RVT Quality Assurance and Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing a phantom test on a Doppler ultrasound system, which parameter is most critical to assess flow sensitivity?
- Depth penetration at 15 cm
- Minimum detectable velocity using a flow phantom (Correct answer)
- Spatial resolution in the near field
- Acoustic output power in mW/cm²
Correct answer: Minimum detectable velocity using a flow phantom
Minimum detectable velocity using a certified flow phantom directly measures Doppler sensitivity, which is essential for detecting low-flow states in peripheral vessels.
Question 2: Which OSHA standard is most directly applicable to vascular laboratory staff who handle patient specimens such as blood?
- 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication
- 29 CFR 1910.1030 Bloodborne Pathogens (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR 1910.147 Lockout/Tagout
- 29 CFR 1910.95 Occupational Noise Exposure
Correct answer: 29 CFR 1910.1030 Bloodborne Pathogens
29 CFR 1910.1030 specifically governs exposure to bloodborne pathogens and mandates exposure control plans, PPE use, and hepatitis B vaccination offers.
Question 3: A vascular lab's Doppler velocity measurements drift 15% higher than baseline over six months. The MOST likely cause is:
- Technologist technique variability
- Transducer crystal degradation changing frequency output (Correct answer)
- Patient body habitus changes
- Software algorithm update
Correct answer: Transducer crystal degradation changing frequency output
Piezoelectric crystal aging or damage shifts the actual transmitted frequency, causing systematic velocity calculation errors because the Doppler equation uses the known center frequency.
Question 4: When documenting an accreditation-required quality improvement (QI) project, which element is mandatory for ICAVL compliance?
- Monthly staff performance reviews
- Physician re-read rate of greater than 25%
- Evidence of action taken based on findings and outcome reassessment (Correct answer)
- Annual equipment replacement schedule
Correct answer: Evidence of action taken based on findings and outcome reassessment
ICAVL requires that QI projects demonstrate a complete cycle: identifying the problem, implementing a change, and reassessing outcomes to confirm improvement.
Question 5: Which cleaning agent is considered safe and effective for high-level disinfection of ultrasound transducers used in intravascular or endovascular applications?
- Isopropyl alcohol wipes (70%)
- Quaternary ammonium compound spray
- Glutaraldehyde-based solution per manufacturer protocol (Correct answer)
- Mild soap and water rinse
Correct answer: Glutaraldehyde-based solution per manufacturer protocol
Glutaraldehyde (e.g., Cidex) achieves high-level disinfection required for semi-critical devices that contact mucous membranes or non-intact skin when used per protocol.
Question 6: During ergonomic assessment of a vascular sonographer's workstation, which finding poses the GREATEST cumulative trauma disorder risk?
- Monitor placed at eye level 18 inches away
- Scanning hand held with wrist in ulnar deviation for extended periods (Correct answer)
- Chair height adjusted so feet rest flat on floor
- Elbow supported on armrest during scanning
Correct answer: Scanning hand held with wrist in ulnar deviation for extended periods
Sustained ulnar deviation increases tension on extensor tendons and compresses the ulnar nerve, significantly raising the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in sonographers.
Question 7: In a vascular laboratory, the purpose of a written infection control exposure control plan (ECP) is to:
- Satisfy Joint Commission documentation requirements only
- Identify and eliminate all biological hazards within 90 days
- Minimize employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens through engineering and work practice controls (Correct answer)
- Establish a protocol for reporting equipment malfunctions
Correct answer: Minimize employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens through engineering and work practice controls
Per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030, the ECP must describe the means by which the employer will minimize or eliminate employee exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials.
RVT Quality Assurance and Safety 2
When performing a phantom test on a Doppler ultrasound system, which parameter is most critical to assess flow sensitivity?