Introduction to Sonography

Download as PDF
Class
DMSO 1110

An introduction to the profession of sonography and the role of the sonographer. Emphasis on medical terminology, ethical/legal aspects, written and verbal communication, and professional issues relating to registry, accreditation, professional organizations and history of the profession.

Course Learning Objectives

Describe the historical development of ultrasound; list related professional organizations; identify registry and lab accreditation requirements and process; discuss clinical practice guidelines for sonographers; and explain medical, legal, and ethical aspects of the profession.

Required Textbooks

 Steven M. Penny (2021). Introduction to Sonography and Patient Care 2nd edition. [ISBN: 978-1-9751-2010-8]

Evaluation Standards

2 Exams                                                               50%

  • Midterm
  • Final

Quizzes                                                               20%

  • 12 Quizzes: All quizzes should be completed online by their respective due dates (which are listed on the course schedule). It is YOUR responsibility to complete assignments by their due dates. No late work is accepted.

Discussions                                                                       20%

  • There are five discussion board topics posted under the “Discussions” link.  You must meet the deadlines to get credit. Spelling, grammar, and substance really do count. Try not to veer off subject, and be respectful and considerate of your fellow student's submissions.
  • You must post one original response to the topic AND you must respond to at least 2 postings for each topic. The discussion board counts as 20% of your grade.

Lab Assignments                                                               10%

Grading Standards:

  • A: 92-100%
  • B: 85-91%
  • C: 78-84%
  • F: <78%
Course Progression
  1. Describe the historical development of ultrasound (F1, 2, 9, C11, 12)
    1. Describe the evolutionary history of diagnostic ultrasound
    2. Define the following related imaging modality terms: A-Mode, Analog Scan Converter, B-Mode, bi-stable, Cavitation, Digital Scan Converter, Doppler Effect, Gray Scale, Harmonic Imaging, M-Mode, Piezoelectric Effect, Real-Time Imaging, Therapeutic Ultrasound, 3-D Imaging, 4-D Imaging, and Ultrasound
    3. Compare and contrast imaging modalities.
  2. Define sonographic terms and medical terminology (F1, 2, 9, C11, 12)
    1. Define sonographic terms
    2. Define basic root words
    3. Identify prefixes
    4. Identify suffixes
    5. Describe combining forms.
  3. Describe the communication and critical thinking skills for the sonographer (F1, 2, 9, C11, 12, 13, 14)
    1. Define communication and the components necessary for communication to occur
    2. Compare and contrast verbal and nonverbal communication
    3. Identify communication barriers
    4. Explain how culture and religion can influence health and illness
    5. Discuss various approaches used in communicating with patients who require special assistance
    6. List the advantages and disadvantages of sonographer reports, including creation of images for patient use.
  4. Describe sonographer safety issues (F1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, C5, 7, 11, 18, 19) 
    1. Discuss the prevalence, causes, and risks of musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) in the field of sonography
    2. Discuss ergonomic methods of prevention of MSI
    3. List the major components of a safe scanning environment
    4. Name three strategies for combating unhealthy stress in the workplace.
  5. Describe patient-sonographer interaction, including medical techniques, and patient care (F1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, C1, 5, 7, 11, 13, 18, 19)
    1. Describe the obligations of the sonographer to patients, institution, and self
    2. Discuss the Patient Care Partnership
    3. Describe patient reactions to illness
    4. Describe how to measure vital signs
    5. Discuss the care of patients with tubes or tubing
    6. Discuss the safety considerations associated with patient care
    7. List the components of good body mechanics
    8. Describe the correct patient-transfer methods
    9. Identify good health and hygiene practices
    10. Discuss the sonographer’s role in infection control
    11. Identify the signs of cardiac arrest and airway obstruction
    12. Define the ABCs of basic life-support techniques
    13. Discuss the impact of cultural beliefs on diagnosis and treatment.
  6. Identify clinical assessments and sonographic procedures (F1, 2, 4, 5, 10, C7, 11, 13, 18, 19)
    1. List the major specialty sonographic examinations
    2. Describe and demonstrate the standard patient positions relative to sonographic imaging and protocols
    3. Discuss patient preparations for abdominal, obstetric-gynecologic, and cardiac sonography
    4. Describe the basic components of the three major specialty-scanning protocols
    5. Identify the findings and normal values of laboratory tests related to abdominal and obstetric sonography.             
  7. Describe the medico-legal aspects of sonography (F1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 16, C11, 12, 13, 15)
    1. Define the term tort and cite examples the might involve sonographers
    2. Explain the standard of care expected of a reasonably prudent sonographer
    3. Explain the role of institutional policies in legal decision making
    4. Identify the factors that contribute to a suit being instituted against a sonographer
    5. Discuss the steps sonographers should take to protect themselves against malpractice suits
    6. Explain the various aspects of giving a deposition and/or testifying for a legal proceeding.
  8. Describe ethics and professionalism (F1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, C5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13)
    1. Describe the ethical theories that may be used when working on ethical problems
    2. Explain how sociocultural factors affect ethical decision making
    3. Identify the recent trends in health care and society that have affected current ethical and legal issues
    4. Describe the sonographer’s role in relation to medical ethics
    5. Discuss the importance of professional confidentiality
    6. Explain how patients, peers, and other health professionals interact in a considerate and professional manner.
  9. Describe how to pursue a career in sonography (F1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, C1, 7, 9)
    1. Compare and contrast the roles and functions of hospitals and clinics
    2. List common non-hospital sonography settings
    3. Identify major job search strategies
    4. Name the common types of resumes
    5. Discuss the importance of first impressions at job interviews
    6. Identify the factors necessary to produce a salary negotiating strategy
    7. List the most credible individuals to use as references.
  1. Describe professional development and leadership for the sonographer (F1, 3, 4, 5, 12, 15, C1, 11, 13)
    1. Describe the functional skills expected of a diagnostic medical sonographer
    2. Discuss the need for continuing education and the role played by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
    3. Describe the operational, interpretive, and administrative duties, as well as the ongoing activities of a staff sonographer
    4. List and describe non-hospital careers.
Absences

