UTC Ultrasound Technologist Patient Care & Safety Protocols 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient reports a latex allergy before a transrectal ultrasound. What is the most appropriate action?
- Proceed with a standard latex probe cover
- Use a latex-free probe cover and notify the radiologist (Correct answer)
- Cancel the exam and reschedule
- Administer antihistamines before the exam
Correct answer: Use a latex-free probe cover and notify the radiologist
Latex-free probe covers must be used for patients with latex allergies to prevent allergic reactions, and the radiologist should be informed.
Question 2: When scanning a pregnant patient in the third trimester, which position best prevents supine hypotensive syndrome?
- Prone
- Left lateral decubitus (Correct answer)
- Trendelenburg
- Right lateral decubitus
Correct answer: Left lateral decubitus
Left lateral decubitus positioning shifts the uterus off the inferior vena cava, preventing compression that causes supine hypotensive syndrome.
Question 3: Which cleaning method is required for endocavitary ultrasound transducers between patients?
- Low-level disinfection with 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe
- High-level disinfection using an EPA-registered chemical (Correct answer)
- Sterilization in an autoclave
- Rinsing with sterile saline
Correct answer: High-level disinfection using an EPA-registered chemical
Endocavitary transducers contact mucous membranes and require high-level disinfection with an EPA-registered disinfectant per CDC guidelines.
Question 4: A patient becomes diaphoretic and lightheaded during an abdominal ultrasound. The first priority is to:
- Complete the scan quickly to minimize time on the table
- Lower the head of the table and call for assistance (Correct answer)
- Administer oral fluids immediately
- Increase room temperature to prevent shock
Correct answer: Lower the head of the table and call for assistance
A vasovagal response requires lowering the patient's head (Trendelenburg or supine) to restore cerebral perfusion and calling for clinical support.
Question 5: The thermal index (TI) is most relevant when performing ultrasound on which tissue type?
- Dense muscle
- Bone and soft tissue interfaces (Correct answer)
- Adipose tissue
- Vascular structures
Correct answer: Bone and soft tissue interfaces
The thermal index is especially relevant at bone-soft tissue interfaces (TIB) because bone absorbs more ultrasound energy and generates more heat.
Question 6: Before performing a gel-pad or stand-off pad application, the sonographer should verify the pad is:
- Warmed to 40°C to improve patient comfort
- Free of trapped air bubbles that degrade image quality (Correct answer)
- Sterile regardless of the scan location
- Soaked in saline for better acoustic coupling
Correct answer: Free of trapped air bubbles that degrade image quality
Air bubbles in stand-off pads create acoustic shadows and degrade image quality, so the pad must be bubble-free before use.
Question 7: A patient has a history of contrast-induced nephropathy. The ordering physician requests a sonography exam with ultrasound contrast agent (UCA). The sonographer should:
- Refuse to perform the exam with UCA
- Proceed normally since UCAs are not nephrotoxic
- Confirm renal labs and alert the supervising physician before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Pre-hydrate the patient with IV saline independently
Correct answer: Confirm renal labs and alert the supervising physician before proceeding
Ultrasound contrast agents are not nephrotoxic, but standard protocol requires confirming relevant labs and notifying the supervising physician about the patient's history before administration.
UTC Ultrasound Technologist Patient Care & Safety Protocols 2
A patient reports a latex allergy before a transrectal ultrasound.
What is the most appropriate action?