the counter medications for providers. We will cover cough, runny nose, allergies, acid reflux, pain, antifungals. We also go over guidelines on how to choose the right combination cold and flu medications.
info_outline
MM7: Anatomy of a CBC
MedMechanix
Dissect the anatomy of complete blood count (CBC)! Explore how to better interpret the components of cbc, which are most important and how to use them in clinical practice. We discuss the differential, left shift, bandemia, RBC morphology, hemolysis and more!
info_outline
MM6: Imaging Unzipped - Contrast
MedMechanix
Check out the second episode in unzipping the confusion of imaging studies where we explore contrast. How contrast works, the types of contrast, when to use contrast and when not to are just some of the topics discussed in this episode. We also tackle contrast allergies and contrast nephropathy with a bonus on incidental findings.
info_outline
MM5: Imaging Unzipped - Ordering Options
MedMechanix
The first of two episodes dedicated to unzip the basics of ordering medical imaging. This episode focuses on differentiating the 4 main imaging modalities, with a brief introduction on why Imaging is so dang hard and we wrap up with a quick quiz to help empower you to better understand medical imaging.
info_outline
MM4: PostOp Complications (for nonsurgeons)
MedMechanix
Today we go over common clinical post op complications with emphasis on clinical highlights for the non-surgeon providers.
info_outline
MM3: Dialysis Unzipped
MedMechanix
Unzipping the ins & outs of dialysis labs, the types of dialysis, indications for emergent dialysis, treating resistant hypertension and so much more!
info_outlineThere are two different pain pathways (for this talk):
- the neurotransmitter substance P and its friends who are released in response to tissue damage.
- stretching nociceptors that represents the discomfort, inflammation or more specifically stretching of our visceral organs.
These pathways are different kinds of painful stimuli in the brain & are hard to express. Thus descriptive pain categories like : throbbing, cramping, achy, bloating, pulling, sharp, stabbing, burning, shooting and so many more.
In school we learn “textbooks patterns” of pain (like crampy episodic RUQ pain = gallbladder) but these patterns are imperfect == atypical presentations of diseases
To discuss specific agents refer to the PDF Pain Chart
BONUS: Marijuana Info
More & more patients will be looking to us --the medical professionals-- for information and opinions. It is important to educate ourselves with facts, regardless of opinions. To start there are two different chemical compound categories.
- Terpenoids which are found the in glands of the cannabis flower that help influence the uptake of the other categories
- Phytocannabinoids: THC & CBD. Both of these compounds have benefits and serious SE but neither of them are currently regulated.
- THC: found in 1964, effects include: increased appetite & muscle relaxation, decreased nausea/vomiting & pain/inflammation SE: dizziness, somnolence, dry mouth, anxiety, psychosis, cyclical vomiting
- CBD: found in the 1940s with same structure as THC but in a different structure, has no addiction potential (can't bind to the receptor), studies found significant positive use in: epilepsy, anxiety, huntingtons disease, ALS, MS, arthritis. It also stops conversion of THC into metabolite that causes psychosis.
Right now, CBD is legal to sell anywhere and is what most of my patients are asking about.
My concern with prescribing CBD: The FDA does not regulate quality of brands, so you don't know what your patients are getting.
To learn more about the topic, I go to Harvard’s answer page. I took their continuing medEd class for $200 and I found it politics and opinion-free.
To learn about choosing opiate pain medications, check out last week's episode. Or if you would like handier notes for on-shift or in-clinic reference: PDF Pain Chart
Do you have questions? feedback? topic suggestions? Leave me a comment below and I'll get back to you.