03.03.2021 - By Scott D. Weingart, MD FCCM
What is a Heuristic?
A short cut to extended, analytical thinking that when functional provides a solution that may not be optimal but will be sufficient. When based on cognitive biases, heuristics may be dysfunctional. Wikipedia has a fairly good discussion of heuristics.
Thinking Fast and Slow
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System 1 vs. System 2
Our interview with Gary Klein
ERADs are the Action Version of Functional Heuristics
Emergency Reflex Action Drills from Lauria
Jerk & Check
Never immediately act on a heuristic. Have your kneejerk response and then use System 2 to Check
Functional Heuristics in Resuscitation
Flank Pain in Elderly is AAA until the Ultrasound
Severe Bradycardia/Heart Block = Hyperkalemia until you see the K
Slow Afib=Digoxin, Hyperkalemia, or Nodal Blockers until proven otherwise
Slovis' Hypokalemia = Hypomagnesemia (Hypok=HypoMAG)
Unexplained Hypotension gets antibiotics
Hypotension and Abdominal Pain in Child-Bearing Age Female is Ectopic
Chest Pain Plus
Tamponade is dissection until it is not
Old stay, young go
Err towards Young D/C and Old Stay and then check
Think LP/do LP
The diagnoses of costochondritis and gastroenteritis do not exist
What is going to kill this patient? (Pre-Mortem)
a adaption of Gary Klein's idea
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Now on to the Podcast...