Davies Ultrasound Physics Review Exam Questions
And Answers |Latest 2025 | Guaranteed Pass. .
/. 1. What action would be most in keeping w the ALARA principle while performing a
diagnostic ultrasound exam? - Answer-Complete the diagnostic scan in a timely fashion
at the lowest output power that achieves a quality image
Advocating use of the ALARA principle (as low as reasonably achievable) prudently
minimizes the risk of bio effects (even tho epidemiological studies have revealed no
known risk associated with the use of diagnostic ultrasound).
/.2. During performance of an obstetric ultrasound exam, you adjust the system
parameters to improve the image. Which of the following parameters would increase
acoustic exposure? - Answer-Increase transmit power.
The transmit power is the only control listed that will affect the exposure of the patient to
acoustic power. Gain, TGC, and frame averaging (persistence) do not affect sound
transmission and therefore do not affect exposure. Increasing frequency will not
increase exposure.
/.3. To minimize the risk of biologic effects of ultrasound to the fetus, which imaging
mode tradeoff would be most applicable? - Answer-Use M-mode instead of pulsed-
wave Doppler to measure the fetal heart rate.
Pulsed wave Doppler increases the time average intensity compared to M-mode.
/.4. What potential bioeffect occurs through absorption of sound energy by tissue? -
Answer-Heating
Sound attenuation in tissue is primarily due to absorption (conversion of ultrasound to
heat).
/.5. When practicing universal precautions, you should do all the following EXCEPT: -
Answer-Wash gloves between exams for reuse from one patient to another. (It is
recommended that gloves be worn during every ultrasound examination. They should
be discarded after use).
-wear gloves when there is a potential for contract with patient body fluid
-change gloves when moving from one patient to another
-Wash hands immediately after gloves are removed
- Wear face masks or eye protection whenever there is a possibility of blood splashing
in your face
,/.6. A nosocomial infection is defined as one that: - Answer-Is hospital-acquired
/.7. Thermally induced biologic effects should be preventable by avoiding a local tissue
temperature increase exceeding: - Answer-1°C
/.8. Which intensity descriptor has the lowest numeric value for the characterization of a
pulsed-wave ultrasonic field? - Answer-SATA
SATA, a term that is infrequently used, means spatial average, time average. Note:
I(SPTA) is the spatial peak, time average intensity; I(SPTP) is the spatial peak, temporal
peak.
/.9* Increased tissue heating could occur when you: - Answer-Increase transmit power
/.A study designed to determine if there is an association between an adverse effect in a
population and exposure to a particular agent is an: - Answer-Epidemiological study
/.Which of the following actions is NOT compliant w HIPPA? - Answer-Reviewing your
neighbors medical studies on your hospital PACS system so you can give her your
opinion of her condition
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) includes rules to
protect the privacy of the individuals health information. This answer would violate
HIPPA
/.What does the mechanical index indicate on an ultrasound system? - Answer-The
likelihood of cavitation during an ultrasound exam
Mechanical index is derived from the peak rarefaction pressure and the ultrasound freq,
parameters shown to be associated w onset of cavitation
/.In medicine, what do the initials PHI indicate? - Answer-Protected health information
/.14*What should you limit when the thermal index exceeds 1? - Answer-Exposure time
/.15*To practice the ALARA principle, which of the following techniques should you
employ? - Answer-Use the lowest transmit power that allows adequate tissue
visualization
Use a high gain and low transmit power
/.The thermal index indicates: - Answer-Estimated temperature increase in tissue
Temperature increase is calculated assuming certain values for the absorption and
thermal properties of tissues and taking into account factors such as beam geometry,
,freq and power. Technically, it is the ratio of the power being produced to the power
needed for a 1° C temperature increase if tissues have the assumed properties
/.17*The operator control most directly adjusts the intensity of the transmitted pulse? -
Answer-Acoustic output (transmit) power
Pulse repetition freq can also affect the intensity, specifically the I(SPTA) because it
affects the duty factor
/.Which of the following would show the highest intensity value? - Answer-SPTP
Note that Im is the intensity over the half wave period within the transmit pulse where it
is the greatest! This term is seldom specified
/.Which intensity parameter is not applicable for continuous wave ultrasound? - Answer-
SPPA and SAPA refer to pulse average intensities, which do not apply to continuous
wave ultrasound.
/.Which of the following would most likely have the highest SPTA value? - Answer-PW
doppler
/.Using a hydrophone, you can measure: - Answer-Pressure amplitude and duty factor
/.Which of the following parameters relates to tissue heating? - Answer-Absorption
/.23* Which of the following occurs when you use the maximum system gain?
Increased tissue heating
Increased risk of cavitation
Fluid particle streaming
Increased sound absorption
None of the above - Answer-None of the above
/.You are performing a sonographic examined notice that the thermal index (TI) is > 1.
