148k views
3 votes
A 28-year-old pregnant patient who resides in transitional housing presents to the emergency department with complaints of feeling feverish and very faint. The patient tells the emergency nurse that she does not know when she became pregnant. Upon palpation, the fundus is not at or above the umbilicus. The patient's condition quickly deteriorates and she goes into cardiac arrest. If available and able to be used without impeding or delaying the resuscitation effort, what diagnostic tool could be used to guide decision-making in the care of this patient?

Fetal echocardiogram
Abdominal radiograph
Point-of-care ultrasound
Fetal monitoring

User RKum
by
8.4k points

1 Answer

1 vote

Main Answer:

Point-of-care ultrasound is vital for rapid assessment, guiding decisions in emergent situations, evaluating cardiac function, and assessing fetal well-being. c) Point-of-care ultrasound.

Therefore, the correct answer is c) Point-of-care ultrasound.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this emergent situation, the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is crucial for guiding decision-making in the care of the patient. POCUS allows for a rapid assessment of the patient's condition and can provide valuable information about the cause of the deterioration. In the case of the pregnant patient, POCUS can help evaluate the cardiac function, assess fluid status, and identify any potential obstetric emergencies.

By performing a quick ultrasound, healthcare providers can visualize the heart, assess for signs of cardiac abnormalities, and determine if there are any issues related to the pregnancy, such as placental abruption or other complications. Additionally, POCUS can assist in identifying the cause of the fainting episodes and guide resuscitation efforts accordingly.

In the context of the presented scenario, where the fundus is not at or above the umbilicus, POCUS can also aid in assessing the fetal well-being. This information is crucial for making informed decisions about the management of both the mother and the unborn child during resuscitation efforts.

In summary, point-of-care ultrasound is a valuable diagnostic tool in the emergency setting, providing real-time information that is essential for guiding resuscitation efforts and optimizing care for both the pregnant patient and the fetus.

Therefore, the correct answer is c) Point-of-care ultrasound.

User Alex Guerrero
by
8.4k points