Vocab terms

Question 1

acoustic window (sonographic window)

Answer 1

the optimal location on the body for placement of the ultrasound transducer to demonstrate both normal anatomy and pathology, the best image acquired by manipulating and placing the ultrasound transducer in the most favorable position; some organs can provide a better acoustic window for improved viewing adjacent anatomy

Question 2

american registry for diagnostic medical sonography (ARDMS)

Answer 2

an organization that offers national certification exams for all sonography specialties

Question 3

american registry of radiologic technologists (ARRT)

Answer 3

an organization that offers certification exams for radiographers and some sonography specialties

Question 4

anechoic

Answer 4

without echoes

Question 5

audible sound

Answer 5

sound range that can be detected by the human ear

Question 6

brain dumping

Answer 6

a test preparation technique in which a large amount of information is memorized by a test taker and, when the test commences, the test take “dumps” the information on scrap piece of paper or the test

Question 7

callback pay

Answer 7

additional monies earned because one is asked to return to work after normal business hours, results from taking call

Question 8

chronic

Answer 8

gradual onset or an ongoing condition

Question 9

clinical competencies

Answer 9

unassisted examinations that are graded to determine fundamental proficiency

Question 10

clinical findings

Answer 10

the information gathered by obtaining a clinical history

Question 11

clinical history

Answer 11

includes signs and symptoms, pertinent illnesses, past surgeries, laboratory findings, and the results of other diagnostic testing of a patient

Question 12

clinical journal

Answer 12

a book used by students for personal and professional reflection

Question 13

commission on accreditation of allied health education programs (CAAHEP)

Answer 13

the national accreditation granting body for sonography education

Question 14

complex

Answer 14

a structure that has both fluid filled and solid component

Question 15

coupling gel

Answer 15

a medium placed on the skin to allow ultrasound waves to enter the body; also referred to as ultrasound gel

Question 16

critical thinking skills

Answer 16

resourceful actions, judgements, and decisions based on the combination of professional knowledge, experience, integrity, and ethical standards

Question 17

cross-training

Answer 17

when radiographers or other imaging specialists are training to perform another imaging modality in the clinical setting without specific classroom training

Question 18

diagnostic mammogram

Answer 18

a targeted mammogram, typically performed after a screening mammogram to further analyze the characteristic of a breast lesion

Question 19

differential diagnosis

Answer 19

a diagnostic method used to create a short list of possible diseases based on signs and symptoms

Question 20

gadolinium

Answer 20

a contrast agent used in MRI

Question 21

gold standard

Answer 21

the leading tool to diagnose certain diseases; for example, mammography is the gold standard for breast imaging, and sonography is the gold standard for gallbladder disease

Question 22

heterogenous

Answer 22

of differing composition

Question 23

homogenous

Answer 23

a uniform composition

Question 24

hypoechoic

Answer 24

having few echoes within a structure

Question 25

infrasound

Answer 25

the sound range below the normal hearing range of humans

Question 26

isoechoic

Answer 26

having the same echogenicity

Question 27

joint review committee on education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Answer 27

organization that establishes standards, reviews, and recommends education accreditation for sonography programs

Question 28

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer 28

imaging modality that utilizes magnetic waves to obtain images of the human body in various planes

Question 29

mammography

Answer 29

x-rays of the breast

Question 30

nuclear medicine

Answer 30

imaging modality that employs the use of radioactive material for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases

Question 31

real time imaging

Answer 31

instant viewing of internal structures

Question 32

scan lab

Answer 32

a practice room with ultrasound machines for students to use to gain scanning experience

Question 33

shadowing

Answer 33

failure of the sound beam to pass through a structure

Question 34

society of diagnostic medical sonography

Answer 34

the national membership society for all specialties in sonography; offers membership benefits and helps set standards for the sonography profession

Question 35

sonographer

Answer 35

a highly skilled medical professional trained to utilize ultrasound to image the human body

Question 36

sonographer report

Answer 36

typically a written or typed document that provides basic descriptive information of the sonographic examination, including measurements of normal and abnormal structures, the sonographic appearance of organs and structures, and the manifestation of any sonographically identifiable abnormalities noted during the examination

Question 37

sonographic anatomy

Answer 37

normal anatomy as it is demonstrated on a sonogram

Question 38

sonographic findings

Answer 38

information gathered by performing the sonographic examination

Question 39

sonography phantoms

Answer 39

simulation objects created from tissue similar to the human body that can be used to practice sonographic examination

Question 40

surgical asepsis

Answer 40

the absence of viable pathogenic organisms; also referred to as sterile technique

Question 41

symptoms

Answer 41

any subjective indication of disease, like nausea, weakness, or numbness

Question 42

transducer

Answer 42

an instrument that emits ultrasound waves that is used by the sonographer to acquire sonographic images

Question 43

ultrasound

Answer 43

the sound range above the normal hearing range of humans