UTC Emergency Procedures & Response 3

Question 1

A pregnant patient at 20 weeks gestation becomes hypotensive and pale during a supine abdominal ultrasound. The most likely cause is:

Accepted Answer

Aortocaval compression syndrome

Answer

Supine hypotensive syndrome occurs when the gravid uterus compresses the inferior vena cava; repositioning to left lateral decubitus relieves symptoms.

Question 2

During contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), a patient develops urticaria, bronchospasm, and hypotension within minutes of injection. This reaction is classified as:

Accepted Answer

Anaphylactic reaction

Answer

Urticaria, bronchospasm, and hypotension together constitute anaphylaxis, a severe systemic allergic reaction requiring epinephrine administration.

Question 3

When performing ultrasound on a patient who has experienced trauma, which finding requires the most urgent communication to the trauma team?

Accepted Answer

Free fluid in the hepatorenal space (Morrison's pouch)

Answer

Free fluid in Morrison's pouch in a trauma patient indicates hemoperitoneum, a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate surgical evaluation.

Question 4

A patient undergoing ultrasound-guided biopsy suddenly develops a rapid heart rate, pallor, and near-syncope. The sonographer should first:

Accepted Answer

Stop the procedure and place the patient in Trendelenburg position

Answer

Vasovagal syncope during procedures is managed by stopping the procedure and lowering the patient's head to improve cerebral perfusion.

Question 5

Which medication is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis in a clinical setting?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine (adrenaline)

Answer

Epinephrine is the only first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, acting to reverse bronchospasm, vasodilation, and urticaria rapidly.

(UTC) Ultrasound Technologist Certification Practice Test

(UTC) Ultrasound Technologist Certification Practice Test

UTC Emergency Procedures & Response 3