Explanation:
Tachycardia refers to a heart rate that is faster than normal. A heart rate of 160 beats per minute would be considered tachycardia, indicating a rapid heartbeat. Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, fibrillation refers to chaotic and irregular heartbeats, and asystole refers to the absence of any heartbeat.
Explanation:
To determine the proper location in the image memory for each echo, it's essential to consider the depth at which each echo is received along the scan lines. This helps in reconstructing the spatial information of the imaged structures accurately. Grayscale (option A) relates to the brightness of the pixels in the image and is not directly related to spatial location. The direction of the electrodes (option C) is unrelated to echo location in the image memory. Therefore, option B is the correct choice.
Explanation:
The beam former in ultrasound systems performs two main functions. First, it digitizes the analog voltages received from the transducer (option B), converting them into digital signals for processing. Second, it compensates for attenuation using techniques like time gain compensation (TGC), which adjusts the amplification of signals at different depths to compensate for signal loss (option C).
Explanation:
Echocardiography is favored due to its non-invasiveness, shorter test times, absence of radiation exposure, and versatility in assessing cardiac structure and function. However, higher costs would be a disadvantage, as it may limit accessibility for some patients or healthcare facilities.
Explanation:
Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) offers advantages for patients in the coronary care unit. It is portable (option A), meaning it can be brought to the patient's bedside for convenient imaging. Additionally, TTE is non-invasive (option B), which means it does not involve any surgical procedures or penetration of the skin, making it safer and more comfortable for patients.
Explanation:
While all other options (B, C, and D) are associated with an increased risk of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), being female (option A) is generally considered a protective factor. AAA is more common in males, particularly those over 65 years old, with a family history of AAA, and among smokers.
Explanation:
The official report for echocardiography images typically includes essential medical information such as the name of the patient (option A), facility identifying information (option B), and the date of the examination (option C). However, the cost of the examination is typically not documented on the official medical report, as it is a financial aspect that is managed separately from the medical documentation.
Explanation:
A "comet tail" in ultrasound imaging refers to a series of closely spaced reverberation echoes seen beyond a strongly reflective structure, resembling the tail of a comet. This artifact is caused by multiple reflections of sound waves within a highly reflective structure, leading to closely spaced echoes seen deeper in the tissue.
Explanation:
Contrast echocardiography involves the use of contrast agents to enhance the visibility of cardiac structures during echocardiography. It can aid in the detection of various conditions, including left ventricular opacification (option A), providing a refined definition of left ventricular (LV) structural abnormalities (option B), and identifying intracardiac shunts (option C). Therefore, option D, all of the above, is the correct choice.
Explanation:
The apical four-chamber view in trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE) allows visualization of the four chambers of the heart: the left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium, and right ventricle. While the mitral valve (option A), right ventricle (option C), and right atrium (option D) are all visible from this view, the pulmonary valve (option B) is not typically visualized in the apical four-chamber view.
Explanation:
The technician should inform the patient that the results of the echocardiogram will be reviewed by a physician, who will interpret the findings and provide the patient with the results. The technician is not qualified to diagnose or interpret medical results, so the patient needs to consult with a physician for accurate information about their health.
