Unit 25: New Considerations Sononerds Physics

This paragraph introduces the concept of balancing information in educational content for learners, specifically in the context of sonography. The speaker, Em from Sound Nerds, discusses the challenge of including sufficient information without overwhelming students. The focus then shifts to the goal of the physics series, which is to amalgamate information from major textbooks to prepare students for the ardms sonographic principles and instrumentation board exam. The speaker acknowledges the evolution of the field and the consequent updates in the exam content, including new technologies and advice for the spi examination as of March 2022. The unit emphasizes the dynamic nature of sonography and the importance of staying current with emerging technologies.

The second paragraph delves into the ever-evolving landscape of ultrasound technologies. It mentions the ongoing advancements by ultrasound equipment manufacturers to enhance imaging and patient care. The speaker provides an overview of new technologies such as fusion imaging, which combines CT or MRI with live ultrasound for improved lesion visualization and biopsy procedures. Intravascular imaging (IBIS) is highlighted for its ability to offer a 360-degree view inside vessels for better plaque or stenosis assessment. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) is discussed for its cardiac imaging applications, allowing for the detection of heart wall motion. The paragraph also touches on the growing field of musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound, with a focus on the unique acoustic artifact of anisotropy, which affects the appearance of structures based on the angle of sound waves.

This section offers advice for students preparing for the SPI examination. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the material deeply rather than merely recognizing answers from mock exams. The speaker suggests using review materials, engaging in teaching others, and writing about topics to ensure true recall of information. Review seminars, both in-person and online, are recommended for a condensed review of highlights. The paragraph also mentions the importance of knowing the correct answers and understanding why they are correct, as well as why the incorrect options are not. The use of mock exams is encouraged as a tool for identifying knowledge gaps and focusing study efforts accordingly.

The fourth paragraph discusses various basic machine tools and methodologies in ultrasound that are essential for exams but are not necessarily physics-based. It explains the use of calipers for measuring depth, length, width, height, circumference, area, and volume of structures in B-mode imaging, as well as velocities in spectral tracing. The paragraph also covers the use of M-mode imaging for measuring motion distances and heart rates. Additionally, it introduces the cine feature for reviewing and saving motion sequences, the importance of managing cine clips due to storage considerations, and the sweep speed adjustment for spectral Doppler windows.

This paragraph focuses on waveform anatomy, particularly relevant to vascular and echocardiography. It explains the different types of arterial waveforms: triphasic, biphasic, and monophasic, each with distinct characteristics. The speaker details the parts of the spectral tracing, such as peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity, acceleration time, and the calculation of the resistive index. The importance of these measurements in understanding the organ receiving blood is highlighted, with low resistive waveforms typically associated with constant blood demand organs like the brain or liver, and high resistive waveforms with biphasic or triphasic patterns often found in arteries leading to limbs.

The final paragraph provides a comprehensive guide for students preparing to take the SPI. It advises checking with schools or institutions for specific guidelines and prerequisites. The speaker recommends various review materials, including YouTube, Quizlet, Davies Publishing, ESPxOne, and the Ultrasound Registry Review. The importance of understanding the difference between recognition and recall during study is reiterated. The paragraph also discusses the structure of the SPI, including the number of questions, the passing score, and the topics covered, with a focus on newer technologies that may be included in the exam. The advice to take the test sooner rather than later and to use mock tests effectively concludes the lecture series, encouraging students to be well-prepared and confident in their knowledge.