Your attendance is the biggest predictor of your success. Attendance at every lab is expected. The student will be allowed to miss 3 lab days without it adversely affecting their grade. Every one absence over the allotted days will result in the student’s final grade being reduced by one letter grade.  If the student is more than 15 minutes late to lab, this will constitute an absence. Three tardies count as one day absent. You are required to call the instructor prior to any absence.

Attendance for this hybrid course is considered when you are logged in and active in the Canvas course; posting assignments, taking quizzes, and/or completing discussion boards.  If you are absent/not active in the class, it is YOUR responsibility to let the instructor know immediately.

An exam missed because of an excused absence must be made up the day that the student returns to class. An exam missed because of an unexcused absence may not be made up, and the student will receive a grade of zero (0) for that exam. Quizzes may not be made up under any circumstances.

All assignments are due on the appointed dates at the designated time. Failure to submit an assignment on the due date will result in a grade of “0.” There will be no exceptions to this rule, unless you have contacted the instructor beforehand and have been given permission.

All students must achieve a minimum of 78% or higher to pass this course.

Cell phones shall be stored on silent in your backpack, handbag, or purse. Cell phones may be accessed during breaks.

A student shall retain all rights to work created as part of instruction or using College District technology resources.

Disabilities

ADA Statement:

Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.

Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is fundamental to the educational mission of Weatherford College, and the College expects its students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials including unauthorized use of Generative AI. Departments may adopt discipline specific guidelines on Generative AI usage approved by the instructional dean. Any student who is demonstrated to have engaged in any of these activities will be subject to immediate disciplinary action in accordance with institutional procedures.
Hope Statement
Any student who faces challenges securing basic resources such as food, clothing, or housing and believes this may affect their performance in their course of study is urged to contact the Director of Student Resources, Dr. Deborah Cregger, for support at (817) 598-6444. Her office is on the first floor of Student Services. If the student prefers, they may contact their instructor, who can reach out on their behalf. Weatherford College also provides the Coyote Pantry. The Pantry maintains boxed and canned foods for students in need. The location of the Coyote Pantry is two blocks west of the Weatherford campus at the Baptist Student Ministry (118 E. Park Ave., Weatherford). Pantry hours are Mon-Thurs. 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Fri. 8.30 am-12:00 pm (817-599-6586).
SCANS

The Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) identified Competencies in the area of Resources, Interpersonal, Information, Systems, and Technology; and foundation skills in the areas of Basic Skills, Thinking Skills, and Personal Qualities. This course is part of a program in which each of these Competencies and skills are integrated. The specific SCANS Competencies that are recognized throughout this course are noted at the end of the appropriate Competencies or task listed.