FAST Exam Flashcards
What does FAST stand for?
Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST)
When are FAST exams performed and why?
Trauma Patients
Part of Primary Survey (ABCDE)
Hemondynamically Unstable Patients
To Identify Source of Hemorrhage (Intrathoracic vs. Intrabdominal)
What are you looking for during a FAST exam?
Free Fluid
Appears anechoic (black) or hypoechoic (dark grey)
What is the sole contraindication for FAST examination?
Need for immediate emergency surgery
What are the 5 major interrogations of the FAST exam?
In what order should they be done?
1) Pericardial (3 views)
2) Right flank (hepatorenal view)
3) Left flank (perisplenic view)
4) Pelvic (retrovesical view)
5) Thoracic (PTX vs. HTX)
What are the 3 standard views for pericardial interrogations?
Subxiphoid view (long and short axis)
Parasternal view
Apical view
Pericardial Interrogation- Subxiphoid View
Probe type?
Probe positioning?
Indicator direction?
Pathology?
Pericardial Interrogation- Subxiphoid View
Probe type?- Phased array transducer
Indicator direction?- Left axilla
Probe positioning? - Near parralel to skin, posterior/superior pressure, 15 degrees off midline towards patients left shoulder
Pathology? - Pericardial effusion +/- tamponade
Subxiphoid View
Label
Pericardial Interrogation- Subxiphoid View
REVIEW
Pericardial Interrogation- Parasternal View (Short Axis)
Probe type?
Probe positioning?
Indicator direction?
Pathology?
Pericardial Interrogation- Parasternal View (Short Axis)
Probe type? Phased array transducer
Probe positioning? 3rd or 4th intercostal space, adjacent to sternum
Indicator direction? Right hip of patient
Pathology? LV contractility
Pericardial Interrogation- Parasternal View (Long Axis)
Probe type?
Probe positioning?
Indicator direction?
Pathology?
Pericardial Interrogation- Parasternal View (Long Axis)
Probe type? Phased array transducer
Indication direction?
Probe positioning? Left 3rd or 4th ICSs adjacent to sternum
Pathology? Pericardial effusion +/- tamponade, wall motion abnormalities, valve motion abnormalities
What ultrasound probe should you use for all pericardial interrogations?
Phased array transducer
Pericardial Interrogation- Apical View
Probe type?
Probe positioning?
Indicator direction?
Pathology?
Pericardial Interrogation- Apical View
Probe type? Phased array transducer
Probe positioning? below left nipple at about PMI
Indicator direction? Perpendicular to sternum
Pathology? Pericardial effusion +/- tamponade, wall motion abnormalities, valve motion abnormalities
