The use of point-of-care ultrasound in nurses’ clinical practice as a foundation for patient safety - Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem

The use of point-of-care ultrasound in nurses’ clinical practice as a foundation for patient safety |

Recently, another case of serious harm associated with healthcare was reported by the media. A young pregnant woman had her hand and wrist amputated after giving birth to her third child in a hospital in Rio de Janeiro⁽⁾. After the incident caused by vascular access, the woman suffered hemorrhage and was readmitted.

The harm caused to pregnant women as well as to other patients can be avoided with the use of bedside ultrasound. Nurses with advanced knowledge and skills to manage point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) have a powerful semiological tool to reduce the risks of serious and potentially fatal harm related to healthcare. In the field of nursing, POCUS is used in diverse populations and at different levels of healthcare – from primary care to critical and emergency care.

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