ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography) Practice Test

The correct answer is B: Use the lowest possible output power that provides a diagnostic image. This aligns with the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, which is a fundamental concept in medical imaging to minimize radiation exposure to patients and healthcare workers while maintaining diagnostic image quality. By using the lowest possible output power necessary to obtain a diagnostic image, sonographers can reduce unnecessary exposure to ultrasound energy without compromising the quality of the imaging study. This approach helps ensure patient safety and prevents unnecessary radiation exposure. Options: A. The exposure time should be extended during the exam - This is not aligned with the ALARA principle as prolonging the exposure time can increase the overall energy delivered during the exam. C. Use the lowest possible gain - While low gain settings can help reduce unnecessary amplification of the ultrasound signal, the principle of ALARA primarily focuses on minimizing output power rather than gain settings. D. Ensure that the time gain compensation (TGC) is within acceptable limits - While a proper TGC adjustment is essential for optimizing image quality, it is not directly related to minimizing output power in alignment with the ALARA principle.