Question 1

Which of the following statements about the SCAN is untrue?

Accepted Answer

The SCAN was not developed by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, but rather by the Alliance for Quality Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy.

Question 2

Which patient position is used whenever fetal parts obscure the lower uterine segment or the fetal lie prevents suitable imaging of the fetal head?

Accepted Answer

The Trendelenburg position is used to help move fetal parts away from the lower uterine segment, improving imaging of the fetal head.

Question 3

Cordocentesis, a diagnostic test that examines blood from the fetal umbilical cord to detect fetal abnormalities, is also known as:

Accepted Answer

Cordocentesis is also known as percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS), which involves taking a sample of fetal blood from the umbilical cord. Chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis, and fetoscopy are other diagnostic tests used to detect fetal abnormalities but involve different methods of obtaining samples (sampling from the placenta, amniotic fluid, or directly visualizing the fetus through a small camera, respectively).

Question 4

The acronym SCAN stands for:

Accepted Answer

SCAN stands for sonography clinical assessment notebook. This tool is used by educators and clinical instructors to assess the clinical skills and competence of sonography students.

Question 5

Which position is helpful in scanning a gallbladder in an extremely high position under the rib cage?

Accepted Answer

The upright/erect position can help move the gallbladder out from under the rib cage, making it easier to scan when it is positioned high.

Question 6

Which of the following laboratory tests is not associated with the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

AST, ALT, and Bilirubin are all liver function tests, which are associated with the digestive tract. CBC is a complete blood count, which is not specific to the digestive tract.

Question 7

Which of the following statements about abdominal and retroperitoneal sonography is untrue?

Accepted Answer

Abdominal sonography is a noninvasive imaging technique that does not require the use of contrast material. Therefore, there is no need to do it after other imaging tests that require contrast material.

Question 8

The use of dobutamine is indicated in patients with:

Accepted Answer

Dobutamine is a synthetic catecholamine that is used to increase cardiac output and blood pressure. It is indicated in patients with heart failure, septic shock, and other conditions that require increased cardiac output. Dobutamine is not indicated in patients with musculoskeletal disorders, peripheral vascular disease, or neurologic disorders.

Question 9

Sonographic modalities most commonly used in echocardiography include all of the following except:

Accepted Answer

Transvaginal sonography (TVS) is not a modality used in echocardiography, as it is a type of sonography used for imaging the female reproductive system. The other options, 2D and 3D imaging, M-mode tracings, and Doppler flow studies, are all commonly used in echocardiography.

Question 10

Areas of quality assurance testing for ultrasound equipment include all of the following except:

Accepted Answer

Transducer frequency is a characteristic of the transducer itself and not typically an area of quality assurance testing, which focuses on the performance and accuracy of the equipment.

Question 11

Stress echocardiography is performed with the patient in the _____ position.

Accepted Answer

Stress echocardiography is typically performed with the patient in the left lateral decubitus position to improve the visualization of the heart by bringing the left ventricle closer to the chest wall.

Question 12

Contrast echocardiography is used to evaluate:

Accepted Answer

Contrast echocardiography is used to evaluate mitral regurgitation by injecting contrast material (usually saline mixed with air or microspheres) into a peripheral vein and monitoring the appearance and flow of the material through the heart chambers and valves on an echocardiogram. This can help diagnose the severity and location of mitral regurgitation, as well as any associated heart conditions. GERD, vena caval pressures and tricuspid prolapse are not evaluated using contrast echocardiography.

Question 13

_____ is a noninvasive, 2D, real-time imaging technique used to evaluate cardiac structure and function.

Accepted Answer

TTE (Transthoracic Echocardiography) is a noninvasive imaging technique that uses ultrasound waves to produce a 2D real-time image of the heart structure and function. It is the most commonly used echocardiography technique and provides valuable information about heart function and potential cardiac abnormalities. TEE (Transesophageal Echocardiography) is another type of echocardiography that uses a special probe inserted through the esophagus to obtain better images of the heart, but it is more invasive than TTE. ETT (Exercise Tolerance Test) and TET (Treadmill Exercise Test) are both cardiac stress tests used to evaluate exercise-induced changes in the heart, but they do not provide imaging information.

Question 14

_____ is an invasive, 2D, real-time cardiac imaging technique that employs the placement of a specialized transducer within the esophagus.

Accepted Answer

TEE (transesophageal echocardiography) is the only option that fits the description given. TTE (transthoracic echocardiography) is a non-invasive, surface-based cardiac imaging technique. ETT (exercise treadmill testing) is a cardiac stress test, and TET is not a cardiac imaging technique.

Question 15

In what position does the patient lie on his or her side with the arms positioned in front?

Accepted Answer

The lateral position is when the patient lies on their side. If their arms are positioned in front of them, this is still considered the lateral position. Prone is lying face down, supine is lying face up, and oblique refers to an angled or slanted position.

Question 16

To prevent vena cava hypotension in a patient in an advanced state of pregnancy, place her in the _____ position.

Accepted Answer

The modified Fowler position, which elevates the head and chest while keeping the legs straight, is the best option to prevent vena cava hypotension in a patient in an advanced state of pregnancy. This position helps to alleviate pressure on the vena cava, which can be compressed by the weight of the uterus in some pregnant patients. The other positions listed, including upright, Trendelenburg, and prone, may exacerbate this compression and lead to hypotension.

Question 17

Which of the following measurements/calculations is not made to assess gestational age?

Accepted Answer

CVS (chorionic villus sampling) is a prenatal diagnostic test that is not used to assess gestational age. BPD (biparietal diameter), HC (head circumference), and AC (abdominal circumference) are all measurements used to determine gestational age during ultrasound evaluation.

Question 18

Regarding ultrasound-guided procedures, which technique(s) typically is(are) used to drain ascites, pleural fluid, and in superficial lesions?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Regarding ultrasound-guided procedures, which technique(s) typically is(are)...

Question 19

For a transthoracic examination, an index mark should be placed:

Accepted Answer

The index mark on a 2D transducer for a transthoracic examination is placed on each side of the transducer to help orient the direction of the ultrasound beam and ensure accurate imaging and interpretation.

Question 20

Also referred to as the dorsal recumbent position, in what position does the patient lie on his or her back with the head and upper shoulders slightly elevated?

Accepted Answer

The position described is supine. In supine position, the patient lies on the back with the head and upper shoulders slightly elevated. Option A, lateral, refers to lying on one side. Option C, prone, refers to lying on the stomach. Option D, Trendelenburg, refers to lying on the back with the head lower than the feet.

Quiz 6: Clinical Assessments and Sonographic Procedures