Posts tagged POCUS
Volume Assessment Using POCUS in the Emergency Department

An 83-year-old male with a history of HFrEF (40%), CAD, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia presented to the ED with generalized weakness and fatigue. His vitals were remarkable for hypotension with a MAP of 58. On physical exam, the patient appeared non-toxic and was able to answer questions appropriately. He did not appear frankly fluid overloaded, other than mild, chronic peripheral edema. Additional laboratory studies and chest x-ray were performed. A fluid bolus was given to treat his hypotension, however there was minimal response. Given his heart failure, there was concern that aggressive fluid resuscitation would result in pulmonary edema. Additionally, inserting a central line and starting vasopressors is not without risk. Fortunately, this clinical team knows how to use ultrasound to do a proper volume assessment to manage this patient appropriately…

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Brown Sound: Lung Ultrasound for COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China in late 2019. There are many types of human coronavirus which cause mild symptoms, but COVID-19 is a new disease which has caused a global pandemic. In COVID-19 infection, there are specific findings seen on point-of-care lung ultrasound (LUS) which correlate to computed tomography findings. Thus, LUS may have an important role in the screening, diagnosis, and prognosis of patients presenting with an influenza like illness (ILI)…

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What is that Hot Potato Voice? POCUS for the PTA

A 25-year-old male with recurrent strep throat presents to the ED with sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and feeling as though his voice has changed. His physical exam is significant for a left sided, bulging tonsil. He is currently managing his own secretions, and his respiratory status is stable. You are concerned that he has not been able to drink any fluids since the night prior…

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