Which of the following is NOT true about the FAST exam?

The statement that the FAST exam is "validated for stable trauma patients" is not accurate. The FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) exam is primarily designed for use in unstable patients, particularly in emergency and trauma situations where quick decision-making is critical. The purpose of the FAST exam is to rapidly assess for free fluid, such as blood, in the abdominal cavity, which can indicate significant internal injuries needing immediate intervention.

In contrast, the other points made in the options reflect valid characteristics of the FAST exam. It is frequently employed in the trauma bay setting due to its efficiency and non-invasive nature in quickly determining whether a patient may have life-threatening internal injuries. It typically exhibits high sensitivity for detecting free fluid, though its specificity can vary based on the presence of other conditions, making it a suitable tool for emergency evaluations of abdominal trauma. Ultimately, the FAST exam plays an essential role in the early assessment of trauma patients, particularly those who are unstable and may require urgent surgical intervention.