Deck 3: Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Issues in Sonography

Question 1

All of the following statements contribute to professional controls to prevent injury except:

A) minimize sustained bending, twisting, reaching, lifting, and transducer pressure.
B) vary scanning techniques and transducer grips.
C) maintain equipment height, regardless of the sonographer.
D) avoid forward and backward reaches.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Repeated flexion and extension of the wrist may result in:

A) bursitis.
B) de Quervain disease.
C) rotator cuff injury.
D) carpal tunnel syndrome.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Which one of the following statements is false?

A) Sustained awkward postures can cause imbalances between the muscles that move and the muscles that stabilize.
B) Repeatedly rotating the head, neck, and trunk causes one set of muscles to become weaker and longer.
C) Asymmetric forces are exerted on the spine, causing misalignment.
D) Nerve entrapment syndromes can result from increased muscle and tendon pressure on major nerves that run behind tightened muscles.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Inflammation of the shoulder bursa from repeated motion is called:

A) rotator cuff injury.
B) spinal degeneration.
C) bursitis.
D) thoracic outlet syndrome.

Question 5

Repeated twisting of the forearm may trigger:

A) epicondylitis.
B) tenosynovitis.
C) cubital tunnel.
D) thoracic outlet syndrome.

Question 6

Risk factors for developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) include all of the following except:

A) forceful exertions.
B) prolonged static postures.
C) repetitive motions.
D) uniform temperatures.

Question 7

All of the following components are necessary on an ultrasound system to make it ergonomically compatible except:

A) fixed control panel.
B) adjustable height monitor.
C) system easily mobile with brakes.
D) thin transducer cables.

Question 8

Which one of the following is not defined as a Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WRMSD) injury?

A) Restricted work
B) Days away from work
C) Musculoskeletal symptoms that remain for longer than 3 months
D) Musculoskeletal symptoms requiring medical treatment beyond first aid

Question 9

The sonographer should follow all of the following recommendations except:

A) use mild transducer pressure when imaging superficial structures.
B) grip the transducer tightly when imaging abdominal structures.
C) avoid the temptation to be "image-driven," sacrificing your body for a "pretty picture" that does not affect the diagnosis.
D) maintain a firm grip on the transducer, using multiple angulations to obtain the best possible image.

Question 10

The type of tendonitis involving the thumb is called:

A) carpal tunnel.
B) cubital tunnel.
C) epicondylitis.
D) de Quervain disease.

Question 11

Which one of the following statements is incorrect regarding administrative controls for the sonographer?

A) The same type of examination performed throughout the day allows the muscles to become stronger.
B) Examination gloves should have textured fingers to prevent the need to grip the transducer too tightly.
C) Taking short "mini" breaks during examinations will relax muscles, especially in the shoulder and neck.
D) Try to share bedside examinations with other staff members and perform these examinations only when absolutely necessary, not because it is simply more convenient.

Question 12

Approximately how many occupational musculoskeletal disorders are reported annually to OSHA?

A) 50,000
B) 100,000
C) 300,000
D) 500,000

Question 13

The current term used by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for ergonomic occupational injuries is:

A) overuse syndrome.
B) repetitive motion injury.
C) musculoskeletal strain injury.
D) work-related musculoskeletal disorder.

Question 14

The main cause of shoulder pain associated with scanning is:

A) gripping the transducer.
B) abduction of the shoulder.
C) poor sitting or standing posture.
D) mechanical pressure against the shoulder.

Question 15

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries of all of the following except:

A) bones.
B) muscles.
C) tendons.
D) joints.