Patient Care & Safety Protocols Flashcards
7 cards from real CET practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Patient Care & Safety Protocols flashcards as text
What is the correct procedure for cleaning ultrasound gel from a transducer after a routine TTE examination?
Answer: Wipe with a soft cloth or gauze, then apply an approved disinfectant wipe
Gel should be wiped off with a soft cloth, followed by application of an approved low-level disinfectant wipe per manufacturer and facility protocols.
A patient scheduled for a TEE reports eating a full meal 2 hours before the procedure. What is the most appropriate action?
Answer: Postpone the TEE to ensure adequate NPO status
TEE requires a minimum fasting period (typically 4–6 hours) to reduce aspiration risk; the procedure must be postponed if NPO requirements are not met.
When obtaining informed consent for a TEE from a patient who does not speak English, what is required?
Answer: A qualified medical interpreter must be used
A qualified medical interpreter must be used to ensure the patient fully understands the procedure, risks, and alternatives before providing informed consent.
A patient with an implanted cardiac device is referred for echocardiography. What is the primary safety concern regarding ultrasound equipment?
Answer: The device may interfere with image quality but poses no safety risk
Diagnostic ultrasound does not affect implanted cardiac devices; however, the device may create imaging artifacts that reduce image quality.
Which standard precaution applies when a patient has an open wound near the echocardiography scan site?
Answer: Use exam gloves and cover the wound with an occlusive dressing before scanning
Donning exam gloves and covering the open wound with an occlusive dressing protects both the patient and technician while allowing the exam to proceed safely.
During an exercise stress echo, a patient complains of severe chest pain and ST changes appear on the monitor. What is the correct response?
Answer: Terminate the test immediately and activate the emergency response
New ST changes accompanied by chest pain are absolute indications to terminate a stress test immediately and activate emergency protocols.
What is the appropriate response when a patient discloses a new allergy to the ultrasound coupling gel mid-examination?
Answer: Stop the examination, remove the gel, and assess for allergic reaction signs
The examination should be stopped, gel removed, and the patient assessed for signs of allergic reaction before determining whether to continue.