What is a RUSH Exam? (this is useful and we should discuss but not in trauma section)
Rapid Ultrasound for Shock and Hypotension
Indication: Used in the setting of undifferentiated shock to identify its common causes
Evaluates for:
- Pump failure: Myocardic ischemia, arrhythmias, tamponade, valvular insufficiency, pulmonary embolism
- Pipe failure: shock from sepsis, anaphylaxis, or neurologic causes
- Tank failure: hemorrhage, hypovolemia, tamponade, or tension pneumothorax
Approach (See links to other exams on the blog):
- Lung exam – evaluate for pneumothorax
- Cardiac exam – evaluate for effusion, tamponade, RV strain, and LV function
- FAST exam – evaluate for intraperitoneal free fluid
- AAA exam
- IVC exam – check patient volume status