The Utility of Gastric Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Reducing the Risk of Pulmonary Aspiration: A Review of Current Recommendations in Special Patient Populations (1 Class A CE)

This presentation will discuss the utility of point-of-care gastric ultrasound to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration using the I-AIM (Indication, Acquisition, Interpretation, Medical Decision-Making) framework and review current literature regarding the use of point-of-care gastric ultrasound in special patient populations. Patient indicators for gastric ultrasound assessment will be identified and how to obtain gastric images will be discussed. In addition, interpretation of images as well as clinical decision making using the quantitative and qualitative gastric content information will be reviewed. Point-of-care gastric ultrasonography is a rapidly evolving area of interest, therefore, current evidence-based recommendations regarding the utility of gastric contents in special patient populations, including pediatrics, obstetrics, type II diabetics, and the obese patient will be examined. Learning outcomes for the nurse anesthetist include the ability to discuss the pillars of gastric ultrasonography using the I-AIM framework as well as current recommendations regarding gastric ultrasound utility for special populations.