Summary

Importance of PoCUS:

PoCUS is essential for quick and accurate diagnosis. Cardiac ultrasound can help in the characterization of shock, hemodynamics, and respiratory failure in critically ill patients, leading to more targeted and timely interventions. 

 

Standard Cardiac Views:

The module covers techniques for obtaining each of the five standard cardiac windows: parasternal long axis (PLAX), parasternal short axis (PSAX), apical four chamber, subxiphoid four chamber, and IVC views. Each of these windows offers distinct clinical information and can be used for various clinical assessments, including left ventricular function, pericardial effusions, ventricular size comparison, and IVC assessment for fluid status. 

The following charts summarize the key information for each view,  in both cardiology and EM conventions: