Determining the existence of a AAA in a patient can be life-saving. It is not a particularly difficult exam to perform. Be sure to push down hard and be patient. Having the patient’s knees bent and arms resting at the side helps relax the belly and makes the exam easier. 5minsono video here.
Category: Abdomen
Does this patient have an intrauterine pregnancy?
With POCUS, you rule-out an ectopic pregnancy by ruling in an intrauterine pregnancy. In the absence of reproductive assistance (in-vitro, hormone therapy, etc), the likelihood of having an ectopic AND an IUP is very low. 2 minute video here.
Is there free fluid in Morison’s pouch?
Want a quick 2 minute refresher on looking for free fluid in Morison’s pouch – the first image of the FAST exam? If you have a hypotensive patient and you don’t see fluid here, odds are pretty good that the cause is something other than intraabdominal hemorrhage. 2 minute video here.
The eFAST
There is no better video on the internet anywhere than this one which shows how to perform an extended FAST exam AND SHOWS PATHOLOGY. 8 minute video here.
What is the post-void residual?
Before you order a foley catheter which is one of the more painful procedures in emergency medicine, first check to be sure that the bladder is distended. This is quick and can really help guide therapy – insert foley, replace foley, look for problems elsewhere if the bladder is empty. 2 minute video here.
Does this patient have gallstones?
The primary question with biliary ultrasound is that of gallstones – are they present? In the appropriate patient, the YES/NO answer to this can really help guide further care – pursue formal imaging or eliminate the GB from the differential. 2 minute video here.
Does this patient have hydronephrosis
The primary question for renal POCUS is that of hydronephrosis. It’s presence strongly points towards renal colic as the diagnosis in the appropriate patient. 2 minute video here.
Bread & Butter Bedside Ultrasound 