Brachial Arterial Line: A Systematic Review of Sorts

Since I've started working at my new institution, I've placed two brachial arterial lines and an axillary line. As any intensivist will admit, if you're looking elsewhere from the radial, it means that the patient is pretty sick and you need some results quickly. While performing this procedure, I've received strange looks from the nurses …

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Lithium Toxicity: Dialyze or Monitor these Patients?

Lithium toxicity is something we confront in the intensive care unit. (Hypothetical) Case scenario: Patient comes in, accidental overdose of lithium, HD stable, physical exam unremarkable, labs pristine, lithium level of 2.x. Poison control called. ED interventions performed flawlessly. Nephro consulted in the ED and recommends HD if level is above (insert arbitrary number here). …

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