Any increase in temperature would be greatest in: - Answer-Bone
/.The motion of particles in a fluid is sometimes observed in an intense ultrasound
beam. This is termed: - Answer-Acoustic streaming
Acoustic streaming is defined as an acoustically generated transport of fluid within the
body of the insinuated fluid or tissue (AIUM nomenclature, 09). This is a mechanical
instruction of tissue and sound, where the beam literally pushes the media. If the
medium is a fluid and fluid is free to move or it particles in the medium are free, they can
move in directions determined by the beam and any obstacles that are present, such as
interfaces
, /.You are performing a sonographic exam and notice that the TI reading is 1. What does
this indicate - Answer-The output level is high enough that temperature could increase
as much as 1° C if the txd were held stationary
/.What sonographic application has the lowest FDA approved SPTA values? - Answer-
Ophthalmic
/.The following advantage is associated w use of the MI and TI indices: - Answer-
Information is available on the screen to help the sonographer implement the ALARA
principles
/.When scanning w pulsed wave doppler, you would affect the acoustic exposure by
changing which of the following? - Answer-Pulse repetition freq
The pulse repetition freq is the number of pulses per second transmitted by the
transducer, which varies w the velocity setting on the spectral display. Increasing pulse
repetition freq has the potential to increase the acoustic exposure
/.What should you do to avoid nosocomial and cross infection w sonographic probes? -
Answer--Probe cleaning should aways proceed high level disinfection
-Disinfection using a germicide compatible w the txd is indicated when the probe is in
contact w mucous membranes
Alone, covering the prove w a condom is insufficient. Proper cleaning of the probe both
before and after the procedure is required. Alcohol wipes are not recommended by
manufacturers as they will degrade the txd surface over time
/.The following illustration depicts acoustic pressure v distance in a medium in which a
sound wave is present What wound parameter is measured by the length of the bar
labeled A in the following illustration? - Answer-Wavelength
/.The mass you are imaging has a diameter of 35 mm. This value can also be
expressed as: - Answer-3.5 cm
/.Relative measurement of intensity based on a logarithmic scale is expressed in: -
Answer-Decibels
The unit of sound intensity is the decibel. Decibel actually means one-tenth of a bel and
is named for Alexander Graham ell (the inventor of the telephone). A decibel does not
specify a specific level of sound intensity. Rather it is a way to express the ratio or
comparison between two sound intensity levels. A decibel scale is logarithmic. The
Richter scale used to measure earthquakes is another example of a logarithmic scale. A
common value to remember w decibels is that a 3dB decrease represents 50% and a 6
dB decrease represents 75%.
/.Which prefix equals 10-3? - Answer-Milli
And Answers |Latest 2025 | Guaranteed Pass. .
/. 1. What action would be most in keeping w the ALARA principle while performing a
diagnostic ultrasound exam? - Answer-Complete the diagnostic scan in a timely fashion
at the lowest output power that achieves a quality image
Advocating use of the ALARA principle (as low as reasonably achievable) prudently
minimizes the risk of bio effects (even tho epidemiological studies have revealed no
known risk associated with the use of diagnostic ultrasound).
/.2. During performance of an obstetric ultrasound exam, you adjust the system
parameters to improve the image. Which of the following parameters would increase
acoustic exposure? - Answer-Increase transmit power.
The transmit power is the only control listed that will affect the exposure of the patient to
acoustic power. Gain, TGC, and frame averaging (persistence) do not affect sound
transmission and therefore do not affect exposure. Increasing frequency will not
increase exposure.
/.3. To minimize the risk of biologic effects of ultrasound to the fetus, which imaging
mode tradeoff would be most applicable? - Answer-Use M-mode instead of pulsed-
wave Doppler to measure the fetal heart rate.
Pulsed wave Doppler increases the time average intensity compared to M-mode.
/.4. What potential bioeffect occurs through absorption of sound energy by tissue? -
Answer-Heating
Sound attenuation in tissue is primarily due to absorption (conversion of ultrasound to
heat).
/.5. When practicing universal precautions, you should do all the following EXCEPT: -
Answer-Wash gloves between exams for reuse from one patient to another. (It is
recommended that gloves be worn during every ultrasound examination. They should
be discarded after use).
-wear gloves when there is a potential for contract with patient body fluid
-change gloves when moving from one patient to another
-Wash hands immediately after gloves are removed
- Wear face masks or eye protection whenever there is a possibility of blood splashing
in your face
,/.6. A nosocomial infection is defined as one that: - Answer-Is hospital-acquired
/.7. Thermally induced biologic effects should be preventable by avoiding a local tissue
temperature increase exceeding: - Answer-1°C
/.8. Which intensity descriptor has the lowest numeric value for the characterization of a
pulsed-wave ultrasonic field? - Answer-SATA
SATA, a term that is infrequently used, means spatial average, time average. Note:
I(SPTA) is the spatial peak, time average intensity; I(SPTP) is the spatial peak, temporal
peak.
