Echocardiogram Patient Care and Safety in Echocardiography 2

Question 1

During a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), a patient's oxygen saturation drops to 85%. What should the technician do first?

Accepted Answer

Alert the physician immediately and prepare to withdraw the probe

Answer

Increase the depth of sedation

Answer

Reposition the probe for a better view

Answer

Continue monitoring and document the finding

Question 2

Which document must be obtained from a competent patient before performing a transesophageal echocardiogram?

Accepted Answer

Written informed consent

Answer

Advance directive

Answer

Insurance pre-authorization

Answer

HIPAA acknowledgment

Question 3

A patient has a latex allergy. What precaution is specifically needed during an echocardiographic examination?

Accepted Answer

Use latex-free gloves and verify probe covers are latex-free

Answer

Avoid using any ultrasound gel

Answer

Perform the study in the ICU only

Answer

Administer prophylactic antihistamines before the study

Question 4

When caring for a patient on droplet precautions, which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for the echocardiography technician?

Accepted Answer

Surgical mask, gloves, and eye protection

Answer

N95 respirator and full gown only

Answer

Sterile gloves and surgical cap

Answer

Gloves only, as ultrasound poses no aerosol risk

Question 5

What is the appropriate response if an electrocardiogram (ECG) lead placed during echocardiography shows sustained ventricular tachycardia?

Accepted Answer

Stop the examination, activate emergency response, and stay with the patient

Answer

Document it and continue the study

Answer

Remove the ECG leads and proceed

Answer

Increase the ultrasound output to complete the study quickly

Question 6

Which action helps prevent patient falls when assisting an elderly patient onto an examination table for an echocardiogram?

Accepted Answer

Lock the wheels of the examination table and provide a step stool with handrails

Answer

Ask the patient to climb up unassisted to promote independence

Answer

Raise the table to its highest position for easier access

Answer

Have the patient sit on the floor to avoid falling

Question 7

When performing echocardiography on a pregnant patient, which ALARA measure is most important?

Accepted Answer

Minimize dwell time in Doppler modes and avoid unnecessary M-mode scanning

Answer

Use maximum mechanical index settings

Answer

Increase gain to reduce the number of scan passes needed

Answer

Avoid all Doppler imaging throughout the examination