ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography) Practice Test

For patients with pacemakers undergoing ultrasound, ensuring the transducer is not placed over the pacemaker lead is crucial to prevent any potential interference with the device's function. The pacemaker is designed to regulate heart rhythms, and placing the ultrasound transducer directly over the lead may disrupt the pacemaker's ability to accurately stimulate the heart or read the heart's electrical activity. Therefore, this precaution helps protect the integrity of the pacemaker and ensures that the ultrasound can be performed safely without compromising the patient's cardiac device.

Other options may involve incorrect practices that could risk the proper functioning of the pacemaker or not effectively address safety concerns. For example, placing the transducer over the pacemaker lead could inadvertently impact the device, while the use of high-frequency ultrasound or limiting the duration might not directly mitigate risks associated with the presence of the pacemaker itself. It is important to follow established protocols to ensure patient safety during any diagnostic procedures.