How to do a RUSH exam.

This is a fun 10 minutes video explaining the RUSH (Rapid Ultrasound in SHock) exam. I prefer to call it the HIMAP exam because the exam is hoping to make the MAP (mean arterial pressure) HIgher. The video has examples of pathology as well.

Posterior Tibial Nerve Block

This is another simple and safe block that is PERFECT for anesthesia of the bottom of the foot (think lacerations and foreign bodies). The nerve is easy to see and right next to the posterior tibial artery which is a great landmark. This is a great block for those without a lot of comfort/experience with blocks. Here is a nice 5 minute video from 5minsono.

Superficial Cervical Plexus Block

This is a simple and safe block (don’t need large volume, not particularly close to any important anatomy) that can give you anesthesia of the anterior/lateral neck and ear. Consider it for ear lacerations, central line placement and clavicle fracture. It’s effectiveness can be variable but it is always worth a try. Here is a nice 5 minute video from 5minsono.

How is the cardiac function in this patient?

Bedside ultrasound assessment is aimed at two simple questions. The first and most obvious is this – What is the LV function? 5minsono video here. The main goal should be categorizing the function (qualitatively) into one of five groups: hyperdynamic, normal, moderately depressed, severely depressed, dead. The other question is: Does the patient have a pericardial effusion? 5minsono video here.