Cannot miss / life threats
Cannot miss / life threats
Differential diagnosis — checklist
0/19
Check off each diagnosis as you consider it. Tap the name for unique exam, lab/imaging clues, first-line confirmatory test, and management.
Pulmonary0/8
Cardiac0/4
Metabolic0/4
Other0/3
Initial ED workup
Bedside0/4
- SpO₂ + waveform
- ECG
- Lung POCUS (B-lines, sliding, effusion)
- Cardiac POCUS
Labs0/4
- VBG/ABG
- BNP, troponin
- CBC, BMP, lactate
- D-dimer (risk-stratified)
Imaging0/3
- CXR
- CTA chest if PE risk
- Echo for cardiac cause
Initial management0/4
- O₂ to SpO₂ ≥ 94% (88–92% in COPD)
- Sit upright, NIV (BiPAP) for CHF/COPD if tolerated
- Bronchodilators ± steroids for obstructive disease
- Nitro + diuretic for cardiogenic pulmonary edema