ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography) Practice Test

If a sonographer asks a patient to take in a deep breath and hold it, what is the result of venous blood flow in the legs?

1. The flow becomes turbulent

2. The flow rate decreases.

3. The flow rate increases.

4. The flow becomes pulsatile.

The correct answer is: The flow rate decreases.

If a sonographer asks a patient to take in a deep breath and hold it, the venous return to the heart decreases and consequently the venous blood flow in the legs decreases. This is because when a person holds their breath, the contraction of the diaphragm and chest muscles increases intrathoracic pressure, impeding venous return to the heart. This results in a decreased flow rate in the legs. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because holding your breath does not necessarily affect the flow becoming turbulent, increase, or pulsatile. It is important to note that this technique is commonly used in ultrasound imaging to help assess venous insufficiency in the legs.