ER Board study plan

Construct a one-page decision map that separates ACS, aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism, and pericarditis using ECG findings, troponin kinetics, and pretest probability.

Compute HEART, TIMI, and Wells scores on 20 written vignettes without reference material and state the disposition each score supports.

Diagram the branch points of the adult cardiac arrest algorithm for VF/pVT, asystole/PEA, and unstable bradycardia, labeling drug doses, energy settings, and reversible-cause checks.

Interpret 40 twelve-lead ECGs and rhythm strips covering STEMI mimics, blocks, tachyarrhythmias, and hyperkalemia, targeting 90% accuracy in 45 minutes.

Recite first-line agents and infusion ranges for hypertensive emergency, acute decompensated heart failure, and unstable atrial fibrillation.

Interpret 25 arterial blood gas panels, classifying primary disorder, compensation, and anion gap within two minutes each.

Build a severity-stratified management outline for asthma exacerbation, COPD exacerbation, and anaphylaxis that names drug, dose, and route at each step.

Sequence the diagnostic pathway for suspected pulmonary embolism, including PERC, D-dimer thresholds, and imaging choice in pregnancy and renal impairment.

Demonstrate needle decompression and tube thoracostomy site selection, then describe indications for observation versus drain in spontaneous pneumothorax.

List airway rescue escalation steps for a failed first intubation attempt, including sizing, positioning, and surgical airway triggers.

Perform a written primary and secondary trauma survey on 15 vignettes, stating the intervention triggered by each abnormal finding.

Apply NEXUS and Canadian C-spine rules to 15 scenarios and justify each imaging decision.

Outline a massive transfusion protocol, including ratio, calcium replacement, tranexamic acid timing, and permissive hypotension targets.

Describe reduction and immobilization technique for Colles fracture, shoulder dislocation, and knee dislocation, listing the neurovascular checks required before and after.

Differentiate compartment syndrome, arterial injury, and rhabdomyolysis by exam findings, compartment pressures, and laboratory trends.

Apply thrombolytic eligibility criteria to 12 acute ischemic stroke vignettes, computing last-known-well windows and listing absolute contraindications from memory.

Outline management of intracerebral hemorrhage and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, including blood pressure targets, reversal agents, and nimodipine dosing.

Write a status epilepticus dosing ladder from benzodiazepine through second-line and refractory agents, with pediatric weight-based doses included.

Triage 20 headache and dizziness vignettes by red-flag features that mandate imaging or lumbar puncture.

Construct a stepwise approach to altered mental status that sequences glucose, naloxone, ammonia, toxidrome, and structural causes.

Map abdominal pain by quadrant to a ranked differential that names the single most time-critical diagnosis for each region.

Outline resuscitation and disposition for upper and lower GI bleeding, including transfusion thresholds, acid suppression, and variceal therapy.

Sequence workup and severity scoring for acute pancreatitis and acute cholecystitis, and state the indications for urgent surgical consultation.

Differentiate renal colic, testicular torsion, and aortic aneurysm in the flank and groin pain vignettes, naming the imaging study of choice for each.

Calculate sodium correction rates, potassium replacement strategies, and dialysis indications for AKI and ESRD emergencies.

Identify all major toxidromes from 20 written descriptions and match each to a class of agents and an initial antidote or decontamination step.

Memorize the antidote pairings for acetaminophen, salicylate, opioid, benzodiazepine, tricyclic, iron, carbon monoxide, methemoglobinemia, and organophosphate poisoning, then self-test to 100%.

Apply the DKA and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic protocols, calculating fluid deficit, insulin rate, and potassium replacement triggers.

Sequence rewarming and cooling interventions for hypothermia and exertional heat stroke, naming target temperatures and monitoring endpoints.

Outline antivenom and supportive care decisions for pit viper envenomation and black widow exposure, plus marine and scorpion exposures.

Assemble a sepsis bundle timeline with time-zero markers, culture and lactate timing, fluid volume, and vasopressor thresholds.

Select empiric antibiotic regimens for pneumonia, urinary tract infection, meningitis, cellulitis, and intra-abdominal infection, adjusting for allergy and renal function.

Outline febrile neutropenia management, including door-to-antibiotic time, cultures, and when to add antipseudomonal or antifungal coverage.

Differentiate transfusion reaction types by timing and symptom pattern, and state the immediate stop-and-treat action for each.

Manage sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis, tumor lysis syndrome, hypercalcemia of malignancy, and malignant spinal cord compression with drug doses and monitoring parameters.

Calculate weight-based pediatric doses and equipment sizes for 15 scenarios covering fever, bronchiolitis, croup, and status asthmaticus.

Sequence management of ectopic pregnancy, preeclampsia with severe features, eclampsia, and postpartum hemorrhage, including magnesium sulfate dosing and reversal.

Assess agitation and suicide risk using a structured written framework, then state criteria for chemical sedation versus physical restraint and the monitoring required afterward.

Integrate cross-domain reasoning by reviewing every missed item from weeks 1 through 7 and rewriting each as a one-line teaching point.

Complete two timed mixed-domain practice blocks and compare domain-level accuracy against earlier weeks.