B-lines: map the pattern

Question 1What do B-lines prove on their own?

1. aPulmonary embolism
2. bCardiogenic pulmonary oedema
3. cLoss of air in the lung under the probe, not a single diagnosis
4. dBacterial pneumonia

Question 2Which pattern best supports cardiogenic pulmonary oedema?

1. aAbsent sliding with A-lines
2. bDiffuse B-lines on both sides with a smooth pleural line
3. cOne cluster beside a small consolidation
4. dA single B-line at one lung base

Question 3What does a cluster of B-lines beside an irregular pleural line suggest?

1. aNormal lungs
2. bA local process in the lung
3. cFluid overload on its own
4. dAortic dissection

Question 4Why keep the settings the same on repeat scans?

1. aSettings change how many B-lines you see
2. bDepth never affects artefacts
3. cB-lines come only from the colour map
4. dRepeat scans need a different probe each time

Question 5A breathless patient has B-lines on both sides. What is the best next step?

1. aRead them with the clinical picture and a focused heart scan
2. bIgnore them, as artefacts are never useful
3. cCount every line for ten minutes before acting
4. dDiagnose heart failure without further assessment