Patient Care - Key Terms

American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)

the organization that offers national certification exams for all sonography specialties

Coupling Gel

ultrasound gel placed on the skin that acts as a medium for ultrasound waves to enter the body

Gold Standard

the leading tool used to diagnose certain diseases

Indication

the basis for performing an examination or test; a valid reason

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist

a physician specially trained in the medical and surgical management of high-risk pregnancies

Megahertz

1 million hertz

Mnemonics

a memorization technique

Protocol

an inclusive order of necessary images acquired during a sonographic examination

Sonography Phantoms

simulation objects made with tissue-like material used to practice sonographic examinations

Sonographer

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

Acute

sudden and rapid onset with relatively short duration; often severe symptoms

Anechoic

without echoes; appears black on ultrasound

Burnout

a work-related condition involving physical and emotional exhaustion

Chronic

gradual onset or ongoing condition

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

the national accrediting body for sonography education

Competence

the ability to complete a job successfully

Complex

describes a structure with both fluid-filled and solid components

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

education required to maintain certification or licensure in healthcare

Empathy

the ability to understand and feel what another person is experiencing

Taking Call

being on standby for emergency cases after regular department hours

Adnexa

bilateral regions adjacent to the uterus containing the ovaries

Congenital Anomalies

defects present at birth

Contralateral

relating to the opposite side of the body

Cyanosis

bluish discoloration of the skin due to decreased oxygen

Echocardiographer

a person who uses ultrasound to examine the heart and surrounding structures

Ergonomics

the study of designing tools and equipment to fit the work environment and human needs

Intercostal

between the ribs

Ipsilateral

on the same side of the body

Left Lateral Decubitus

lying on the left side with the right side facing up

Real-Time Imaging

continuous ultrasound imaging that appears like watching a movie

Entertainment Ultrasound

non-diagnostic ultrasound performed for amusement purposes

Informed Consent

gaining permission from a patient before performing a medical procedure

Medical Ethics

applying moral principles in interactions within the medical profession

Patient Confidentiality

protecting a patient’s private information from unauthorized sharing

Professional

a person qualified in a profession who demonstrates good conduct

Assault

threatening harm in a way that makes the victim believe the threat can be carried out

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)

a physician’s order preventing CPR or lifesaving resuscitation

Immobilization Device

a device used to restrain a patient with a physician’s order

Implied Consent

nonverbal actions by a patient indicating acceptance of a procedure

Professional Liability Insurance

insurance purchased to protect against malpractice claims

Scope of Practice

defines the role and responsibilities of a professional

Standard of Care

the level of care a reasonable person would provide in a given situation

Ambulatory

able to walk without assistance; not bedridden

Dyspnea

difficult or labored breathing

Foley Catheter

a tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine

Idiopathic

a condition with no identifiable cause

Inpatients

patients admitted to a hospital for overnight care and monitoring

Motion Mode (M-Mode)

ultrasound mode used to display motion of reflectors

Outpatients

patients who receive care without staying overnight

Portable Sonography

performing ultrasound exams outside the sonography department using portable equipment

Airborne Precautions

precautions used to prevent spread of pathogens through the air

Asymptomatic

showing no symptoms

Contact Precautions

precautions used to prevent spread of pathogens through direct or indirect contact

Droplet Precautions

precautions used to prevent spread of pathogens through respiratory droplets

Hepatomegaly

enlargement of the liver

Jaundice

yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by high bilirubin levels

N95 Respirator

a respirator used to protect against airborne pathogens

Nosocomial Infections

infections acquired in a healthcare facility

Probe Cover

a disposable protective cover placed on ultrasound transducers for infection control

Amniocentesis

a procedure where amniotic fluid is removed for testing or to reduce buildup

Ascites

accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity

Paracentesis

a procedure using a needle to drain abdominal fluid

Pleural Effusion

abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural space

Sterile Field

an area free of microorganisms

Surgical Asepsis

complete removal of microorganisms and spores from objects or surfaces

Thoracentesis

a procedure using a needle to drain fluid from the pleural cavity