Ultrasound

Question 1

When is ultrasound most commonly used?

Answer 1

1 - Assessment of JVP

2 - Venepuncture

3 - Biopsy

4 - Pregnancy

5 - Assessment of abdominal organs

Question 2

What types of tissues reflect the most ultrasound waves back and therefore appear the brighest?

Answer 2

Fat

Bone

Stones

Question 3

What types of tissues reflect the least ultrasound waves back and therefore appear the darkest?

Answer 3

Cartilage

Muscle

Question 4

Which substances reflect no ultrasound waves and therefore appear completely dark?

Answer 4

Fluid

Question 5

What are the 3 types of probes used on ultrasound machines?

Answer 5

Linear (high frequencies) - venous access, nerve blocks, assessment of testes

Curvilinear (low frequency) - abdominal, pelvic, obstetric and deep lung tissue

Phased (lowest) - echocardiograms

Question 6

To which side of the patients body should the dot on the probe face?

Answer 6

The patients right side

Question 7

How are arteries and veins identified on ultrasound?

Answer 7

Veins - compressible

Arteries - non-compressible with thicker, muscular walls