HOspitalized Patients and Clinical flUid Status, Assessment Using Point Of Care UltraSound

Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is a tool for assessing volume status through ultrasonography. Using a point of care ultrasound device, the physician can perform an ultrasound of the vena cava at the bedside. Previous research has demonstrated a correlation between right atrial pressure and the vena cava's diameter. Nonetheless, the majority of research has been conducted in critically ill populations to predict fluid responsiveness in patients with more complex hemodynamics. There is limited data available on the value of IVC ultrasound in the sub-acute setting on the regular ward for clinical decision-making regarding whether a patient is hypovolemic or hypervolemic. This study's objective is to assess the diagnostic utility of point-of-care ultrasonography of the IVC, by using a standardized methodology, performed by qualified ward physicians in a conventional nursing ward.