A 64-year-old man presents to the clinic for assessment of symptoms of malaise, shortness of breath, edema, and poor urine output for 24 hours. His past medical history is not significant, and his only medication is daily aspirin. On physical examination, the JVP is 4 cm, heart sounds are normal, lungs are clear, and the abdomen is soft. A Foley catheter is inserted into his bladder for 200 cc of urine, which is sent for urinalysis. His urine output still remains low. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial diagnostic test?
High-Yield Explanation
Renal ultrasound is an important test in the assessment of acute and chronic renal failure. The oliguria suggests that obstruction is a possible explanation for the renal failure. Imaging is very sensitive for obstruction, but if bladder obstruction secondary to a large prostate is suspected, bladder catheterization would be the first step.