Introduction to Ultrasound

What is the proper description for the structure labeled as 'B' in the attached image? What do you think it is?

• isoechoic; thyroid gland

• hyperechoic; connective tissue

• hypoechoic; lymph node

• anechoic; blood vessel

Which of the following transducers would be best for imaging the carotid artery in the neck? Be sure you can explain your answer.

• the high frequency linear transducer

• the lower frequency curvilinear transducer

• the lower frequency phased array

• an intracavitary transducer

The attached image of a patient's right kidney was obtained by placing the transducer on the patient's right side in the coronal plane. As is the usual convention, the probe marker was pointing toward the patient's head. The screen marker is indicated by the green dot in the image.

Which directions on the patient's body correspond to arrow A and B on the image, respectively?

• A points superiorly, B points inferiorly.

• A points laterally (toward patient's right), B points inferiorly.

• A points medially (toward patient's left), B points superiorly.

• None of the above.

The attached color Doppler image shows an artery and adjacent vein. Which of the following statements is correct?

• The vessel to the right in the image is the artery because it is red.

• The vessel to the left in the image is the vein because it is blue.

• Blood in the vessel to the right of the image is flowing toward the transducer.

• The absolute velocity of blood flow determines whether the lumen of the vessel appears blue or red.

You are interested in evaluating the structure labeled with an 'x' in the attached image. Which control should be adjusted to best optimize the image?

• depth

• focal point

• gain

• time gain compensation

Following examination of a patient, a student placed the ultrasound transducer in the probe holder as shown. What did the student do incorrectly?

• The student failed to clean the transducer with an approved wipe after use.

• The student failed to clean the transducer with an approved wipe after use and should have placed the transducer facing down.

• Nothing. Transducers are expected to look like this after use.