Beta Blocker Overdose: A Case for High-Fidelity Simulation in Emergency Medicine

Abstract

OPEN ACCESSJanuary 7, 2010Beta Blocker Overdose: A Case for High-Fidelity Simulation in Emergency Medicine Michael Fitch, MD, PhD, Corey Heitz, MD, Grant Williams, MD, Jennifer Hannum, MD, Ethan Freeborn, MD Michael Fitch, MD, PhD Wake Forest School of Medicine of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center Google Scholar More articles by this author , Corey Heitz, MD Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Google Scholar More articles by this author , Grant Williams, MD Central Texas Medical Center Google Scholar More articles by this author , Jennifer Hannum, MD Wake Forest University School of Medicine Google Scholar More articles by this author , Ethan Freeborn, MD Carilion New River Valley Medical Center Google Scholar More articles by this author https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.7739 SectionsAbout ToolsDownload Citations ShareFacebookTwitterEmail AbstractThis educational resource provides the information and materials for a high-fidelity simulation case suitable for resident physicians in emergency medicine. This case is currently in use at Wake Forest University in North Carolina and Wright State University in Ohio for emergency medicine residents completing educational time in emergency department simulation programs. This case has been used for the past 3 years and has recently been edited and expanded to its existing form.The resource contains a high-fidelity patient simulation case involving a patient presenting with fatigue and weakness. Evaluation in the emergency department demonstrates bradycardia and worsening hemodynamic status from beta-adrenergic antagonist toxicity. Appropriate treatment with glucagon and vasopressors will allow stabilization of the patient. Debriefing materials are provided to illustrate and stimulate discussion of the important concepts for diagnosing and treating patients with beta-blocker toxicity.This case is currently in use for emergency medicine residents completing required educational time in an emergency medicine simulation program. This scenario has been presented for small groups of three to four participants, and has been field-tested approximately eight times over the past 3 years. All participants have been PGY1, PGY2, and PGY3 emergency medicine residents. Educational Objectives By the end of this session, learners will be able to: Demonstrate an appropriate initial approach to a patient with hypotension and bradycardia.Consider toxicological causes for the patient's presentation.Demonstrate appropriate management of beta blocker poisoning.Develop a differential diagnosis for hypotension and bradycardia.Identify treatment failure of standard therapies such as intravenous fluids and atropine.Describe treatment options for beta blocker poisoning. Sign up for the latest publications from MedEdPORTAL Add your email below FILES INCLUDEDReferencesRelatedDetails FILES INCLUDED Included in this publication: Beta Blocker Overdose.pdf To view all publication components, extract (i.e., unzip) them from the downloaded .zip file. Download editor’s noteThis publication may contain technology or a display format that is no longer in use. CitationFitch M, Heitz C, Williams G, Hannum J, Freeborn E. Beta Blocker Overdose: A Case for High-Fidelity Simulation in Emergency Medicine. MedEdPORTAL. 2010;6:7739. https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.7739 Copyright & Permissions© 2010 Fitch et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivatives license.KeywordsHypotensionPhysical ExaminationBradycardiaBeta-Adrenergic Blockers Disclosures None to report. Funding/Support None to report. Loading ...