UTC Clinical Procedures & Protocols 5

Question 1

According to AIUM guidelines, what is the maximum recommended single-pass needle visualization technique during an ultrasound-guided procedure?

Accepted Answer

Either in-plane or out-of-plane, depending on target depth and clinical need

Answer

AIUM guidelines support both in-plane and out-of-plane needle approaches; the choice depends on anatomical location, target depth, and clinical circumstances.

Question 2

A patient undergoing a venous reflux study of the lower extremity is asked to perform a Valsalva maneuver. What does this assess?

Accepted Answer

Competence of the saphenofemoral junction valves

Answer

Valsalva maneuver increases intra-abdominal pressure and temporarily reverses venous flow; prolonged reflux (>0.5 seconds) at the saphenofemoral junction indicates valvular incompetence.

Question 3

Which artifact is most likely to be mistaken for gallstones during a gallbladder ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

Side-lobe artifact creating echoes inside the gallbladder lumen

Answer

Side-lobe artifacts can project echoes from adjacent structures into the gallbladder lumen, mimicking gallstones; repositioning the patient or changing the scan angle helps differentiate.

Question 4

When documenting a splenic laceration during trauma ultrasound (FAST exam), the sonographer should primarily evaluate:

Accepted Answer

Free fluid in the splenorenal space (left upper quadrant)

Answer

In a FAST exam, the left upper quadrant view assesses the splenorenal space for free fluid (hemoperitoneum), which indicates splenic or renal injury.

Question 5

A patient's echocardiogram shows an EF of 35%. This value is classified as:

Accepted Answer

Severely reduced systolic function

Answer

Normal EF is 55–70%; an EF of 35% is classified as severely reduced systolic function (heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, HFrEF).

(UTC) Ultrasound Technologist Certification Practice Test

(UTC) Ultrasound Technologist Certification Practice Test

UTC Clinical Procedures & Protocols 5