Echocardiogram Patient Care and Safety in Echocardiography

Question 1

Before performing a transthoracic echocardiogram, what is the most important safety step regarding patient identification?

Accepted Answer

Confirm patient name and date of birth using two identifiers

Answer

Check only the room number on the door

Answer

Ask the nurse to identify the patient verbally

Answer

Confirm only the medical record number

Question 2

Which position is most commonly used for transthoracic echocardiography to improve image quality while maintaining patient comfort?

Accepted Answer

Left lateral decubitus

Answer

Supine with arms at sides

Answer

Prone

Answer

Right lateral decubitus

Question 3

What is the primary infection control measure an echocardiography technician must perform before and after each patient contact?

Accepted Answer

Perform hand hygiene with soap or alcohol-based sanitizer

Answer

Don sterile gloves

Answer

Change the transducer probe

Answer

Wear a full face shield

Question 4

When disinfecting an ultrasound transducer after a routine transthoracic study, which level of disinfection is required?

Accepted Answer

Low-level disinfection

Answer

Sterilization

Answer

High-level disinfection

Answer

Intermediate-level disinfection

Question 5

A patient develops shortness of breath and oxygen saturation drops to 88% during a stress echocardiogram. What is the technician's first action?

Accepted Answer

Immediately terminate the stress test and notify the supervising physician

Answer

Continue the protocol to capture peak stress images

Answer

Reduce treadmill speed to a slower pace

Answer

Administer supplemental oxygen independently

Question 6

Which of the following is a contraindication to performing an exercise stress echocardiogram?

Accepted Answer

Acute myocardial infarction within the past 2 days

Answer

Well-controlled hypertension

Answer

Mild aortic stenosis with no symptoms

Answer

Stable angina with preserved LV function

Question 7

What does the ALARA principle mean in the context of diagnostic ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

Keep acoustic output as low as reasonably achievable while obtaining diagnostic images

Answer

Always use the highest frequency transducer available

Answer

Limit examination time to no more than 10 minutes

Answer

Apply maximum gain settings to enhance image brightness