Chapter 1- Clinical Applications Flashcards
Before, During, and After the Ultrasound Examination
The primary goal of a sonographer is
to capture and provide interpretable images for diagnosis by a physician. This goal is totally dependend on skill and the equipment’s quality.
Ferris DMS is accredited through CAAHEP. What does this stand for?
Commission on Accredidation of Allied Health Education Programs
List the Accrediting Bodies
ARDMS (American Registry for DMS) and ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
3 Exams Ferris students are guaranteed to be eligible for
Sonography Principles and Instrumentation Examination, Abdomen, Obstetrics and Gynecology
In order to become a Registered Sonographer, what two exams must you take?
The SPI and a Specialty Exam
What do sonographers do?
Use ultrasound equipment to produce cross-section images
List 3 Standard Precautions to protect healthcare workers from transmitting diseases.
Proper cleaning of ultrasound equipment, Wearing PPE such as gloves or face masks, and hand washing
Documents for ultrasound
Ultrasound request, patient chart, tech sheet, final interpretive report
Ultrasound Request Form/ Order: Section One includes..?
Clinical facts including patient identification, examination location and priority, patient precautions
Ultrasound Request Form/ Order: Section Two includes..?
Information provided by the referring physician. This includes name and address of physician and essential clinical data explaining the reasoning for the exam- diagnosis code.
Ultrasound Request Form/ Order: Section Three includes..?
Additional information such as patient history and the REQUIRED physician signature
Patient Chart: EMR (Electronic Medical Record) contains
assmessment notes, laboratory results, reports of previous ultrasounds and correlating image modiality studies (such as CT or MRI)
A common requirement before the examination is to ask for a brief medical history. This includes:
Medications, known health conditions, symptoms, and previous surgeries.
What questions do you ask to determine why the patient is there for the exam?
Is the pain constant or does it come and go? how long has this symptom been occurring? Have you had a history with similar pain/symptoms? Have you had any previous surgeries?
What are the three RIGHT Regional Divisions of the Abdomen from top to bottom?
Right hypochindrium, Right Lumbar, Right Illiac
What are the three MIDDLE Regional Divisions of the Abdomen from top to bottom?
Epigastric, Umbilical, Hypogastric
What are the three LEFT Regional Divisions of the Abdomen from top to bottom?
Left hypochondriac, Left Lumbar, Left Illiac
Define solid in ultrasound terminology
echogenic shades of gray
Define cystic in ultrasound terminology
anechoic with defined walls
Define complex in ultrasound terminology
cystic and solid structures present
Define smooth borders in ultrasound terminology
the structure in the image has a clearly defined border.
Define irregular borders in ultrasound terminology
A structure with a rough or jagged edge
Define acoustic enhancement in ultrasound terminology
Enhancement occurs when the area surrounding a structure is bright white, due to increased echos deep to structures that transmit sound. Example: Fluid filled cysts/ bladders
Define acoustic shadowing in ultrasound terminology
an artifact that occurs when the surrounding area appears dark because of the hyperechoic appearance of the surrounding structure. Example: Gallstones.
What occurs during a pre-appointment survey
a survey of the area of interest with no images taken. This is to fine-tune the imaging technique, decide on patient position, and help practive patient breathing technique.
What is included in a technical observation?
observe the area including echo pattern and size, abnormal findings with origin, location, number, size, and composition.
Pathology in 2 planes and with Doppler.
NO diagnosis.
A sonographer fails to make an accurate description in written observation summary, but demonstrates findings on the images. Is this legal practice?
Yes. The sonographer has performed within legal guidelines of scope of
practice.
4 things to tell the Radiologist when presenting a case
- type of exam and reason
- Patient’s history (Symptoms, lab result, past exams)
- Ultrasound findings
- Justification of technique and procedures
Definitive Diagnosis
certain or almost certain of the pathology being presented
Differential Diagnosis
multiple pathologies that are indicated based on the ultrasound findings
Explain Trendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg positions
In Trendelenburg, the patient is on their back but the bed is angled backward so their feet are higher than their head. / Reverse trendelenburg is the opposite, with the patient’s head above their feet. \
