ED Mnemonics

Version 1.1 ED Mnemonics 7/08/2012Surgical SieveVascularInfective/inflammatoryTraumaticAutoimmuneMetabolic/toxicIatrogenic/idiopathicNeoplasticSupportive ManagementFluidAnalgesia, antiemetics, antibioticsSugar controlTemperature controlIndwelling urinary catheterNaso-/orogastric tubeGastric protectionCongenitalDegenerativeEndocrineFunctional (Psychiatric)DVT prophylaxisOxygenPsychiatricElectrolytesSocial supportCT in Minor Head Injury (GCS 14-15) – Nexus IIBehaviour alteredEmesis>2Age>65Neurological deficitsToxin-induced seizuresVenlafaxineIsoniazidPethidineOrganophosphatesTricyclic antidepressants, tramadolInsulin (hypoglycaemia)Sympathomimetics, salicylates, strychnine,synthetic cannabinoids (Spice)Dialysable toxinsLithium – severe, chronic ODCarbamazepine – massive ODK (Potassium) OD – life-threatening hyperK +Salicylates – severe late acute OD or chronic OD with ↓LOCTheophyllineAlcohols (toxic): Ethylene glycol & methanolMetformin-induced lactic acidosisPhenobarbitone - comaSodium valproate – massive ODBleeding risk – anticoags, aspirinAltered consciousnessSkull # suspectedHaematoma of scalpCocaine, camphor, COAmphetamines, anticholinergics, atypicalantipsychoticsMethylxanthines (theophylline, caffeine)Phencyclidine (PCP), propoxypheneBotanicals (e.g., water hemlock), bath salts,BDZ withdrawal, bupropionEthanol withdrawalLithium, leadLignocaine, lindane

Serotonin Syndrome Drugs (usually >2 involved)VenlafaxineOpioids (fentanyl, pethidine)TramadolEcstasy + amphetaminesNa-channel Blockers (risk of ventricular dysrhythmias & seizures)Antimalarials – chloroquine, quinineBeta blocker - propanolol onlyCarbamazepineDextropropoxypheneSources of bleeding in traumaScalpChestAbdomenLong bonesPelvisExternalRetroperitoneumAntidepressants (SSRI, TCA, St. John’s Wort)LiLSDVenlafaxineIa (procainamide, quinidine) & Ic (flecainide)antiarrhythmicsTCAAntipsychotic – thioridazineLAs – bupivacaine, ropivacaine, cocaine