A-a gradient
March 25, 2018A-a gradient = Alveolar Oxygen – arterial Oxygen This is “relatively” simple way of working out if the paO2 on a ABG is normal, and demonstrates… Read more
Acidosis & VBG’s
October 4, 2019We are frequently asked to check the lactate on Venous Blood Gases (VBG’s), by the nursing staff. However, remember to look at the first result… Read more
Are You CO Aware?
October 24, 2018With the onset of colder weather, many households in the UK are turning on their heating for the first time in months. Heating appliances need… Read more
Asthma – Adult
December 24, 2017Asthma is common and potentially fatal. Severity – Severe or Life threatening – think RESUS Treatment within 30 min – bronchodilators and steroids should bee… Read more
COPD – exacerbations
December 22, 2017COPD patients vary widely, due to their comorbidities, social circumstances, and wishes. So choosing the best treatment pathway for the patient can be complex. Involve… Read more
COPD think VBG
February 18, 2018We have recently introduced the use of VBG in COPD. Why Change? Pain – we all know and warn our patients ABG’s are painful. Patients… Read more
Influenza POCT (Adult)
December 20, 2018Flu season 2018-9 is here and we need to think about Influenza PCR testing POCT role-out has been delayed, however, please consider need for Tamiflu/Oseltamivir in… Read more
New: MERS Standard Operating Procedure
August 22, 2019Please see the updated SOP for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Make sure you are familiar with this protocol and for anymore information please contact… Read more
Pneumonia – Paeds
December 24, 2017CAP is far less common than URTI’s, however, it needs to be considered within your differentials. Depending on severity there is a guide to investigation… Read more
Pneumonia (Community Acquired)
March 9, 2018BTS Definition of CAP Signs of acute Lower Respiratory Tract illness (LRTI) [Cough] &: ≥1 other LRTI Symptom [Pleuritic pain, Tachypnea, Dyspnea, etc] New Focal Chest… Read more
Pneumothorax – Medical ones
December 20, 2017To drain or not to drain – that is the question (Follow the BTS algorithm).This is not for Tension! Suggestion: Large pneumothorax consider placing a Seldinger drain… Read more
Pulmonary Embolism – PE
December 20, 2017PE is somehow both the most over and under diagnosed condition. with severity ranging from the questionable sub-segmental PE to the Massive PE (an indication… Read more
Pulmonary Embolism in Pregnancy
July 19, 2019Unfortunately the the normal pathway for investigation of PE performs poorly in pregnancy RCOG have the following pathway 1. Investigation – of suspected PE Clinical… Read more
Scombroid Poisoning- NOT another fishy allergy
April 19, 2018Scombroid poisoning (AKA – Histamine fish poisoning) is apparently more common than we think and accounts for 40% of seafood related illness in the USA… Read more
