In Critical Care, the Passive Leg Raise (PLR) is a quick, reversible bedside maneuver used to assess a patient’s fluid responsiveness. By elevating the patient’s legs, venous return to the heart is temporarily increased, simulating a fluid bolus. An improvement in cardiac output (measured by ultrasound, e.g., VTI or IVC collapsibility) indicates the patient is fluid responsive and may benefit from additional fluid administration, aiding in shock assessment and management.
This dynamic assessment helps differentiate between patients who need fluids and those who do not, preventing fluid overload. Mastering the PLR with ultrasound guidance is crucial for optimizing hemodynamics in critically ill patients, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and guiding fluid resuscitation strategies in medical and ultrasound settings.
