Kidney and Bladder

Aim: Ultrasound of the genitourinary system can greatly aid in diagnostic workup of acute kidney injury, urinary retention, and other important diagnoses. Current recommendations in the evaluation of AKI, suggest treating medically before ordering formal ultrasonography to assess for obstructive uropathy in the absence of clear history suggestive of renal obstruction to avoid unnecessary cost. However, bedside physicians can accurately rule out urinary obstruction in AKI in 2-3 minutes, potentially streamlining patient care and reducing hospital length of stay. Furthermore, bladder ultrasound can be used to confirm Foley placement and to assess post-void residual. US of the GU system is a critical component of the internist's bedside tool set.

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THE DATA:

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