ITGSS Certified Technical Associate: Emerging Tech Practice Test

What important factor should a sonographer evaluate when performing a biopsy?

1. How much the mass moves with respiration

2. How large the catheter is

3. How much sedation is given to the patient

4. The distance of the mass in relation to the liver

The correct answer is: How much the mass moves with respiration

When performing a biopsy, evaluating how much the mass moves with respiration is crucial because it provides important insights into the relationship between the mass and surrounding anatomical structures. This movement can indicate whether the mass is solid or fluid-filled, and how its position may change with the patient's breathing. Understanding this movement aids the sonographer in making critical decisions about the safest approach to the biopsy, ensuring that the needle is accurately targeted and minimizing the risk of complications. Additionally, factors like the size of the catheter, levels of sedation, and the distance of the mass from the liver may influence the procedure, but they are secondary to understanding the dynamics of the mass itself during respiration. The primary focus should always be on ensuring accurate targeting of the mass while maintaining patient safety, making the evaluation of respiratory movement the more pivotal factor in this context.