/.9* Increased tissue heating could occur when you: - Answer-Increase transmit power
/.A study designed to determine if there is an association between an adverse effect in a
population and exposure to a particular agent is an: - Answer-Epidemiological study
/.Which of the following actions is NOT compliant w HIPPA? - Answer-Reviewing your
neighbors medical studies on your hospital PACS system so you can give her your
opinion of her condition
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) includes rules to
protect the privacy of the individuals health information. This answer would violate
HIPPA
/.What does the mechanical index indicate on an ultrasound system? - Answer-The
likelihood of cavitation during an ultrasound exam
Mechanical index is derived from the peak rarefaction pressure and the ultrasound freq,
parameters shown to be associated w onset of cavitation
/.In medicine, what do the initials PHI indicate? - Answer-Protected health information
/.14*What should you limit when the thermal index exceeds 1? - Answer-Exposure time
/.15*To practice the ALARA principle, which of the following techniques should you
employ? - Answer-Use the lowest transmit power that allows adequate tissue
visualization
Use a high gain and low transmit power
/.The thermal index indicates: - Answer-Estimated temperature increase in tissue
Temperature increase is calculated assuming certain values for the absorption and
thermal properties of tissues and taking into account factors such as beam geometry,
,freq and power. Technically, it is the ratio of the power being produced to the power
needed for a 1° C temperature increase if tissues have the assumed properties
/.17*The operator control most directly adjusts the intensity of the transmitted pulse? -
Answer-Acoustic output (transmit) power
Pulse repetition freq can also affect the intensity, specifically the I(SPTA) because it
affects the duty factor
/.Which of the following would show the highest intensity value? - Answer-SPTP
Note that Im is the intensity over the half wave period within the transmit pulse where it
is the greatest! This term is seldom specified
/.Which intensity parameter is not applicable for continuous wave ultrasound? - Answer-
SPPA and SAPA refer to pulse average intensities, which do not apply to continuous
wave ultrasound.
/.Which of the following would most likely have the highest SPTA value? - Answer-PW
doppler
/.Using a hydrophone, you can measure: - Answer-Pressure amplitude and duty factor
/.Which of the following parameters relates to tissue heating? - Answer-Absorption
/.23* Which of the following occurs when you use the maximum system gain?
Increased tissue heating
Increased risk of cavitation
Fluid particle streaming
Increased sound absorption
None of the above - Answer-None of the above
/.You are performing a sonographic examined notice that the thermal index (TI) is > 1.
Any increase in temperature would be greatest in: - Answer-Bone
/.The motion of particles in a fluid is sometimes observed in an intense ultrasound
beam. This is termed: - Answer-Acoustic streaming
Acoustic streaming is defined as an acoustically generated transport of fluid within the
body of the insinuated fluid or tissue (AIUM nomenclature, 09). This is a mechanical
instruction of tissue and sound, where the beam literally pushes the media. If the
medium is a fluid and fluid is free to move or it particles in the medium are free, they can
move in directions determined by the beam and any obstacles that are present, such as
interfaces
, /.You are performing a sonographic exam and notice that the TI reading is 1. What does
this indicate - Answer-The output level is high enough that temperature could increase
as much as 1° C if the txd were held stationary
/.What sonographic application has the lowest FDA approved SPTA values? - Answer-
Ophthalmic
/.The following advantage is associated w use of the MI and TI indices: - Answer-
Information is available on the screen to help the sonographer implement the ALARA
principles
/.When scanning w pulsed wave doppler, you would affect the acoustic exposure by
changing which of the following? - Answer-Pulse repetition freq
The pulse repetition freq is the number of pulses per second transmitted by the
transducer, which varies w the velocity setting on the spectral display. Increasing pulse
repetition freq has the potential to increase the acoustic exposure
/.What should you do to avoid nosocomial and cross infection w sonographic probes? -
Answer--Probe cleaning should aways proceed high level disinfection
-Disinfection using a germicide compatible w the txd is indicated when the probe is in
contact w mucous membranes
Alone, covering the prove w a condom is insufficient. Proper cleaning of the probe both
before and after the procedure is required. Alcohol wipes are not recommended by
manufacturers as they will degrade the txd surface over time
/.The following illustration depicts acoustic pressure v distance in a medium in which a
sound wave is present What wound parameter is measured by the length of the bar
labeled A in the following illustration? - Answer-Wavelength
/.The mass you are imaging has a diameter of 35 mm. This value can also be
expressed as: - Answer-3.5 cm
/.Relative measurement of intensity based on a logarithmic scale is expressed in: -
Answer-Decibels
The unit of sound intensity is the decibel. Decibel actually means one-tenth of a bel and
is named for Alexander Graham ell (the inventor of the telephone). A decibel does not
specify a specific level of sound intensity. Rather it is a way to express the ratio or
comparison between two sound intensity levels. A decibel scale is logarithmic. The
Richter scale used to measure earthquakes is another example of a logarithmic scale. A
common value to remember w decibels is that a 3dB decrease represents 50% and a 6
dB decrease represents 75%.
/.Which prefix equals 10-3? - Answer-Milli
