To perform a diagnostic test we take body samples and measure the presence and quantity of a specific substance. We then compare that value to standardized ranges to help rule in or rule out the presence of pathology. One way we do this is by calculating sensitivity. A diagnostic test is accurate when: This doesContinue reading “Statistics: How to Calculate Sensitivity”
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Renal Injury: What You Need to Know
Normal Renal Function The kidneys has many roles including filtration of blood to remove waste. Within the kidneys waste is filtered at the glomerulus. Waste exists the kidneys via the tubules as urine. Filtered blood is returned to the body. Categories of Renal Injury There are three broad categories of renal injury based on whereContinue reading “Renal Injury: What You Need to Know”
MUDPILES: The One Shared Trait that Leads to Acidosis
MUDPILES is a long-standing acronym that is used to quickly recall the likely causes of high anion gap metabolic acidosis but it usually stops right there. How do the components cause acidosis? Why is it important to know the how? Understanding vs Memorizing As our patients increasingly present with more complex comorbidities the straight pathwayContinue reading “MUDPILES: The One Shared Trait that Leads to Acidosis”
How to Calculate Osmolarity in 4 Easy Steps
Osmolarity is a measure of concentration. Concentration, regardless of the different units that can be used, is the ratio of mass and quantity. When concentration is expressed as osmolarity, mass is the number of osmoles and quantity is volume in liters. When is Osmolarity Useful Osmolarity permeates many aspects of medicine: Homeostasis The concept ofContinue reading “How to Calculate Osmolarity in 4 Easy Steps”
Alligation Calculations Made Easy using Intuitive Equations
Alligation is a mathematical technique used to determine the quantity of 2 concentrations needed to create a desired concentration. The desired concentration will have a value somewhere in the range of the 2 starting concentrations. There are 2 ways to perform alligation calculations: This unit focuses on the use of intuitive equations. Take a lookContinue reading “Alligation Calculations Made Easy using Intuitive Equations”
How to Perform Alligation Calculations: Grid Method
When faced with complex dosing problems, understanding alligation calculations can be crucial for determining the right proportions of solutions in pharmaceutical preparations. Clinical scenario: The neonatologist orders D12% for a 2 day old neonate. What would you do? Chat GPT or Google? On a 2 day old? Even the most trusted clinical calculators have theContinue reading “How to Perform Alligation Calculations: Grid Method”
How to Calculate Milliequivalents in 3 Easy Steps
Why is calculation of milliequivalents so difficult? Dare I say, it is often taught in a way that does not foster understanding. If you are just memorizing equations and canceling out units to calculate milliequivalents we are going to change that. That strategy may be sufficient to pass an exam but isn’t very useful beyondContinue reading “How to Calculate Milliequivalents in 3 Easy Steps”
Read an ABG in 4 Simple Steps
Arterial Blood Gas Terminology Arterial blood gas (ABGs) are drawn from arterial blood and measures the concentration of concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood among other things. Everything we will discuss is centered around the goal of maintaining a normal blood pH. The general term used for pathologies surrounding blood pH isContinue reading “Read an ABG in 4 Simple Steps”