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The Shock Assessment Protocol in FAST/Trauma ultrasound is a critical, rapid evaluation tool for patients presenting with signs of shock. This protocol systematically integrates focused ultrasound views, particularly those used in the FAST exam, to identify potential causes of hemodynamic instability, such as severe internal bleeding (hemoperitoneum or hemothorax), pericardial effusion leading to tamponade, or…

A retroperitoneal bleed is a hemorrhage occurring in the retroperitoneal space, the anatomical area behind the peritoneum. In the context of FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) and trauma, identifying a retroperitoneal bleed with ultrasound can be challenging due to its deep location and the presence of bowel gas. While not directly visualized in…

In FAST/Trauma ultrasound, the costophrenic angle refers to the acute angle formed by the diaphragm and the chest wall. This anatomical landmark is crucial during a FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) exam to identify potential fluid collections like hemothorax. A blunted or obscured costophrenic angle on ultrasound can indicate fluid accumulation in the…

Hepatic laceration, a critical injury in FAST/Trauma ultrasound, refers to a tear or rupture in the liver, often resulting from blunt abdominal trauma. This can lead to internal bleeding, requiring rapid assessment. Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) is crucial for quickly identifying free fluid (blood) in the abdomen, indicative of such injuries. Early…

Splenic laceration in the context of FAST/Trauma ultrasound refers to a tear or rupture of the spleen, often a result of blunt abdominal trauma. This injury can lead to significant internal bleeding (hemoperitoneum), which is a critical finding on a Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) exam. Ultrasound plays a vital role in rapidly…

Solid organ injury in FAST/Trauma ultrasound refers to damage sustained by organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys, commonly resulting from blunt abdominal trauma. The Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) exam rapidly identifies free fluid, such as blood, surrounding these organs, indicating potential injury and guiding urgent medical intervention. Early detection of splenic…

Bladder rupture, in the context of FAST/Trauma ultrasound, signifies a tear in the bladder wall, often resulting from blunt abdominal trauma or pelvic fractures. This critical injury leads to extravasation of urine into the peritoneal or retroperitoneal spaces, appearing as anechoic or hypoechoic fluid collections on ultrasound. Prompt detection via the FAST exam is vital…

EFAST thoracic views are an essential component of the Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (EFAST) exam, specifically evaluating the chest for life-threatening conditions in trauma patients. These ultrasound views primarily aim to detect pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and hemothorax (blood in the chest cavity), which can rapidly compromise respiratory and circulatory function. The EFAST…

A hepatic hematoma, in the context of FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) exams, refers to a collection of blood within the liver parenchyma. This critical finding often results from blunt abdominal trauma and appears on ultrasound as a hypoechoic or anechoic mass within the liver, depending on its age and composition. Rapid detection…