Practice Consideration

POCUS — Point-of-Care Ultrasound (Practice Consideration)

Last AANA revision: 2024

POCUS is rapidly becoming standard of care for vascular access (central + peripheral), regional anesthesia, gastric ultrasound (NPO assessment), cardiac assessment (FATE/FOCUS), pulmonary ultrasound (B-lines, pleural effusion, pneumothorax), volume status (IVC).

Key points

1.Vascular access: US-guided central line standard of care (ASA + AANA), reduces complications 50-70%
2.Gastric US: confirms NPO status when uncertain (3 grades: empty, fluid, solid)
3.FOCUS: 4 views (PSL, PSS, A4C, SC) — assess EF, pericardial effusion, RV size, IVC
4.Pulmonary: A-lines (normal), B-lines (interstitial fluid), lung sliding (vs. pneumo)
5.Training: ASRA + AANA endorse formal POCUS curriculum + competency assessment

This is an exam-prep summary, not a substitute for the full AANA document. Read the source at aana.com for authoritative wording. Education only.