Abstract
Point-of-care ultrasonography is a useful adjunct to the physical exam at the bed side. The low-frequency curvilinear probe is usually the best choice for imaging abdominal structures. The kidneys can be evaluated for direct or indirect evidence of nephrolithiasis or obstruction. The bladder can be imaged to estimate post-void residual volume. The Focused Assessment Sonography in Trauma (FAST) scan is a useful bedside tool to rapidly evaluate for intraperitoneal bleeding in patients who have suffered blunt abdominal trauma. Abdominal sonography for diagnosis of small bowel obstruction has better sensitivity and specificity than X-ray. Ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm is sensitive and recommended for all male smokers aged 65–75. Ultrasonography may also be used to evaluate patients with right upper quadrant pain for signs of cholelithiasis or cholecystitis.
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Bornemann, P., Wagner, M.S., Barron, K.R. (2016). Abdomen. In: Daniels, J., Hoppmann, R. (eds) Practical Point-of-Care Medical Ultrasound. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-22638-5_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-22638-5_2
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