Emergency Medicine Board Bombs

Normal labs. Normal vitals. Normal-looking patients — and catastrophic misses.
In this Rapid Bombs–style episode, we break down five classic Emergency Medicine traps that routinely fool learners and practicing clinicians. These are the questions the boards love and the mistakes the ED punishes.
Want to experience the greatest in board studying? ⁠⁠Check out our interactive question bank podcast- the FIRST of its kind here⁠⁠
Cite this podcast as: Briggs, Blake, Husain. 275. Tox & Cardiology Traps That Kill. Accessed [date].
⁠⁠⁠Check out our Youtube channel!⁠⁠⁠

In Part 2 of this topic on diverticulitis, we cover risk stratification, red flags, and when antibiotics are appropriate. Learn how to safely discharge diverticulitis patients without antibiotics, counsel them effectively, and avoid common medico-legal pitfalls. This is outpatient diverticulitis management the way boards (and modern practice) expect it.
Want to experience the greatest in board studying? ⁠⁠Check out our interactive question bank podcast- the FIRST of its kind here⁠⁠
Cite this podcast as: Briggs, Blake, Husain, Iltifat, Wosiski-Kuhn, Marlena. 274. Diverticulitis: Outpatient Management Without Antibiotics (Part 2). Accessed [date].
⁠⁠⁠Check out our Youtube channel!⁠⁠⁠

For years, antibiotics were automatic for diverticulitis—but the evidence has changed. So has the Board exam. In Part 1, we break down uncomplicated diverticulitis, why most outpatient cases don’t need antibiotics, and how to confidently manage these patients without over-treatment. If you’re still reflexively reaching for ciprofloxacin and metronidazole, this episode will blow your mind.

Holiday Heart Syndrome is back for the season—and so are the AFib patients who swear they “only had a few drinks.” In this high-yield episode, we break down exactly who you can cardiovert safely in the ED. Learn the real <48-hour rule, how stroke risk actually changes the decision, and why holiday-triggered AFib is often the best rhythm to fix quickly. Fast pearls, no fluff, pure ED mastery.
Want to experience the greatest in board studying? ⁠Check out our interactive question bank podcast- the FIRST of its kind here⁠
Cite this podcast as: Briggs, Blake, Wosiski-Kuhn, Marlena. 271. Nov 10th, 2025. Accessed [date].
⁠⁠Check out our Youtube channel!⁠⁠

CT or not CT? That is the PECARN question. Quick hits on when to scan (and when to save that kid from a lifetime of unnecessary radiation).
Want to experience the greatest in board studying? ⁠Check out our interactive question bank podcast- the FIRST of its kind here⁠
Cite this podcast as: Briggs, Blake, Wosiski-Kuhn, Marlena. 271. Nov 10th, 2025. Accessed [date].
⁠⁠Check out our Youtube channel!⁠⁠