Which of the following is the correct sequence of anatomical regions assessed during the FAST examination in abdominal trauma?

Explanation

## FAST Examination Sequence **Key Point:** The standard FAST protocol follows a systematic four-point examination in a specific anatomical order to maximize sensitivity and efficiency in trauma assessment. ### Correct Sequence (Pericardial → Perihepatic → Perisplenic → Pelvic) 1. **Pericardial view** — Assess for pericardial effusion/tamponade (most immediately life-threatening) 2. **Perihepatic view** (Morrison's pouch) — Detect free fluid in the right upper quadrant 3. **Perisplenic view** — Detect free fluid in the left upper quadrant 4. **Pelvic view** — Assess the pelvis for free fluid **High-Yield:** The pericardial view is performed FIRST because pericardial tamponade is immediately life-threatening and requires urgent intervention (pericardiocentesis). This follows the principle of assessing the most critical pathology first. ### Why This Order? | View | Anatomical Landmark | Clinical Significance | |------|-------------------|----------------------| | Pericardial | Subxiphoid approach | Detects tamponade (immediate threat) | | Perihepatic | Morrison's pouch (hepatorenal recess) | Most common site of free fluid | | Perisplenic | Splenic-renal interface | Detects left-sided bleeding | | Pelvic | Suprapubic transverse view | Detects pelvic bleeding | **Clinical Pearl:** The mnemonic **"PEP-P"** (Pericardial, Epigastric/perihepatic, Perisplenic, Pelvic) helps recall the sequence, though the standard acronym is FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma).