Ultrasound Request Form and Safety & Imaging Controls (Video Notes)

Flashcards covering the roles of sonographer and doctor, OSHA guidelines, ultrasound workflow, legal considerations, and imaging controls described in the video notes.

What is the role of a sonographer in an ultrasound exam?

A trained professional who performs the ultrasound imaging, acquires images, and documents technical observations; they do not provide the final diagnosis.

What is a sonologist in the context of ultrasound?

A physician who interprets ultrasound findings and provides the final interpretive report or diagnosis.

Why is it important to obtain and report patient data pertinent to the ultrasound exam?

To ensure the correct exam is performed, correlate findings with the patient history, enhance safety, and support complete legal/clinical documentation.

What types of patient data should be reviewed for an ultrasound exam?

Medical history, current symptoms, prior imaging results, lab results, and other data relevant to the exam.

Name the OSHA guideline categories commonly applied to ultrasound practice.

Engineering controls, work practice controls, housekeeping, personal protective equipment (PPE), and vaccination against hepatitis B.

Give examples of engineering controls used in ultrasound/medical imaging.

Sterilization/autoclaves, use of safety devices (e.g., self-sheathing needles), and biosafety precautions to reduce exposure risk.

What are typical work practice controls for ultrasound procedures?

Gloves when handling blood or bodily fluids; use of gowns or additional PPE as indicated; and proper hand hygiene.

What are housekeeping controls in the OSHA framework for healthcare?

Keeping equipment clean and contaminant-free, proper disposal of sharps, and proper laundry containment.

What is Hepatitis B vaccination policy for healthcare workers?

A three-dose vaccination series over six months; protects workers from HBV exposure but does not prevent exposure itself.

What components typically comprise the ultrasound documentation workflow?

The ultrasound request, the patient chart, technical observations, and the final interpretive report.

Why must the reason for the exam match the exam ordered?

To ensure the correct modality and targeted exam is performed, avoiding mismatched or inappropriate studies.

What information is often included in assessment notes and supporting data for an ultrasound?

Assessment notes, laboratory results, reports of previous ultrasounds, and any correlating imaging information.

What is a recommended approach when you first interact with a patient before the scan?

Introduce yourself, explain the procedure, and gather relevant medical history and questions to guide the exam.

How should findings be described in an ultrasound report, and why not to label diagnoses?

Describe echo patterns and anatomical features (origin, number, size, composition) and avoid naming a diagnosis; the physician provides the final interpretation.

If a finding appears on the images but is not described in the written report, what should you do?

Document the finding in the report and ensure the physician can see it; images alone should not substitute for documentation.

What is the purpose of the 'new patient key' on ultrasound systems?

To clear current patient data (ID, stored images, comments) and allow entry of new patient information.

What is the 'work list' in ultrasound equipment?

A list of patients and exams used to locate a case, verify patient identity, and select the appropriate exam.

How should you verify patient identity before starting an ultrasound scan?

Verify patient name, ID, date of birth, and wristband, and ensure they match the information in the work list.

What exam categories might appear in the ultrasound system (e.g., OB, abdomen, GYN, cardio, vascular)?

Different imaging presets tailored to the exam type; selecting the category loads appropriate parameters.

What are the primary imaging controls a sonographer uses?

Transducer/probe selection, imaging preset/model, depth, frequency, gain, Time Gain Compensation (TGC), and focus.

What is the rule of thumb for frequency vs depth in ultrasound imaging?

Higher frequency for superficial structures with better resolution; lower frequency for deeper structures with greater penetration.

What is Time Gain Compensation (TGC) and why is it used?

A setting that compensates for depth-related attenuation by adjusting brightness at different depths to maintain image quality.

What is the focal zone in ultrasound, and how is it used?

The focal zone is the depth region where the beam is most focused; adjusting the number and position optimizes resolution at the area of interest.

What do the 'dual image' and 'image direction' controls do?

Dual image displays two images side-by-side for comparison; image direction controls reverse the display orientation for ease of viewing.

What is the 'freeze' function used for in ultrasound imaging?

Freezes real-time imaging to capture a still frame for documentation; pressing again resumes real-time imaging.

What is 'cine loop' in ultrasound and when is it used?

A short video loop of recent frames stored for review, enabling assessment of motion or pathologies over time.

What does the 'print/store' function do?

Stores the captured image(s) to memory or prints them; allows saving/selecting studies for PACS or reporting.

What does monitor control for brightness and contrast do?

Brightness adjusts overall image light output; contrast adjusts differences between light and dark areas to improve visibility.

What does 'body patterns' refer to in ultrasound system controls?

A display indicating patient positioning to aid orientation during scanning.

What does 'annotation' and the annotation library provide?

Preprogrammed labels or notes that can be applied to images; these can be erased or edited as needed.

Why is it important to avoid naming the pathology (e.g., calling something a cyst) in ultrasound reporting?

To maintain objectivity; describe characteristics (e.g., anechoic, cystic structure) and leave final diagnosis to the physician.

What should you do to protect yourself legally in the event of a dispute or malpractice claim?

Document findings, interactions, and decisions; ensure reports match images; keep personal notes if needed; follow scope-of-practice guidelines.

What are the typical components that accompany an ultrasound exam in the report including the final interpretive report?

Ultrasound request, patient chart, technical observations, and final interpretive report.