Emergency Skills Practical

Question 1

What is the ideal patient position for abdominal POCUS?

Answer 1

Right Lateral Recumbency

Question 2

What are the 4 views observed in abdominal POCUS?

Answer 2

1.Diaphragmatico-hepatic (DH) view
2.Spleno-Renal (SR) view
3.Cysto-Colic (CC) view
4.Hepato-Renal-Umbilical (HRU) view

Question 3

Describe the process of observing the Diaphragmatico-hepatic (DH) view in abdominal POCUS

Answer 3

Place the probe in the sagittal plan, midline, just caudal to the xiphoid process.
Aim the probe towards the head.
You should see the liver and diaphragm, and possibly heart
slightly fan the probe towards the right-hand side of the patient
should allow visualisation of the gall bladder and caudal vena cava

Question 4

Describe the process of observing the Spleno-Renal (SR) View in abdominal POCUS

Answer 4

trace the patients rib cage dorsally and place the probe just caudal to the last rib, at the dorsal most point of the abdomen, Aim towards the table/floor.
should reveal the L kidney and aorta
if not, then aim cranially, that should bring the left kidney into view.
Use minimal pressure to avoid displacing fluid.

Question 5

Describe the process of viewing the Cysto-colic (CC) view in abdominal POCUS

Answer 5

Move to the caudal third of the abdomen, approximately halfway dorsal/ventral, and aim the probe towards the table/floor.
This should reveal the bladder.
Use minimal pressure to avoid displacing fluid.

Question 6

Describe the process of viewing the Hepato-Renal-Umbilical (HRU) View

Answer 6

locate the umbilicus and place the probe here, then aim down to the table at approximately a 45 degree angle, by doing so you should image the ‘gravity dependant pouch’ of the abdomen which will likely contain the intestines and maybe the spleen.
Use minimal pressure to avoid displacing fluid.
Apply more pressure and aim cranially to view the R kidney

Question 7

What layers would you find after centrifuging a blood tube that promotes coagulation?

Answer 7

Question 8

What layers would you find after centrifuging a blood tube that impedes coagulation?

Answer 8

Question 9

Give examples of blood tubes that promote coagulation

Answer 9

Question 10

Give examples of blood tubes that impede coagulation

Answer 10

Question 11

Which blood tube should be used for haematology?

Answer 11

EDTA

Question 12

Which blood tube should be used for clinical biochemistry?

Answer 12

Serum
Plasma

Question 13

Which blood tube should be used for testing glucose?

Answer 13

Fluoride

Question 14

Which blood tube should be used for coagulation tests?

Answer 14

Citrate