Summary
During a busy shift, it is easy to just call a runny nose a runny nose. However, we have to stay alert for life-threatening pathologies for seemingly simple chief complaints, as early identification of such cases can reduce morbidity and associated complications. Nothing beats a thorough physical exam and history. Be aware of your own anchoring bias and identify it when you sense it affecting your care. Take the time and effort to get a clear and detailed history from the patient. And remember, not all clear fluid is good.
Explore This Issue
ACEP Now: Vol 39 – No 08 – August 2020
Ms. Hinton is a fourth-year medical student at University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurura who is interested in emergency medicine.
Dr. Trop is an attending physician in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
References
- Dabdoub C, Salas G, Silveira ED, et al. Review of the management of pneumocephalus. Surg Neuro Int. 2015;6:155.
- Vacca VM. Pneumocephalus assessment and management. Nurs Crit Care. 2017;12(4):24-29.
- Schirmer CM, Heilman CB, Bhardwaj A. Pneumocephalus: case illustrations and review. Neurocrit Care. 2010;13(1):152-158.
- Schievink WI. Spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leaks and intracranial hypotension. JAMA. 2006;295(19):2286-2296.
Pages: 1 2 | Single Page
No Responses to “Case Report: Persistent Runny Nose Follows Upper Respiratory Infection”