RVT Quality Assurance and Safety 5

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Cavitation and non-thermal mechanical bioeffects

Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Plain soap and water with thorough rinsing

Answer

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.

Question 3

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:

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Transmitting images to a consulting physician for treatment purposes

Answer

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

Question 5

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:

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

(RVT) Registered Vascular Technologist Practice Test

(RVT) Registered Vascular Technologist Practice Test

RVT Quality Assurance and Safety 5