Ch. 4 HA Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Issues in sonography

Question 1

Repeated arm abduction contributes to this injury by restricting blood flow to the soft tissues of the shoulder

Answer 1

work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs)

Question 2

Inflammation of the tendon and the sheath around the tendon; often occurs together

Answer 2

Tendinitis and tenosynovitis

Question 3

Specific type of tendinitis involving the thumb; can result from gripping the transducer

Answer 3

de Quervain’s disease

Question 4

The science of designing a job to fit the individual worker

Answer 4

Ergonomics

Question 5

Entrapment of the median nerve as it runs through the carpal bones of the wrist; results from repeated flexion and extension of the wrist and from machanical pressure against the wrist

Answer 5

Carpal tunnel

Question 6

Entrapment of the ulnar nerve as it runs through the elbow; can result from repeated twisting of the forearm and mechanical pressure against the elbow when it is rested on the examination table during scanning

Answer 6

Cubital tunnel

Question 7

Inflammation of the periosteum in the area of the insertion of the biceps tendon into the distal humerus; can result from repeated twisting of the forearm

Answer 7

Epicondylitis (lateral or medial)

Question 8

Nerve entrapment can occur at different levels, resulting in a variety of symptoms

Answer 8

Thoracic outlet syndrome

Question 9

Federal law that ensures that every working man and woman in the United States has safe and healthful working conditions

Answer 9

Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)

Question 10

Inflammation and swelling of the tendon sheath in a finger entrapping the tendon and restricting motion of the finger

Answer 10

Trigger finger

Question 11

Inflammation of the shoulder bursa from repeated motion

Answer 11

Bursitis (shoulder)

Question 12

Repeated motion resulting in fraying of the rotator cuff muscle tendons; this injury increases with age and is even more prevalent when work-related stresses are added

Answer 12

Rotator cuff injury

Question 13

Intervertebral disk degeneration resulting from bending and twisting and improper sitting

Answer 13

Spinal degeneration

Question 14

List the risk factors that may lead to musculoskeletal injury for sonographers

Answer 14

Forceful exertions, awkward postures, prolonged static postures, repetitive motion, “pinch” grip, and exposure to environmental factors such as extreme heat, cold, humidity or vibrations

Question 15

Explain how accumulated exposure to one or more risk factors interferes with the muscles and joints

Answer 15

Accumulated exposure to one or more of these risk factors over time leads to injury, because repeated exposure interferes with the ability of the body to recover. WRMSD’s cause pain, inflammation, swelling, deterioration of tendons and ligaments, and spinal degeneration. Muscles and joints are further stressed once their support structures are weakened

Question 16

Good ergonomics

Answer 16

1. The sonographer is sitting level with the patient
2. The arm is at the same level as the patient’s abdomen, resting on the chair arm
3. The sonographer’s back is straight and legs are slightly elevated on the legs of the chair