The hands-on Basic POCUS course is based on the same principles as this e-learning and it covers:
XX 1 – Summary of Essential Emergency Ultrasonography
The basics – simple but qualified
The content of this course has been carefully selected to answer the questions on life-threatening and time-critical conditions that focused ultrasonography can answer
It has been the intention to teach you how to use an ultrasound transducer like you use your stethoscope and put it in your pocket – not instead of your stethoscope, but complementing it
There are no algorithms and no protocol names – the focus is on decision-making in individual patients using ultrasonography
Only the necessary examinations are performed – and they depend on you and the clinical
question you ask regarding your patient
Answer clinical questions
This e-course has taken you through answering these clinical questions using focused ultrasonography.
Heart
Integrated ultrasonography
No protocol
You are not forced to stick to a specific protocol.
Ask a clinical question.
If it can be answered using ultrasonography – pick up the ultrasound transducer.
When the question is answered, put down the transducer and take care of the patient.
Integrated
This way, the focused ultrasonography examination can be integrated into your primary examination of the patient.
By integrating the results of your focused ultrasonography into the results when exploring the medical history and performing the physical history and other point-of-care diagnostics, you can improve patient management.
Video showing free fluid in the perisplenic view
The video shows a recording of a perisplenic examination from a trauma patient with a ruptured spleen and free fluid in the abdomen.
Free fluid is seen between the diaphragm and the spleen.
A normal perisplenic recording is shown for comparison.
Looking for free fluid in the perisplenic view
Obtain the perisplenic view.
Look for free fluid between the diaphragm and the spleen (subdiaphragmatic) – remember the sweep at this level.
Look for free fluid between the spleen and and the kidney (splenorenal recess) – remember the sweep at this level as well.
Intraperitoneal fluid appears as a black anechoic (black) stripe.
Looking for free fluid is a dynamic process – not a question of getting THE ONE right image – move the transducer and do the sweep.
In the top image free fluid (marked with white arrows) is seen between the diaphragm and the spleen and around the spleen.
Video showing free fluid in the perihepatic view
The video shows a recording of a perihepatic examination from a trauma patient with free fluid in the abdomen.
Free fluid is seen in the hepatorenal recess (Morison’s pouch).
A normal perihepatic view recording is shown for comparison.
Sweep of Morison’s pouch
To evaluate the entire area at the sub diaphragmatic level, Morison’s pouch and anterior liver tip, sweep the transducer from the anterior to posterior position.
Here exemplified at the Morison’s pouch level.
Looking for free fluid in the transverse pelvic view
Obtain the transverse pelvic view.
Look for free fluid to the sides, below and posterior to the bladder.
Sweep the transducer from top to bottom to look for fluid at all levels.
Looking for free fluid is a dynamic process – not a question of getting THE ONE right image – move the transducer and do the sweep.
Image B: Pelvic view with peritoneal fluid
B: Bladder, F: Fluid, U: Uterus
Looking for free fluid in the longitudinal pelvic view
Obtain the longitudinal pelvic view.
Look for free fluid around the intestines.
In men: Look for free fluid between the bladder and the rectum.
In women: Look for free fluid between the bladder and the uterus and between the uterus and the rectum.
Tilt the transducer to view the lateral side of the bladder on both sides and look for free fluid.
Looking for free fluid is a dynamic process – not a question of getting THE ONE right image – tilt the transducer and do the sweep.
Image B: Pelvic view with intraperitoneal fluid
B: Bladder, F: Fluid, U: Uterus