Examination Review for Ultrasound: Abdomen and Obstetrics & Gynecology 2nd Edition

Book Preface

The overwhelming success of the first edition of Examination Review for Ultrasound: Abdomen & Obstetrics and Gynecology confirmed the demand among aspiring sonographers for a narrative-style review for the national certification examinations offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). We watched the book at it ascended the best-selling charts—where it still remains—to become one of the preeminent sourcebooks for registry review and clinical practice, quantifying its popularity, and solidifying the need for this much anticipated second edition.

Objective

Our profession demands the best of us because the best of us is what our patients both expect and deserve. Standardized tests, such as those offered by the ARDMS and ARRT, have remained, for many years, a hallmark of our profession. We can be assured that maintaining high-quality patient care rests at the heart of these certification examinations. It is through their successful completion that the sonographer earns recognition as a proficient medical professional. Consequently, the contents of this book are founded upon the components of these examinations.

Like the first edition, the primary objective of Examination Review for Ultrasound: Abdomen & Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition is to provide the user with a comprehensive review in sonography of the abdomen, gynecology, and obstetrics in preparation for national certification. Secondarily, because of its straightforward narrative style, like the first edition, this book can further provide a quick reference guide in the clinical setting.

Organization

In general, the book is again divided into three sections: Section 1, Abdominal Sonography Review; Section 2, Gynecologic Sonography Review; and Section 3, Obstetric Sonography Review. Each chapter follows a similar path that was established in the first edition, with the addition of a few noteworthy improvements. Key terms—with plainly written, uncomplicated definitions—are provided in each chapter and highlighted in the chapters as well. The key terms allow for a rapid assessment of one’s familiarity with the subject and also provide a quick reference for the reader. Each chapter begins with a review of basic anatomy, function, and sonographically relevant information. The narrative piece of this book is once more written in a clear-cut manner, offering the most essential facts about the topic, many times providing tables or boxes that include both clinical and sonographic findings. Throughout each chapter, a new feature referred to as “Sound Off” boxes can be found. “Sound Off” boxes are used to highlight imperative facts the reader must recognize about many of the topics. These boxes may also provide a specific way to recall this vital information. Tables and many new, high-quality sonographic images and anatomic drawings further enhance the straightforward narrative. Most chapters conclude with a review of the pertinent pathology for the subject matter. Also, at the end of each chapter, 40 review questions are provided for a basic appraisal of the reader’s knowledge. With a total of 1,280 review questions in this edition, the assessment has undoubtedly been improved. The answers to these questions can be found in the back of the book.

Section 1—Abdominal Sonography Review—has many notable changes in this edition. In Chapter 1, a brief overview of infection control has been added, as well as several rules for surgical asepsis. Also, a table on Doppler artifacts can be found in Chapter 1. In Chapter 2, an enhanced section on liver Doppler, TIPS evaluation, and liver transplant assessment can be found. Chapter 5 includes a section on pancreatic transplant, whereas Chapter 7 includes more information about renal transplant assessment. In Chapter 12—Face and Neck—the reader will find information about the facial glands and associated pathology. Last, Chapter 14, which is the chapter on musculoskeletal and superficial structures, offers a brief review in breast imaging and developmental dysplasia of the infant hip.

In Section 2—Gynecologic Sonography Review—there are some vital additions as well. In Chapter 15, information on instrumentation, basic patient care, pediatric gynecologic sonography, and two-dimensional and Doppler artifacts in pelvic imaging is provided. In Chapter 19, the user will find a way to recall the relationship of the menstrual cycle phases of the ovary and endometrium. Also, distributed throughout the other gynecologic chapters, the user will find superior sonographic images, helpful drawings, and essential diagrams. In Section 3—Obstetric Sonography Review—several revisions include an overview of gravidity and parity (Chapter 22), an improved review of the fetal heart (Chapter 27), and information concerning fetal alcohol syndrome (Chapter 32). Once more, these are only highlights, as there are countless improvements to this edition.

Additional Resources

As with the first edition, the review associated with this book does not need to end with its conclusion. There are several online resources for this book, including a mock registry examination that can be attempted by using the code at the beginning of this book and going to thepoint.lww.com/penny_abobgyn2e. This exam simulator will provide the user with more intense “registry-like” questions, with topics that can be selected and answers that provide rationale. Instructors can use the faculty resources as well, which include an image bank and PowerPoint presentations.

Final Note

The material contained in this book is deliberately not exhaustive. With candid prayer for discernment, much care has been taken to explore each topic, and I have tried to select the most vital information for you as you study for these complicated examinations. Thus, this book, if used for its primary purpose of registry review, should emerge to the user as focused and purposeful. The exclusion of numerical statistics and extraneous facts from the text—in most regards—is intentional. However, in the pursuit of exhaustive comprehension, where data or information is critical to more complete patient care, the list of bibliographical references at the end of each chapter should provide you with essential aid.
In the classroom setting, many instructors have discovered that the use of the first edition of this book can certainly be beneficial. This edition will also provide the instructor with a topic-based review that can identify subject matter weaknesses. And instructors that offer registry review courses will find that this book and its resources will offer them a focused tool for preparing their students for the national certification exams.

For those who have moved beyond national certification, the manner in which this book has been constructed—with clinical and sonographic findings highlighted—certainly allows for its application during sonographic practice. Nevertheless, it is my greater hope that you exploit all relevant resources in your mission and obligation to provide each patient with the most favorable care you can afford.

I anticipate that this book will serve you, your students, and your patients well. I may never meet you face-to-face, but I would like to express gratitude for the choice that you have made to select this book. I wish you well as you care for our patients, and my hope is that you have a long-lasting and prosperous career as a registered diagnostic medical sonographer.

Steven M. Penny