60 Seconds in the ER

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Common Questions. Fast Answers.

Emergency care moves fast. Tests are ordered, diagnoses are considered, and decisions are made in minutes. Many of the terms and tests patients hear in the ER are unfamiliar. These short explanations break down common ER diagnoses, tests, and procedures so you can understand them in about a minute.

In Under a Minute

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. It often begins with vague abdominal pain that gradually moves to the lower right side of the abdomen and becomes more severe. Nausea, vomiting, and fever can also occur. In the ER, doctors use the physical exam, blood tests, and often a CT scan to confirm the diagnosis. Most cases require surgery to remove the appendix.
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A CT scan is a detailed imaging test that uses X-rays and computer technology to create cross-sectional pictures of the body. In the emergency department, CT scans help doctors quickly evaluate problems such as head injuries, abdominal pain, internal bleeding, or possible strokes. The scan itself is painless and usually takes only a few minutes.
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A D-dimer is a blood test that helps doctors evaluate the possibility of a blood clot. When the body forms and breaks down clots, small protein fragments called D-dimers appear in the blood. If the test is normal, it can help rule out conditions like pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis in certain patients. If elevated, further imaging may be needed.
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An electrocardiogram, or EKG, records the electrical activity of the heart. Small stickers placed on the chest connect to a machine that traces the heart’s rhythm. In the ER, an EKG helps doctors quickly detect problems such as heart attacks, abnormal heart rhythms, or signs of strain on the heart. The test is painless and usually takes only a few minutes.
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A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle becomes blocked, usually by a clot in a coronary artery. Without oxygen, heart muscle can begin to suffer damage. Symptoms can include chest pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw. ER doctors use tools like EKGs and blood tests to quickly diagnose and treat heart attacks.
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A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow in the pulmonary arteries. It can cause symptoms such as sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heart rate, or fainting. Because it can be life-threatening, ER doctors evaluate patients quickly using blood tests like D-dimer and imaging such as CT scans of the chest.
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Sepsis is a serious condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection begins to damage its own organs. It can develop from infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or abdominal infections. Symptoms may include fever, confusion, rapid breathing, and low blood pressure. In the ER, early recognition and treatment with fluids and antibiotics are critical.
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A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, either by a blocked blood vessel or bleeding in the brain. Symptoms can include sudden weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision problems, or severe dizziness. Because brain cells are very sensitive to loss of oxygen, stroke evaluation and treatment in the ER happen as quickly as possible.
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Troponin is a protein found in heart muscle. When the heart muscle is injured, troponin is released into the bloodstream. A troponin blood test helps doctors determine whether someone may be having or recently had a heart attack. In the ER, troponin levels are often checked more than once over several hours to look for changes.
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A urinalysis is a test that analyzes a urine sample to look for signs of infection, blood, dehydration, kidney problems, or other abnormalities. In the emergency department, it is commonly used when patients have symptoms such as abdominal pain, urinary symptoms, fever, or possible kidney stones. The test provides quick information that can help guide further evaluation.
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60 Seconds in the ER

Common Questions. Fast Answers.

In Under a Minute

What Is Appendicitis?

What Is a CT Scan?

What Is a D-Dimer Test?

What Is an EKG?

What Is a Heart Attack?

What Is a Pulmonary Embolism?

What Is Sepsis?

What Is a Stroke?

What Is a Troponin Test?

What Is a Urinalysis?

MEDICALLY CLEARED