Trauma imaging: FAST: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Radiology · Trauma imaging: FAST

Sample item

A haemodynamically unstable patient after a road traffic accident is assessed at the bedside with FAST. Which finding would indicate haemoperitoneum?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Anechoic free fluid in the hepatorenal space (Morison pouch)

Free fluid is anechoic on ultrasound, and the hepatorenal pouch is the most dependent supine site in the upper abdomen. FAST assesses the pericardium, Morison pouch, splenorenal space and pelvis. A positive study in an unstable patient prompts laparotomy.

Option by option

  • A. Hypoechoic pancreas

    FAST does not assess the pancreas.

  • B. Echogenic gallstone with shadowing

    A gallstone is not a trauma finding.

  • C. Absent bowel sounds

    Bowel sounds are clinical and not an ultrasound finding.

  • D. Anechoic free fluid in the hepatorenal space (Morison pouch) (correct)

    Correct. Free fluid in Morison pouch is a positive FAST.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is D, Anechoic free fluid in the hepatorenal space (Morison pouch). Free fluid is anechoic on ultrasound, and the hepatorenal pouch is the most dependent supine site in the upper abdomen.

Why is "Hypoechoic pancreas" not the answer?

FAST does not assess the pancreas.

Why is "Echogenic gallstone with shadowing" not the answer?

A gallstone is not a trauma finding.

Why is "Absent bowel sounds" not the answer?

Bowel sounds are clinical and not an ultrasound finding.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Trauma imaging: FAST in Radiology. FAST assesses the pericardium, Morison pouch, splenorenal space and pelvis. A positive study in an unstable patient prompts laparotomy.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Trauma imaging: FAST?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.