OasisLMS

Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Core Practice Learning Modules provide CRNAs with foundational knowledge and practical application of perioperative ultrasound across key clinical areas, including gastric, airway, lung, inferior vena cava, and focused cardiac assessment. Through evidence-based instruction, learners will develop competency in image acquisition, interpretation, and integration of ultrasound findings into clinical decision-making to support patient safety and optimize perioperative outcomes. The curriculum emphasizes standardized scanning techniques, recognition of normal and abnormal findings, and the effective use of POCUS as a bedside diagnostic tool.

1. Apply principles of ultrasound physics and instrumentation to optimize image acquisition and accurately recognize normal anatomy and common artifacts in perioperative ultrasound practice.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in ultrasound equipment selection, probe handling, and image optimization to obtain diagnostically interpretable images across core perioperative applications.
3. Perform and interpret gastric point-of-care ultrasound to assess gastric contents and volume, integrating findings into perioperative aspiration risk stratification and management.
4. Utilize upper airway ultrasound to enhance airway assessment, including prediction of difficult intubation, identification of the cricothyroid membrane, and confirmation of endotracheal tube placement, while recognizing methodological limitations.
5. Incorporate lung ultrasound into perioperative respiratory assessment to confirm ventilation and support airway management decision-making.
6. Perform inferior vena cava ultrasound and interpret collapsibility measurements in conjunction with cardiac and lung findings to evaluate intravascular volume status and fluid responsiveness.
7. Describe a structured focused transthoracic echocardiographic examination, acquiring standard views with appropriate probe orientation and optimized image quality.
8. Analyze focused cardiac ultrasound findings to identify major abnormalities in ventricular function and pericardial pathology, and integrate results into perioperative clinical assessment and management.

1. Core Ultrasound Fundamentals Module
2. Gastric Ultrasound Module
3. Upper Airway Ultrasound Module
4. Lung Ultrasound Using BLUE Protocol Module
5. Interior Vena Cava (IVC) Ultrasound Module
6. Core Cardiac Transthoracic Echocardiography Ultrasound Module

• Hallie Evans, DNP, CRNA, CNE, CHSE, FAANA
• Shayne Hauglum, PhD, CRNA, APRN
• Michael Heck, DNAP, CRNA
• Scott Urigel, MSN, CRNA