Quality Assurance and Safety Flashcards

The Mechanical Index (MI) displayed on an ultrasound machine is used to estimate the risk of:

Answer: Cavitation and non-thermal mechanical bioeffects

The MI is the primary indicator of non-thermal mechanical bioeffects, particularly inertial cavitation, which is most relevant when scanning gas-filled structures or using contrast agents.

Which hand hygiene product is considered MOST effective for reducing transmission of Clostridium difficile spores in a vascular laboratory setting?

Answer: Plain soap and water with thorough rinsing

Alcohol-based hand rubs do not kill C. difficile spores; plain soap and water physically removes spores from the hands and is the recommended approach for C. diff prevention.

A QA audit reveals that a technologist's abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) diameter measurements are consistently 3–4 mm larger than those of other staff. The MOST likely explanation is:

Answer: Inconsistent measurement technique — measuring outer wall to outer wall versus leading edge to leading edge

AAA diameter measurement technique varies significantly depending on whether the measurement is made outer-to-outer, inner-to-inner, or leading-edge-to-leading-edge; labs must standardize to a single method.

Under HIPAA, which scenario represents a permissible disclosure of patient vascular study results without written authorization?

Answer: Transmitting images to a consulting physician for treatment purposes

HIPAA permits disclosure of protected health information (PHI) for treatment purposes, including sharing with consulting physicians directly involved in the patient's care.

A vascular lab's QA program identifies that its sensitivity for detecting >70% internal carotid artery stenosis has dropped from 92% to 78% over one year. The FIRST step in investigation should be:

Answer: Review whether published velocity criteria or scanning protocols were modified during that period

Changes in diagnostic performance often trace back to modifications in criteria, protocols, or equipment settings; reviewing what changed is the logical first investigative step.

Which type of continuing medical education (CME) or continuing education (CE) activity is SPECIFICALLY required to maintain RVT credential through ARDMS?

Answer: 30 CE credits in the registered specialty area every 3 years

ARDMS requires 30 continuing education credits in the registered specialty area every three years for credential maintenance, ensuring ongoing competency in the registered discipline.

When a vascular laboratory experiences a near-miss event (an error that was caught before reaching the patient), the BEST institutional response is to:

Answer: Document the event confidentially, analyze contributing factors, and implement process improvements

Near-miss events are high-value learning opportunities; confidential reporting combined with systems-based root cause analysis and process improvement is the gold standard in patient safety science.